Dining Divas: Farotto’s

The Dining Divas Enjoy the Open
Air and Dinner at Farotto’s

        Lisa Kampeter, Fearless  Leader of the Dining Divas

The Dining Divas have become the Patio Dining Divas the past few months, and our last outing was no exception. We were all happy to meet up at Farotto’s on Manchester in Rock Hill and enjoy dining outdoors.
Parking was a bit tricky because many of the spots in their parking lot are reserved for carryout. We parked in the neighborhood nearby, and there is a plaza on the same size of the street that you can park in too. Upon arrival, you’ll notice immediately that they have a system set up for entering the restaurant. You actually check-in in the parking lot. You call their number and tell them the size of your party. Makes it convenient if there is a wait. You can wait in your car. Then they text you when your table is ready.
The outdoor patio had a good crowd, but the tables were spread out. All of the employees were wearing masks, and people were being respectful and distancing. On top of following the safety guidelines, they also had their outdoor heaters running. That was a bonus. It took the edge off the cool breeze and allowed us to enjoy the open air.
We were excited to see the COVID-Free Diva who had recovered from the illness a month prior. She said she apologized to her husband for originally referring to his sickness as a “man cold” once she learned that he was positive with the coronavirus. Fortunately for the two of them, their symptoms were not serious. And keeping with the 8 o’clock prayer habit begun during this pandemic, I silently prayed for healing for those not so lucky and for their families.
We had to laugh at the Dog-loving Diva who “yelled” at her new puppy through her “Ring” app on her phone. Meanwhile, she was also trying to convince her other dog to go take care of the pup who was being mischievous.
The almost Birthday Diva decided because it was almost her birthday, and she had the next day off, she was going to try a specialty cocktail. This one was an Italian Margarita, and it came in what looked like an infusion bag. The packaging was perfect for curbside pickup/carryout, but we were surprised that’s what was delivered to the table. No complaints from her. It was delicious AND big. Until she got up from the table awhile later.
We started off with a few appetizers to share. The STL Sticks were delicious deep fried provel cheese sticks. We tried the Crispy Tortellaci, which were breaded and fried tortellini. So good. Several of us also started off with the Original House Salad, and that too was a good starter. Oh, and the bread. We enjoyed plenty of that.
The special of the evening, Chickn and Broccoli over a bed of rice, pleased the Not-So-Pleased Diva who had issues with our last Divas restaurant. The Chicken Chardonnay was tasty as was the Manicotti. A couple Divas thought the Shrimp Scampi and the Pasta with Broccoli were bland, but the leftovers the next day, and some additional parmesan, made it more flavorful. The biggest surprise of the night was the pizza. It was really good.
We truly enjoy the company of each other, and having another outdoor option of Farotto’s made us happy. It was an enjoyable, relaxing evening that was really close to feeling like normal again. But I wonder if places like this will be able to sustain the St. Louis temperatures this winter. Our fingers are crossed.