January 28, 2019Fine dining? More like fun dining with an enticing affair of home-style Italian cuisine, exquisite wine pairings and sudden bursts of melodious merriment. Thanks to owner Gary Kroeger, Figaro Figaro has managed to elevate unremarkable fine dining expectations into an evening of palatable indulgences with a dash of Italian pizzazz!
Located on Main Street Cedar Falls where what used to be My Verona, this vibrant restaurant has a name that inherently carries a tune just by the mere mention of it. Figaro Figaro has opened its doors over a year ago satiating the culinary yearnings of the Cedar Valley. Gary Kroeger remains true to his promise to offer great food, great service, and servers who occasionally break into songs.
Intriguing, isn’t it? “I would like a side of song with my steak, please?”. I imagined. Nothing like a lovely complement of melodious tune while gratifying my infatuation for delightful Italian fare.
The night was young, and the weather remained frigidly cold. Main street Cedar Falls was blanketed with freshly fallen snow. We were incontestably famished but somehow optimistic about the night’s perceived gastronomic conquest.
Walking in, you will immediately notice a classy retro decor with a touch of rustic elegance. The place was quite charming and pleasantly welcoming. Reservations are recommended but not required. Before long, we were seated in the main dining area with red table cloths over earth-tone hues. The area was dimly lit with archaic chandeliers and table top LED candles. A contemporary bar with a red backlight completes the scene.
Ambiance was upscale and sophisticated. Service was nothing short of exemplary. Aaron was our server for the night and he was fantastic. Friendly, charming, and quite accommodating. Secretly thinking maybe he will soon burst out in song.
Menu presents a stunning array of Italian classics, international fusion, fresh seafood, premium cuts of steak, fresh salad and decadent desserts. From classic Italian antipasti of Seared Ahi Tuna, Crispy Calamari or a sample of their delectable fusions like Coconut Shrimp served with Thai peanut sauce and Italian Nachos, to going full Italian with their classic Spaghetti and Meatballs with house made marinara sauce, or a helping their Creamy Pesto Alfredo, they offer a plethora of culinary creations to spice up your dining experience. Click here to browse through their menu online.
Before long, one of the servers started singing in Italian. He did have a lovely voice and it was quite a treat. He somehow managed to elevate everyone’s moods as smiles started to gleam from across the room. Gary Kroeger and his wife Shannon also started singing a harmonious duet and greeted guests at each table. It was a rather unique experience for us. A melodious ice breaker aggrandizing the dining atmosphere.
What We Tried:
Coconut Shrimp
Deep fried jumbo shrimp, breaded with a touch of desiccated coconut and cooked to golden brown perfection. Deliciously crunchy and goes perfectly well with a choice of Thai peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce. Easily a stunner.
Calamari
Calamari was a touch under cooked to my liking. But it was seasoned beautifully and the breading tasted quite nice. Slices of red chili gave the dish a nice touch of color and a subtle kick that added to the overall flavor balance of the dish. For the dipping sauce, we were given the option of creamy garlic dipping sauce or the more daring spicy marinara sauce.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Figaro Figaro’s rendition of this Italian classic is impeccable. The sauce bears a delightful balance of the extracted umami from the slow simmered tomatoes, garlic, aromatic herbs and just the right amount of spice. Perfect sauce over al dente pasta. Meatballs, delicious! Meaty with the right amount of spice and sautéed to perfection. Highly recommended dish.
Sirloin Steak
Beautifully seared with desired medium doneness straight from the grill. Blackened on top and flavor is spot on. It was served with a side of truffle fries and some roasted vegetables.
Tiramisu
This coffee-flavored layered Italian dessert is as good as it looks. Creamy, decadent, with just the right amount of bitter-sweet allure that keeps me going for that next bite.
Conclusion:
Exquisite food, exemplary service, vibrant atmosphere, coupled with a few songs here and there, adds up to a truly one of a kind dining experience at Figaro Figaro Cedar Falls. It was a rare thing to have met restaurant owners who immerse themselves in the dinner service repertoire. And for that, I applaud both Gary and Shannon and the entire staff at Figaro Figaro for an extraordinary evening of delicious vibes and newfound camaraderie.
