Tonight we ate at La Cucina, a new french-italian place on Mills Ave. in Orlando, FL.

It was very intimate, but relaxed at the same time. The dining room is small, and only has seven or so tables – although one is a round seven-top, which is nice for big families.

One thing was odd, though. They didn’t have a license to serve wine, but you could bring your own. They corked and poured it, but didn’t charge any sort of “courtesy fee.” It was nice, and it brought to mind many places that would do well to ease up on their wine policies.

I totally understand the importance of wine sales in the restaurant business. Plus, you really don’t want me to stop in at Publix and grab a bottle of Ravenswood for what you would charge me per glass (and you know who you are!).

All the same, corking fees are tacky. If I want to bring a special bottle of wine with me to your restaurant, please let me do so without prejudice.

Anyway, the food and service were both excellent. Give them a try.