Michael's Restaurant - Auburn, NY Review

I don't go out to dinner very often--I usually prefer going out for lunch as it's more within my budget. But, one day at work, one of the girls told me about a place she and some friends went to, and she just raved about the food.  I had been there years before and loved it, but wasn't even sure it was still open.  My sisters were visiting, and I decided to take them to this restaurant for dinner as their birthday gift.  I made reservations for the three of us at Michael's, and when we arrived it was early, not too busy yet, and very cozy.  There was a piano in the dining room, and I'm assuming that at some point there must be a piano player.  I wish I'd asked, but it was a Wednesday night, so I knew that at least that night, there wouldn't be one.  One of my sisters ordered cavatelli with sausage, the other ordered eggplant parmesian with angel hair pasta, and I ordered chicken parm with cavatelli instead of spagetti.  They also served us salads and plenty of Italian bread and butter. 

The portions were generous and delicious.  Each of us was happy with our choice, and the sauce was amazing!  If you like garlic, this sauce had the perfect amount without being overpowering.  My sister is from N. Carolina, and when they come up this way next year, she wants to bring her husband to Michael's.  They dine out all the time, and she said it was one of the best meals she'd ever had.

During the Christmas holidays, I was invited over to my daughter's inlaws home.  When it was dinner time her brother-in-law said, "I've ordered take-out for us from this small Italian restaurant that is off the beaten track, but everything is all freshly home made and delicious, and so many people don't even know about it.  Wait till I bring it!  You'll love it!"  So off he went, and when he came back he passed out all these Italian dinners and antipastos, and everyone dug in.  There were "ooooo's" and "ahhhhs" to be heard all over the room!  There was something familiar about this food.  I looked up and said, "Mark, by any chance is this little out of the way restaurant called Michael's?"  Mark's face spread with a big, beaming smile, and said, "How did you know?"  I smiled, "No one makes sauce like they do!  It's my favorite!"