Went to this place often while living in South Florida and returned on a recent vacation and thought how great it still is.

My local friends were only too happy to take me there as everyone seems to love this place. The usuals like chicken parmesan and frutti di mare are fantastic and there are always amazing specials to choose from. I highly recommend it, the prices are super affordable also.

Last night, two "critics" went to the same restaurant. Both critics spend massive amounts of time on the road which includes many restaurant visits and hotel stays. However, they do argue often about whose opinion carries more merit.

The first critic, who I will call by the name "me" thought: We were greeted by an extremely friendly staff who quickly whisked some garlic-parmesan-butter rolls to the table that were really the kind of treat that sticks in your head well after it has been gobbled up. The mozzarella was outstanding, fresh and exactly right in "mozzarella subtlety." Me enjoyed it in both the pasta and caprese appetizer. Their house dressing "a creamy Italian" was top notch. The angel hair pasta dish "me" had was enjoyable. The ambiance was different, a little 80's pink with 80's "art." How often do you get to visit an Italian place that is not decorated in faux stone finish with Naples, Venice, etc. pictures on the wall? Outside seating can keep you close to your car, if you are one of the million of Americans who enjoy eating on a sidewalk abutted by the street.

Second critic at my table, who I will call Fauntleroy, agreed with "me" up through the completion of the appetizers. Fauntleroy was wowed by the mozzarella and the salad dressing. I didn't ask him about the garlic rolls because I noted he did not eat many, and I couldn't bear a critique of the garlic rolls. Fauntleroy was appalled by the main dishes-- a spicy puttanesca (which he ordered off menu and the staff gladly obliged) He was mainly disconcerted that the pasta dishes were served in large orange collanders. (with a big bowl inside-all you chefs know why!). He felt like a horse at the trough, which was a good analogy as the portions were horse-sized. He thought my pasta was overcooked, which I agree, it was not al dente. He also liked the ambiance, which harkened him back to the days of riding with Sonny and Tubs chasing down thugs in the streets of Miami.

In chatting about their opinions, they have adapted to one another like a good stew. Fauntleroy confessed he'd wished he had brought home the leftovers, while "me" said maybe the collanders weren't as cute as she originally thought.

Fauntleroy would rate this "above average with some problems" if TripAdvisor offered it, so the next critique will be to the TripAdvisor ranking system board.

Two students also dined with the above and were just happy to eat.

Excellent staff and more than ample portions. A bit tight in the dining room, you may also sit on the sidewalk and watch the cars along Hollywoods Young Circle.

We usually prefer the dinners at Conca'D'Oro (about one block away), but Mamas lighter sauces are a great change of pace.

You will like Mamas a lot. Like "D'Oros, food seems prepared with the NE (NYC) traditions...."D'Oros a bit richer (slow & long cooked sauces-gravys) while moms a bit lighter....you'll need a doggie bag with many of the meals...