Irene's Cuisine   

Chaos and romance don't usually mix well, but Irene's Cuisine creates a topsy-turvy Italian party that somehow fosters intimacy among its madness. Loud complaints about the constant wait last only until the Sicilian-meets-Creole dishes start to arrive on the cramped tables. The crowd and the tight quarters are forgiven with each taste of the marinara from Southern Italy, the stuffed veal chop and the roasted garlic chicken with an abundance of rosemary and olive oil. Hopefully the wait will allow you to work up your appetite so you'll be able to squeeze in the baked Alaska that always brings ''oohs'' and ''aahs'' when brought out with flaming grappa. Bring a date or a small group of close friends, be ready to sip a few glasses of vintage wine at the bar and soak up the riot of brilliant colors, thick Italian fragrance and the dazzling piles of Sicilian dishes. -- Isahrai Azaria