From the outside, it looks as though the place got a paint job, new tables and chairs. (To see 'before' photos, click here.)
According to reader Timothy, who has taken a tour after the remodel, "the menu looks great. Per Ramsay's MO, it's simplified, one page, and *much* shorter, now with only 4 or 5 pasta dishes and the same number of primori. Both the pizzeria and main dining room decor have been updated, and all dishes are made fresh, same day. The wine list is the same, but on a separate menu page, and easier to see what's offered. I can't wait to try the new menu."
An anonymous reader was less impressed and writes: "The new sign leaves much to be desired. And I saw what I assume to be new tables covered in a newspaper print that are also ugly. Usually, I think the show does a great job with the re-designs, but this isn't looking so good. I've never eaten at Mama Maria's(it never seemed too appealing), but I'd like to try it with the new menu (even if the new decor doesn't seem too promising)."
One review on Yelp gushed about the new interior of the restaurant, which "looks like a trendy-artsy graffiti muraled Brooklyn street."
Have you been? What do you think of Ramsey's make-over?
No word yet on when the show will air.
***UPDATE***
This post was just linked to Kitchen Nightmares' blog page. Check it out here.
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11 comments:
I'm surprised that it was a total travesty when 16 Handles put up that sign, but no one has commented on how disgusting and out of place that sign is.
All right. I'll be the first. It's a terrible sign.
Sparked by curiosity, we watched a few of the more recent episodes of Kitchen Nightmares. Seems like that show just isn't trying very hard any more. Ramsey used to examine the underlying issues for why these restaurants were failing. Now he just comes in, slaps a coat a paint on, brings in his own menu, and done. I think the place looked better before!
Awful. Just awful.
Sadly the real Mama Mia would not be happy. The sign is too in your face modern typeface but better than that ripped awning with fake pasta in front. Maybe that Ciro's joint should lend them a hand. ;) Actually, fresh pasta is not going to come out of Mama Mia. If they were smarter, they could have expanded the pizza and possibly utilize a brick oven.
Possibly, the decor is a reaction to something the owner said during the week. They usually take a small clue. Those ugly tables are not right. Cheapest thing they found on the Bowery. But let us all wait for the show before we draw to any cOnclusions.
Thought the show was called KITCHEN Nightmares.
Poor Sal. That interior is cheaply done. Why didn't they re paint the door to match that blue? It's so sloppy. Or at least use the same cool lettering as the Pizzeria for the sign?
Stick with Pizza, Sal.
The food is simply amazing, and that's the big change Ramsey brought to this place!!! I'm certain people won't care about the decor (not crazy about the sign myself)once they try the food!!! Best pizza and Ossobuco I have ever had in my life!!
The owner will have plenty of time to fix the decor...
What is up with the light blue columns and army green doorway? This looks totally phoned in, I am sad to say. As I live on the block and am friendly with John, I will try the food but, wow, aesthetically the place looks a wreck. Sad....
We've been a couple of times and, sign graphics aside, they've done a great job with the food. The sausage and polenta appetizer was excellent, and the cavetelli with short rib was delicious. We went back for salads yesterday; the antipasto salad had strips of dried italian meats and cheese and the kale salad was light and almost sweet. Who would think that Mama Maria's would become a destination for salad?
O shiz!!! Well I'm glad to see that this place got a make over. I mean I noticed that but I thought maybe new management! We were just in Sals and my bf got what I guess is probably an updated silician pizza and it tasted good...I believe it was called the Grandma? Anyway I understand everyones complaint about the sign it does stand out but give it a year it'll be dirty and old.
Why in the hell are so many people hung up on a freaking sign? The tables were a throw back to John's family and the history of the restaurant. Seems like some very shallow folks up there in NYC.
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