Bugatti's on a Bet

        Since we've been in Oregon, Pat and I have been looking for work to get us through the summer. After a discouraging week, we made a bet: whichever of us got the first paycheck would take the other out to dinner. That certainly boosted morale. Well, I lost the bet, with my husband landing a part time gig. I say lost, but I was to be the recipient of a free meal. That doesn't sound like losing to me.
       Last Saturday was the day. We discussed our dinner destination at length, finally settling on Giovanni's Pizza (Farmington and Hall in historic downtown Beaverton). It's a nostalgic spot for us, from dating days to dining with our kids. Their manicotti/canneloni combo is Pat's favorite, and the lasagna is to die for. Each baked in individual casseroles, they arrive at the table hot and fresh. Having been away for over a decade, Giovanni's seemed like the perfect choice. Alas, we forgot about the popularity on a Saturday night, and the rather limited seating. There was a 20 minute wait at 8pm. My husband is not one who enjoys lines, so we decided on option 2.
       Bugatti's is just up the road on Cedar Hills Boulevard, and is also Italian. We thought we'd give it a try. While Pat parked the car, I went to the door to check for seating. There was ample, and the couple leaving after their meal gave a rave review. "The food was fabulous!" the woman smiled.
      That was good enough for me. We were seated immediately, and had drink orders taken. Our iced teas arrived within moments. (Bugatti's offers a full bar, as well as a wine bar, for those who indulge.) Some warm from the oven focaccia bread and garlic-y olive oil came next. It was too delicious to save for sauce moppin'.
      The menu is extensive but simple, featuring a create-your-own-pasta option. Choose a pasta style, a sauce and an optional side, such as salmon, prawns, sausage or meatballs. A side Caesar, which we both ordered, is just the right size, and is only $2. The whole back of the menu is pizza, and looks awesome.
       I ordered the ravioli. Stuffed with portobello mushrooms and served with a white wine sauce, roasted red peppers and tiny, tender baby spinach leaves, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Pat created an angle hair bolognese with two meatballs, and it was a huge hit. The meatballs were tennis ball sized, and well worth $1.50 each.
      I don't make a habit of filling out comment cards, but I couldn't resist this one. Excellent all the way down, food, service, and prices. The atmosphere is casual, inviting and family friendly. We will definitely be going back...and telling our friends.
      Much too full for dessert, we left with the same content smile as the couple I'd met earlier.
      "The food is awesome!" I reported to the family on their way in. I guess it's just part of the experience.