"Cafe Riace has always been a favorite of ours in Palo Alto, but last night was disappointing. We should have known something was amiss when we arrived, and only three tables were occupied, and on a Friday night no less. On a warm night, there isn't a better ambience than the Riace courtyard, with its magnificent ancient statuary, its enormous fountain, its tranquility and quiet.But the food was, if nothing else, mediocre at best. The Melenzane Al'Aceto V), a thinly fried eggplant topped with garlic and ricotta salt and balsamic vinegar, was bitter from the garlic, which was either not roasted adequately or was old. My wife's salmon Salmone Riace), at $38, was undercooked and very oily. The sides of spinach, capers, olives, shallots and roasted tomato was likewise very greasy. My main course, Penne Norma, $29), was just OK, a creamy tomato and basil pasta topped with fried eggplant and ricotta di bufala. The sauce lacked any real punch or character and was far too bland. Some thyme and basil cooked with the sauce would have made a huge difference. We each wanted a glass of red wine with dinner. Before ordering, the waitress, who could not have been nicer, brought us each a taste of a Montepulciano and a Pinot Noir. Both were spoiled. We settled for a Malbec, and that was fine.Only one other couple arrived after we were seated. In the past on a weekend night this place was always full. Considering the mediocrity of our meal, the paucity of diners, and the skeleton staff, I am wondering if our experience is indicative of a recent decline of this traditionally wonderful restaurant?"
