Al Dente and Under New Management

Grazie’s is on the main floor of the old Clarica Tower. It’s not really that old but it’s undergone more name changes than Puff Daddy.

We went on a Saturday afternoon, so the place was mostly empty. Classical music filled the empty restaurant, giving the impression that something grand was going to happen. Nothing happened but it was a nice feeling.
The first thing one sees upon entering is their large bar. They have the usual beers on tap plus a large assortment of liquor. A wall separates the bar and restaurant. We were seated at a table just on the other side of the wall.

Our waitress immediately brought out rolls and chunky garlic olive oil, similar to Toscana’s. The rolls were pre-made but they were the good kind, with a crunchy crust and a soft interior, the olive oil was once again good enough to bathe in.

The lunch menu was pasta, burgers, wraps, and salads. Most everything was in the $9 range, and they were half servings, which were perfect. I would have taken a full serving home but a half serving, with the rolls, made me good and full. I ordered manicotti and my friends ordered a lime chicken pasta dish and a shrimp pasta dish. My dish was excellent. It was served piping hot from the oven with a thick layer of cheese over the top. The noodle wasn’t overcooked, a tragedy that I’ve experienced elsewhere. It was stuffed with spicy sausage and ricotta cheese with a red sauce over the top and on the sides. The flavors blended well and the presentation was good. The texture of the semi-firm noodle with the two kinds of cheeses and sauce lifted my tongue into happiness.
My friends enjoyed their meals, with one commenting favorably on the fresh mushrooms but disapprovingly on the chicken, saying it was tough and chewy. The interior was the normal fare. The only difference was the high ceilings and the classical music. They had the traditional low level of light, cloth napkins, and a couple of classical columns.

The server was competent but average. I spent $11.52 including tip and my friends spent an even $23 for two people including tip.

If You Go:

WHAT: Grazie’s
WHERE: Multiband Tower, 2000 44th St S, Fargo
WHEN: Open daily at 11a.m.
INFO: (701) 492-5151