Maggiano's Little Italy - Troy

Ordered espresso martinis asked if they would be made with espresso given this is an Italian themed restaurant. I'll be at a chain, they do have an espresso machine. She assured me they make their drinks with espresso. Drinks arrived, or bitter, and neither of us could continue drinking them. Waitress checked, found out they were not making the drinks with espresso just some concoction of it was terrible. Our salads arrived, as did our entrées roughly 4 to 5 bites into our salads with little room on the small square table we were at for all food the waiter offered to take away the bread and small bread plates. We said sure the bread is old anyway. I won't go on and didn't get any better. It's OK if it's your last option in the Troy corridor.

Table wasn't ready when we arrived for a 4pm reservation with no one in the restaurant and plenty of servers. Asked if it was a special occasion, but no recognition. Just dropped the food and didn't asked if we needed anything, had to sit and wait for condiments, additional silverware, etc. until we could find another server. Didn't get the correct take home order.

Made carryout order. Order was on-time and the food was delicious.

The asparagus was charred and bitter tasting because of it being so burnt. I preferred the side salad and tomatoes they used to garnish the plate with for the Chicken Francese. Although asked if there were allergies and I replied I was allergic to strawberries, the waitress brought out birthday cookies with strawberries! So much for listening to the customer.

Our waiter was awesome and attentive. Never had to ask for a refill. Brought our kids for the first time and the chef brought us out a free appetizer. Food portions were filling, delicious and served in a timely manner. I enjoyed their Chicken Francese which was lightly breaded with parm. Had creme brulee for dessert and it enough to feed 2 people. Looking forward to our next visit.