Fire & Oak

Fire & Oak | 479 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ

I had the pleasure of sampling some of the dishes and drinks here at an event last month.  Those bites and sips left me hungry for more and curious – How consistent would the excellent food and service be on just a regular evening?

Kings Old Fashion is a cocktail to savor!

Kings Old Fashion is a cocktail to savor!

The Kings Old Fashion would start my dining experience on a high note.  I’m a whiskey girl and love a good, strong yet delicious cocktail and this one did not disappoint.

Their wine selection was surprisingly excellent and reasonable.  There is something for everyone on the list.  We couldn’t resist treating ourselves to an excellent Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.

Meatballs with Fresh Ricotta..as good as mamma made (don't tell her I said that)!

Meatballs with Fresh Ricotta..as good as mamma made (don’t tell her I said that)!

We had to try the Meatballs with Fresh Ricotta appetizer.  Three large meatballs sat in an incredibly flavorful sauce with three crispy pieces of grilled Tuscan bread.  Everything about this appetizer focused on the flavors.  It could have been so easy for Fire & Oak to fall flat and bland on the meatballs and sauce but they absolutely did not.  With such a pleasing appetizer out of the way, I wondered if the fantastic quality would carry into our main dishes.

Of course it did.

Fire & Oak BBQ Ribs..the best ribs I have ever tasted!

Fire & Oak BBQ Ribs..the best ribs I have ever tasted!

You must try the Fire & Oak BBQ Ribs at least once.  Everything about this dish is perfection from the tangy BBQ sauce to the falling off the bone tenderness of the pork.

The Oven Roasted Stuffed French Chicken Breast is a thing of beauty!

The Oven Roasted Stuffed French Chicken Breast is a thing of beauty!

The Oven Roasted Stuffed French Chicken Breast was another hit.  The combination of shiitake mushrooms, Fontina, spinach and peppers was unbelievable and the chicken was wonderfully juicy.  The Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes were genius and not salty at all; just right.

The service was incredibly attentive throughout the meal and seemed consistent at every table.  We were constantly checked on but never rushed.  Since we were in a leisurely mood…

Housemade Tiramisu

Housemade Tiramisu

…we had to try the Tiramisu, made in-house.  Light in texture but decadent in flavor, I’m left wondering if all their desserts are this good.

A big thank you to Fire & Oak for proving such a memorable meal.  I cannot wait to return for more.

 

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Brewery Double Feature! Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and Dogfish Head Brewings and Eats

Welcome to a special Double Feature edition!  I have been dying to visit Dogfish Head Craft Brewery again ever since 2012 and I’m thrilled to say it is even more amazing these days!  But first…I always like to check out what’s on tap and coming out of the kitchen at…

Dogfish Head Brewings and Eats | 320 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE

Be smart.  Get a hotel close by.  Between overstuffing yourself and getting a good buzz on, you won’t want to move afterwards.  I love pairing beer with food and you can do exactly that with the Dogfish Head brew-inspired offerings here.

Namaste Chili Calamari - with Namaste chili sauce and Thai basil.

Namaste Chili Calamari – with Namaste chili sauce and Thai basil.

Holy tentacles!  If those little appendages are your thing, this appetizer was swimming with them.  They were just about the right amount of crispness and I really enjoyed the Namaste chili sauce.  Their Ancient Herbed Ale style beer Kvasir complemented the mix of mild spices and crisp textures.

Roasted Garlic Hummus with woodgrilled pita and 60 Minute IPA marinated greek olives.

Roasted Garlic Hummus with woodgrilled pita and 60 Minute IPA marinated greek olives.

The Roasted Garlic Hummus was a huuuge hit.  It was so tasty and the perfect amount of garlicky goodness.  The woodgrilled pita was soft, chewy and warm and those 60 Minute IPA marinated greek olives are so addictive.  This was easily my favorite dish of the evening.

24 Hour Pork Confit with woodgrilled broccoli rabe, hot pepper and sharp provolone pesto.

24 Hour Pork Confit with woodgrilled broccoli rabe, hot pepper and sharp provolone pesto.

The 24 Hour Pork Confit sandwich was super flavorful but a tad too fatty for my liking.  Overall I like the general idea of it and its assembly.

The Faithful Bull pizza - beef tenderloin filet, beer braised mushrooms, caramelized onions, Boursin cheese, herbs and roasted garlic.

The Faithful Bull pizza – beef tenderloin filet, beer braised mushrooms, caramelized onions, Boursin cheese, herbs and roasted garlic.

Something in the description of this pizza spoke to me but the execution wasn’t quite right.  The garlic and Boursin amounts were fine but there were just too many mushrooms and not enough of the tenderloin filet.

Palo Santo Marron Bacon Chocolate Cheesecake...you need this!

