The Appian Way - Caterer - Event Venue - Fine Dining — Restaurant in Orange

I'm a stickler for details. When Bobby told me he didnt need the details until a week before the reception, I'm not going to lie I panicked a bit. When we sat down, he helped me pick the cake, the entrees, etc. All he asked for was the head count and the color scheme. Our wedding took place 12/21/19. And we were blown away. The food was absolutely incredible. The cocktail hour was delicious with raviolis, stuffed mushroom caps, and my husband's request of bacon wrapped scallops. For the entrees we had roast beef, eggplant rollatini, penne vodka, just to name a few items. And for dessert Bobby made sure we had a plate of mini desserts to accompany our delicious cake. I'm used to wedding cake tasting like cardboard, but Bobby recommended a white and black layer cake with raspberry filling. My goodness was it good! Bobby and his staff flitted around between the tables, made sure our guests were comfortable, and accommodated all of them. He also acted as a master of ceremonies, of sorts. To the thanks of our photographer and videographer, he directed our positioning for optimal photographs during the cake cutting. He offered advice for the bouquet toss so as not to hit the chandeliers. And the garter toss.... well that was a hilarious surprise to the guy who caught it. Our family and friends have not stopped raving about how good the food was, how beautiful everything looked, and how much fun they had at...

Sadly today was our last time dining at Appian Way. We used to spend atleast 2 holidays a year here up until about 3 years ago. We had dined here and all got food poisoning so we decided to take a hiatus. I missed the nostalgia so I asked my family to give it a second chance. We were incredibly disappointed.

The food is underwhelming and too expensive for the quality. Nothing comes with pasta. The way they nickel and dime you (charge for every soda!) you would think they were desperate.

Worst "fried" calamari I have ever had in my life. Not a single crispy piece. Soggy, oily, rubbery mush. Mozzarella and Carozza looked and tasted like a grilled cheese that sat out for hours. Apparently you need to upgrade to a different one to have ACTUAL Mozz & Carozza.

Be warned If you ask to switch your salad put for Caesar, they will say thats fine but still charge you for a Caesar salad and not give you the salad you should have had with your meal. I would have taken them to go if I knew I was not going to be receiving something we were paying for.

Our server was a sweetheart but that's about the only good thing I can say.

So long Appian Way. It's been a wonderful 30 years but your time is over. You should have closed during your peak and not your downfall.

My stomach is already turning...

..Been going here for over 35 years. Attended from weddings,receptions, parties large/small, funeral repasses, dinner to just drinks. The cuisine is Italian/american. It is DELICIOUS, prepared by the hands of experienced chefs. (there's LOVE in the pot). The server staff is experienced, courteous, and always available.(some have worked there for years). The ambience is formal/traditional/elegant with a flare of community/neighborhood. My Fav is the "Dining Room" Moderate sized, formal decor tablecloths,cloth napkins,center pieces,comfortable chairs,quiet,streeming music, and a little sunken bar tucked in the corner. (great for dinner date).

The LaBanca Family makes you feel like "family", implementing hands on management. Upon arrival its not unusual to hear Bobby Labanca's voice (wafting through the entrance area) "Hi, How you doin?, Hows the family? He may not remember your name, but he remembers your face, and he seems to "always be there." If its your first time, you'll be back. Plenty of on site parking. View the website, plenty of pictures,you'll see everything I told you is true. Maybe I'll see you there, I'll be going another 35 years. P.S.$$ Prices are moderate. (You thought I forgot) Much...