Mirko- Fresh Pasta in Johns Creek

I am so excited to be writing about this new restaurant. Mirko has been opened in Johns Creek since September and I'm wondering why it's taken me so long to get there.

The owners, Al Patel and Amit Patel have known each other since they were five years old. This has been a dream for them and it has finally come true. Al has been in the hospitality business for twenty years and Amit is an Architect. Together they have opened a friendly place to go before a movie or just to meet friends in the neighborhood. These two guys, although clearly not Italian, got it right.

Along with my usual suspects, minus a few since they were out of town, we sampled the fabulous cuisine of Mirko.

When dining in new places I never mention to the owners that I am The Food Snob until after we have been served. I like to keep it simple and surprise them with my "presence". Not that it holds so much clout, but it does sometimes influence the way we are treated.

Our waiter John, was outstanding from the moment we stepped into Mirko. Greeting us with a smile, he told us about all the menu specials and then presented us with a tray of the different pasta selections. All pasta is made fresh daily on site, as are the sauces.

We selected our dinner and then sat back to enjoy each others company with conversation and drinks- quite yummy since there is a full service bar. The wine menu has a good selection and is very reasonably priced. The cocktails are too. They even have a Bellini on the menu, so Italian, I love it!

Alex and I shared a Caesar salad, presented with full pieces of Romaine lettuce, croutons, fresh parmigiana shavings and just the right amount of dressing.

When our dinner arrived, it was beautifully presented with full plates of pasta and such.

I ordered their signature Crab Tagliatelle - pasta with creamy, lightly spiced, tomato sauce with peas and sundried tomatoes. They had no problem changing the pasta to my favorite, Pappardelle. Alex ordered pasta with fresh mozzarella pieces, sausage and eggplant in a red sauce. Both our dishes were fabulous.

Jill ordered the fresh ravioli with Apple, Sage and Sausage, which looked amazing. Mark and Ilan ordered spaghetti with meatballs equally good.

Terry, our birthday girl, ordered Tagliatelle and added shrimp, which I sampled of course, delicious!

The menu is varied with many options and the prices are extremely reasonable.

They are located across the parking lot from the Regal Medlock movie theater in the corner where all the ghosts from restaurants past have come and gone. Let's hope this one makes it because it's really good.

The misconception is that this is a fast food, order at the counter and then sit down, restaurant. It is not. It is a full service Italian restaurant with servers who are knowledgeable and friendly.

Here's the best news: THEY ARE OPENED SUNDAY NIGHTS. With so few options for dining out on Sunday that aren't fast food and not awful, this is great news.

Hours of operation are:

Sunday-Thursday from 11:30-9:00

Friday and Saturday from 11:30- 10:00.

I hope you try this great little place and spread the word. It's so nice to have a good place to feel at home, have great service, a full bar and really good food.

Tell them Barbara, The Food Snob sent you when you go.

Bon Appetito!