In theory, at least, Primavista always sounded right up my alley. An iconic Italian restaurant – a little dated, but still beloved – with a menu that read like a greatest hits collection of some of my favorite classic Italian dishes. 

And while I've been meaning to pay a visit ever since I moved back to Cincinnati three years ago, it was only last week that I finally made a 6 p.m. reservation on a Wednesday night. Since Primavista is often called one of the most romantic restaurants in the Midwest, with its picture-perfect views of the Queen City from the vantage point of East Price Hill, I asked my wife, Amy, if she would come along as my date.