TASK DEFINITION: You are given a review about a place. You need to provide a rating from "1 star" to "5 stars" for this place.
PROBLEM: Took a couple of friends there recently. It was a weekend afternoon so we didn't face what I hear is the usual crush of people.

PROs:
- One of my friends was visiting from Italy and tells me that the pizza at The Porch is the closest he's had to northern Italian pizza EVER in the US. I guess that's a good thing if you're looking for authentic Italian pizza. I enjoyed the pizza; thin, crispy crust and NOT overloaded with toppings.
- The sandwich and salad I had was fresh and crisp.
- The service was okay; friendly and prompt but the server did disappear and not check back after we had our entrees.

CONs:
- Out of several menu items on both visits, but that could be cost of serving fresh food.

I'll be back. It's good to have a comfortable place like The Porch so close by.

SOLUTION: 3 stars

PROBLEM: Too dark booth for our party of 5 began a disappointing dining experience. Caprese salad & Proscuito Bruschetta appetizers. Caprese w flavorless mozzarella. Our pasta main course was undercooked, although every dish had sat under the heat lamps/salamander too long. So, tough ravioli, penne (wheat) undercooked but meatball was pretty good. Since we were guests, we did not send anything back. I guess it's just difficult for a well established and popular restaurant to consistently produce good food. But that just doesn't make any sense does it? What makes more sense is that they get so many customers they'll likely never see again, quality doesn't matter. Good thing there is Yelp.

SOLUTION: 2 stars

PROBLEM: Delicious chirashi and special rolls. Attentive service. The best seats are at the bar.

SOLUTION:
4 stars