Fine Dining Review - Alo

High Point University's second fine dining option, Alo, was a pretty solid experience, speaking as a student who is very picky about their food.

When we first walked in, we were greeted by an upbeat hostess who was ready to take our passports to scan us in. I guess they were clearing tables inside because we had to wait outside the doors of the restaurant until we were called back in.

We probably waited around five minutes before heading back in, but I will say this. I was a little disappointed that there was no seating for people who were waiting to dine. They had two chairs next to each other on opposite sides of the waiting area, and as someone who went with a party of four, I did not want to be the one to sit and leave my friends standing up. 

I know at hibachi and Prime they have benches for people to sit on while they wait, and hopefully Alo will take the hint and add some.

Once seated, the very kind hostess asked my friends and I if we wanted small purse hangers to go under the table. I think the gesture was nice and the intent was there, but we honestly could not figure out how they worked. Finally, we settled them on the table and prayed that they wouldn't fall off in the middle of dinner.

Service came pretty quickly to fill up our waters and ask if we would prefer anything else to drink. We all ordered a separate drink, and when they came, I have to say, I was a bit underwhelmed. They came in small sort of whisky glasses and they were mostly ice. I guess I am a bit used to the larger drink cups at Prime. 

One thing I did appreciate, though, is that when we ordered our appetizer and entree, we also put in our order for dessert. All the desserts were listed at the bottom of the menu, so it was nice to see all the options and what they had in them.

When my friend and I told them we had allergies though, the waitress took it very seriously, and even came back out before we received our food to make sure that everything would be alright. When we told her we had dined there before and eaten the same food, I think she felt a sign of relief because her table would not be having any allergic reactions tonight.

The appetizers were the perfect size, not too big and not too small. I got the toasted cheese ravioli, and honestly, if there were a few more ravioli on the plate, I could have had that as my entree and been fine. It was delicious.

My friends, however, ordered the spanakopita and was not impressed at all. It was overcooked and the bottom was a bit hard. They did say, though, that it was better the previous times they had dined at Alo. It must have been an off-night for them.

For my entree I ordered the creamy basil tortellini with chicken and it was amazing. There might have been a little too much sauce for my liking, but I could easily scrape some off before I took a bite. I wasn't the biggest fan of the chicken placed on top, mostly because it was a hefty piece and I mainly wanted the tortellini. 

Once dinner was done, it was time for dessert. I think I was most excited for this and did not want to be disappointed. I ordered the tiramisu, which is my favorite dessert on the planet. Once it was placed in front of me and the waitress left, I dug into that thing like my life depended on it. 

I was not disappointed at all.

It was the perfect mix of creamy and cakey, and it was clear that the cake had been soaked in coffee. It was the perfect size as well. Sometimes, dessert portions are too big for my liking, especially since I had just had two courses. But this one did the job. 

Our waitress was exceptional. She was very kind and also very pregnant. My friends and I were shocked that she was still working and we hope that she gets maternity benefits from the school. 

I might have just been looking too closely at things, but the silverware was a little smudged. Not the parts that go in the eaters mouth, but the stems of them. 

The music wasn't too loud or too soft which I thought was a plus. If it's too loud then I feel like I'm shouting but if it's too soft then I feel like everyone can hear my conversations and it gets uncomfortable for everyone. 

Everything I had said above is stuff I as a customer can deal with. One thing I was very not impressed with is the fact that the tables are so close together that I could hear the conversation next to us. I felt like I was sitting at their table. Two girls were seated right next to us and it was very uncomfortable. Not that anything my friends and I were talking about was top secret, but we were catching up and would have preferred some privacy. 

I'm sure the girls next to us wanted some as well. 

Overall, I would recommend Alo. Not above 1924 Prime, of course, but if someone wanted to go to a lighter, more open fine dining option, this is where I would send you.

Cost: 1 Magic Meal

Attire: Business casual / professional

Location: the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center

Seating: Up to four people, but they can acomodate for five if you call ahead and let them know

Courses: bread, appetizer, entree, dessert