Do it. Get in your car (after reading this, of course), drive to the Southside and eat at Augustino's. The South Emerson strip mall location is not picturesque, but inside, it's a little slice of Sicilian heaven.

The mood

My friend Jen and I were greeted with a smile and serenaded by Ol' Blue Eyes himself as we went over the menu. The walls were covered in old photos, and the few other patrons seemed to be really enjoying themselves. Maybe it had something to do with our servers having a sense of humor. Hard to imagine, I know.

The restaurant is divided into two sections of booths and tables. An impressive street-scene mural is the backdrop for the carved wooden bar in between.

The food

A young woman who wasn't our server, but quickly set us up with drinks and menus, mentioned that our actual waiter was much cuter. She was right.

Anyway, the lunch menu could have easily passed for the dinner version and consisted of main courses like a meatball sandwich, pork tenderloin, linguini with clams, spaghetti, salads and a tempting tomato basil soup.

I couldn't decide; one of everything would have suited me. We mulled it over while chomping on fresh baked bread. Jen picked the meat lasagna ($6.50), and I finally chose a chicken sandwich ($6). Both sound a little mundane, right? A huge piece of lasagna, oozing cheese, topped with more cheese, and on a bed of cheese and red sauce stirred up a little entree envy.

My chicken came breaded with Italian breadcrumbs on a basil focaccia roll with fresh tomatoes and lettuce and smothered in provolone. On the side were crunchy, freshly made seasoned chips.

I don't think we talked. We just ate.

For dessert we chose cannoli ($5). Neither of us had ever had one, and we were in for a treat. The crunchy, cinnamon pastry, filled with vanilla cream and chocolate chips, was still warm when it arrived.

The plate was decorated with chocolate syrup, powdered sugar and an artfully arranged strawberry and mint combo (which Jen ate, not wanting her cannoli experience to be over).

The drinks

I had what Jen thought was a childish orange soda ($1.50). She chose a grown-up ice water with lemon.

The damage: $20.52

Holy cannoli! I will be back. The service was superb, the atmosphere was great, the prices were reasonable and the food . . . oh the food.