Palo Santo Marron Bacon Chocolate Cheesecake…you need this!

Of course I left room for dessert.  You cannot pass up any of their bacon chocolate cheesecakes (I still fondly remember the Chicory Stout one)!  This rich slice of Palo Santo Marron Bacon Chocolate Cheesecake was pure decadence.  I just had to pair it with a glass of Palo Santo Marron and it was absolutely perfect.

It’s always nice to stop at the brewpub to check out what’s on tap, fill up a growler, or check what they have for sale in their gift shop.  It was certainly a nice preparation for…

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery | 6 Cannery Village Ctr, Milton, DE

Getting up close and personal!

Getting up close and personal!

The last time I visited Dogfish Head Brewery was in the summer of 2012…man, they weren’t kidding when they told us there would be a huge upgrade by the time we returned.  It now boasts a very large expansion in brewing capabilities, a new warehouse on the premises, a food truck and the ability to purchases full glasses of beer to drink at the brewery bar (you can still get 4 free 3 oz tastings, too).

Holy expansion!

Holy expansion!

The tour is still free but you no longer can reserve your spot online in advance.  Instead, it is first come, first serve.  If a tour fills up, the schedulers will advise when the next available tour is.  We showed up at 1 pm and initially signed up for the 3 pm tour.  The beer gods must have smiled upon us because we were bumped up to the 2 pm tour (thanks, no-shows)!

Oh baby...Palo Santo Marron is made in one of these!

Oh baby…Palo Santo Marron is made in one of these!

The tour lasts a little over an hour and is really fantastic..not gonna lie, I got a little misty-eyed over how well the brewery is doing.

The awesome menu for Bunyan's Lunchbox.

The awesome menu for Bunyan’s Lunchbox.

The food truck, Bunyan’s Lunchbox, is a welcome addition to the brewery, specializing in beer-infused sausages and a hard-tack chowder with Palo Santo Marron (my favorite DFH beer).  Yum!!!

The newly added warehouse!

The newly added warehouse!

You really can’t leave without some fresh threads to show your brewery loyalty..oh, and a case of 120-minute IPA…go ahead, live a little.

Had a fantastic time and I’d love to stay longer on my next visit!

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Pizza Vinoteca

Pizza Vinoteca | 15 Union Square W, NYC

I hate having a bad case of the Mondays.  Fortunately for me, I found myself standing outside a recent obsession of mine: Pizza Vinoteca.  Happy Hour.  All drinks $5.  Yes, yes, YES!

iPad Ordering - This is the way of the future, people!

iPad Ordering – This is the way of the future, people!

We were seated in the more casual downstairs area for the happy hour, closer to the pizza kitchen (which means closer to the food – hey, I’m not going to complain!).  For our initial drinks we chose the Boulevardier cocktail (Bourbon focused with Aperol, Carpano, orange bitters and a touch of Moscato) and the fizzy and dry wine Gragnano.  Both were a refreshing way to start our meal and complemented both the complementary table snacks (pistachios, olives and prosciutto) and our appetizers.

Left: Boulevardier cocktail, Gragnano wine; Right: Pistachios, Olives and Prosciutto

Left: Boulevardier cocktail, Gragnano wine; Right: Pistachios, Olives and Prosciutto

With Pizza in the name you may be hesitant to try their other dishes.  Well, I’m here to tell you that their small plates are just as amazing!

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

These little bouquets of asparagus tied with thin sliced, perfectly salty prosciutto are crazy savory; so savory that the accompanying frisée of chive and cantaloupe falls a bit flat.  Sure it looks pretty, but let’s face it – you came for the left side of the plate.

Arancini - Dear Lord, the smells!

Arancini – Dear Lord, the smells!

The Arancini are mind blowing.  In just one bite, the crispy outside gives way to a creamy inside.  These are the mini Arancini that I dream of; that some other places just can’t quite nail.  The truffle aioli?  Pungeant, mouthwatering, decadent, I can’t stop eating it, send help…

…but let’s get to the main event: the pizzas!

Mmmm..a spicy Nduja Meatball!

Mmmm..a spicy Nduja Meatball!

If you love a spicy meatball, go for the Nduja Meatball pizza.  It definitely brings the heat with very little pain so that you get a good sense of the other ingredients (kale pesto, tomato, fontina).

The quirky Hawaiian pizza!

The quirky Hawaiian pizza!

My favorite is the Hawaiian pizza.  I have never had anything like it with its vanilla flavored pineapple, succulent prosciutto, flavorful peppers, and fontina and mozzarella cheeses.

These pizzas are not your typical New York slice (so don’t come here looking for one!) – they are thin and crispy works of culinary art.

To accompany our pizzas we selected glasses of Tripudium (deep, complex, rich dark fruit) and Lagrein (bright cherry, herbs); both were excellent choices.

