Review: Channel Your Inner Italian Gourmet at Plum Tomatoes

Overview: Hungry patrons who venture through the front doors of Italian eatery with the intention of ordering soup, salad and maybe some chicken parmigiana will get what they bargained for, but not before being tempted by the specialty pizzas on display at the take-out counter. The broad menu consists of the usual staples such as pastas, chicken, veal, seafood, and pizza, but the option of ordering healthier gluten-free pizzas and whole-wheat pasta set this establishment apart from its brethren.

Decor: Rows of wooden tables with paper placemats line the casual dining space, which borders on the take-out area. One whole side of the terra cotta colored interior is adorned with a mural of an old Italian village, providing peaceful scenery. Further setting the serene mood is the crooning of Frank Sinatra, who's "Strangers in the Night" was just one of his many songs resonating off the walls.

Drinks: Non-alcoholic beverages include soda, bottled spring and sparkling water, and bottled iced tea. There is a small selection of domestic and imported beers by the bottle, and coffee, tea, espresso and cappuccino choices to end one's meal. Plum Tomatoes has $5.50 pinot grigio, cabernet sauvignon, and white zinfandel by the glass, and a moderately-sized wine bottle list comprised of California, Italian, New Zealand, and even Long Island vintages that range from $16-$38.

Appetizers: Fried dishes such as calamari, buffalo wings, and mozzarella sticks ($2.75-$11.95) are were filling enough to serve as a main course. In the interest of preserving your appetite for the main course, diners may consider sticking to lighter items such as mozzarella primavera, mussels posillipo, clams oreganata, or a combination of them in the hot antipasto dish.

Soups: The pasta and vegetable-heavy broths of minestrone, pasta fagioli, and stracciatella fiorentina ($4.95-$5.95) are all available for your sipping pleasure. Sizable portions of al dente-cooked tortellini in brodo are served and the scallion-accented broth will hold your attention long after the tortellini is gone.

Entrees: Recognizable and traditional Italian fare such as various chicken, veal, seafood, and pasta ($8.75-$19.95) can be found on the menu, as can salads. The chicken parmigiana dinner, which was also available on a hero, consisted of one large cutlet that was topped with a very sweet marinara sauce and layer of browned mozzarella cheese.

Sides: Some dinners come with a green salad, bread, and spaghetti topped with sweet marinara. Other dishes are flanked with potato or rice, and the vegetable of the day. The fresh salad was served with some shaved carrots and creamy balsamic dressing for flavor. Additional side orders of fries, broccoli di rabe, sausage, meatballs and more can also be purchased ($3.75-$8.95).

Desserts: Tiramisu, mousse cake, cheesecake, and Italian ice ($1.25-$4.50) are some of the optins for patrons with a sweet tooth.

Service: There is no table wait during weeknights, and staff members give a warm greeting and farewell. Servers are accommodating, offering several alternate options for dishes. Meals arrive in a timely fashion and place settings are cleared regularly.