It had been a while since my boyfriend and I had been on a let's-get-dressed-up date, and I was looking forward to going back to one of the first restaurants we'd visited as a couple: The Cosi Cucina Italian Grill in Clive.  The last time Andy and I dined here, the tables were packed, and they included a few teenagers heading to a homecoming dance. On a recent Sunday evening, the dining room was busy but less hectic, setting the stage for a relaxing night out.

What we ordered
Having recently stopped eating gluten, I was impressed that Cosi Cucina offered multiple gluten-free options, including pasta that can be substituted into many meals. We started with an appetizer: the grilled portabella ($9), which included 2 large grilled mushrooms topped with tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and olive oil. It reminded me of bruschetta, but without the bread or cheese.