First of all, they are to be commended for eclectic menu, the great service, the good ambiance, their willingness to accommodate gluten-free restrictions (almost every pasta dish comes with a gluten-free pasta option, as well as gluten free buns), portion size and their eagerness to please. It seemed like a happening place, and at lunch, they were already taking reservations for dinner service. That is a good sign.
Why the reason for the three stars? It was the food. It was made with fresh ingredients -- saw them in the kitchen sink being washed. However both of our dishes were lacking spices. I had a Caesar salad with a broiled chicken breast on top. The dressing with thin, non-creamy and I couldn't taste any garlic in it. My partner had the pasta, and the ingredients were fine, however there was just a small bit of chicken and the sauce was watery, again with no spices that should make your mouth zing. It was almost as if the lack of spices in the food was catering to least common denominator of unsophisticated palates for the general populace of ordinary food eaters.
I really hated to give three stars only, because this place tries really hard, and the effort should be recognized. I would love to see this place succeed. And oh, by the way, the crème brûlée dessert was really good!!