I always find it interesting how often the most popular (and over-priced) establishments are the least deserving of praise in this city. I’ve eaten at Gina’s a few times before with no complaints (bar the loss of my wallet, wooden birdhouse and Dumbo Feather magazine and the unhelpful attitude of the staff to this tragedy) but this time around it was truly awful. Granted I was one of a large group but surely in their infinite popularity Gina’s has accommodated numerous people before and managed to seat them, feed them and send them on their way satiated and smiling?? There were not enough seats for all of us, the members in our group more advanced in lifespan were treated with contempt by our grumpy waiter, we waited half an hour before drink orders were taken and another half before they arrived and the food was distinctly average. The cannelloni was bland, the squid ink pasta rather lacking in musselly accoutrements and barely a plate was seen without food left on it.

That’s not fair. I forget the tastiest of tasty pork ribs...free-range? Who knows? Not the waiter of course. So. The ribs were amazing by all accounts. Wonderfully wonderful! Following this logic I assume I should go to a steak house of some sort for good pasta or pizza? Considering that our table paid about $900 total I could be forgiven for thinking that perhaps Gina’s could afford to acquire some decent wait and kitchen staff??

The cheese platters were good (not enough crackers for the amount of cheese) and the atmosphere was fun and rowdy. Birthday tiramisu was delivered topless to my friend and we were regaled with Happy Birthday in Italian.

So.

Atmosphere good…8/10

Food meh…4/10

Service meh…1/10

Overall…6/10

Hurrah!