When we arrived at Andiamo! on a recent random Monday night, we expected the usual Santa Fe weekday atmosphere-17 waiters serving three two-tops, in environs so desolate you can hear the wind rustling the paper-topped tables. Imagine our happy surprise
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when, upon entering the softly lit, comfortable dining area, we heard the happy chatter of a full room. It's easy to be happy at Andiamo!. Who wouldn't feel cozy receiving a plate of the trattoria's signature appetizer, crisp polenta in a creamy gorgonzola sauce? Skip the par-for-the-course antipasti and get two orders of polenta, because you won't want to share a single bite with your date. Ah, but we go to trattorias for pasta, now, don't we? Here the pasta is not quite al dente, but definitely not overcooked. The penne comes with a spice-laced lamb sausage, its light tomato sauce allowing the flavor of the meat to star. But the real stars at Andiamo! are the cosmopolitan atmosphere, the creative menu and the easygoing staff. Andiamo!-Let's go!-indeed.
322 Garfield St., 995-9595,
. Dinner nightly. $$