Critic's Review
Formerly Rino's, Rino has left the building and the restaurant is now owned by the group that owns Johnny V's and Smith and Jones. They still have chef Luigi DiMeo on their web site, but Luigi has left to start his own restaurant, Luigi's Coal Oven Pizza. The Tuscan Grill is a small, handsome space with a black granite bar and a TV, however its more likely that the TV will have the Food Channel on than the game. There are only about 10 tables indoors and a couple on the front porch; they've commandeered the old "storks" patio so now they have tables by the river on weekends, which makes for nice outdoor dining.
The menu is somewhat limited and disappointing. While they have quite a selection of wines by the bottle, they don't have any premium wines by the glass. An Italian restaurant without a Chianti Riserva? Even Carrabba's has Riserva's by the glass.
They also advertise a 4 course "Prix Fixe"  menu with some interesting items such as a Veal Chop and a Tuscan Skirt Steak. What's disappointing is that you can't order those on the regular menu; they're only available on the 4 course special. Also, the special, which is $29.95, are smaller portions than the regular menu, so its not clear just how good a deal it is.
The menu is quite similar to Mancini's next door, with fewer choices. Make sure you ask for bread; its a crusty mini loaf paritally sliced thin and oozing with garlic butter. Its a great starter with a glass of red wine.
A Caprese salad (stacked mozzarella, tomatoes, basil) featured nice cheese, but is short on basil and dressing and long on unwanted field greens. Its served virtually dry with a pesto drizzle on the side; so you'll need to supply your own olive oil and balsamic if thats what you expect.
The tuscan grill is a bit too "gay friendly" for my taste; when Gabriella was working the bar there would be businessmen at the bar during the week. But now it's just not a comfortable place to hang out.