Of course we left room for a dessert…

Tiramisu Gelato Panini...no, seriously.

Tiramisu Gelato Panini…no, seriously.

Yes, you should get a Gelato Panini, and yes, you should share it.  The rich Tiramisu gelato is nestled in a cake sandwich and it is so good.  I love grown up, fun desserts!

Pizza Vinoteca stole my heart after only one visit and keeps me coming back.  Happy hour or no happy hour, this is a fun and delicious place to unwind with those in your life who make things a little less crazy!

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Turning Point of Hoboken

Turning Point of Hoboken | 1420 Frank Sinatra Dr, Hoboken, NJ

Welcome to the Brunch Edition!

I am obsessed with brunch.  Obsessed.  The fact that I can roll out of bed around 11 am, grab a friend or two, and enjoy amped up breakfast dishes (and an adult beverage or two) thrills me to no end.

The Turning Point of Hoboken has seriously got it going on for brunch!  Their full menu includes salads, sandwiches and the like but they also have a wide and varied menu of mouthwatering breakfast-type eats.  As if things couldn’t get any better; they allow BYOB.  Who needs bottomless Mimosas when you can show up with your own bottle (or two) of Prosecco?  Just order some fresh squeezed OJ and you’re all set!

Seasonal Fruit Bowl

Seasonal Fruit Bowl

The Seasonal Fruit Bowl is a great light starter.  It is plenty of fruit for two people and is unbelievably fresh.  This particular bowl had strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, grapes, mango, and honeydew melon.  I seriously hate when honeydew melon pieces are under-ripe and bitterly crunchy, so I was elated to find that these pieces were so sweet and ripe.  Yes!!!

Fit and Trim Combo

Fit and Trim Combo

Sometimes I like to pretend that I really want to eat healthy at brunch.  This menu has you covered with a section of choices that may be a bit better than those delicious fried and buttered things.  The Fit and Trim Combo is just fun: egg whites, spinach, tomatoes and turkey sausage in a honey wheat wrap with a fruit cup and oatmeal cup with fixings (brown sugar and raisins).  The spinach and tomatoes do make the wrap a tad watery but the flavor is great.  The oatmeal is thick and hearty and the fruit, again, is so fresh.

Corn Bread French Toast

Corn Bread French Toast

This is corn bread all grown up: apples, caramel sauce, toasted pecans and vanilla bean mascarpone.  Who knew that corn bread would make such an amazing French toast?  This dish is sweet and savory and – if you love corn bread – you will go crazy for it.  I also have to give Turning Point kudos for their deliciously thick and smoky bacon.

Turning Point of Hoboken is a thrilling option for brunch in the area.  Their breakfast menu is extensive enough to ensure that you will be a repeat customer.  I know I will be!

 

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Baohaus

Baohaus | 238 East 14th St, NYC

Ah, 14th Street..land of the tiny yet innovative eateries all sandwiched together, each fighting for its spot on the block.  Baohaus is no exception; from its dark, gritty interior to the rap, trap, or techno permeating through the speakers.

You know you can't wait to eat here.

You know you can’t wait to eat here.

Baohaus serves up a simple menu of Taiwanese-Chinese buns that are highly addictive.  Go past the chill urban servers at the register and you’ll see there is a small seating area as well as stairs leading down to another.  Sure, you can take your buns to go – but why not stay for the whole experience?

Uncle Jesse Bao

Uncle Jesse Bao

The Uncle Jesse Bao – with its tantalizing combination of lightly crisp organic tofu, crushed peanuts, cilantro and delicious sauce – is a major treat for non-meat eaters.  The sauce and Taiwanese red sugar really bring the flavors over the top.

Fried Chicken Coffin Bao

Fried Chicken Coffin Bao

The Fried Chicken Coffin Bao is SERIOUS!  Delectably crunchy fried chicken is placed in a large fried bao and covered with cilantro, Taiwanese red sugar, chili condensed milk syrup, and crushed peanuts.  Please, do me a favor and try this bun at least once in your life.

Red Panda Fries

Red Panda Fries

No trip to Baohaus is ever complete without an order of Taro Fries.  This trip, we were lucky enough to have the special Red Panda Fries.  These seasoned taro fries are topped with savory chicken and onions, cilantro, peanuts, and spices.  Look at that cute street food-esque take out box they’re in!  They were definitely enough to share but worth fighting over!

Check out Baohaus for yourselves!  Bring friends, colleagues, your grandma…give them a taste of something deliciously different!

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Eddie’s Roadhouse

Eddie’s Roadhouse | 18 Main St, Warwick, NY

Who doesn’t love a unique multiple course dinner paired with craft beers?  The folks at Eddie’s Roadhouse host one special beer dinner a month, each featuring a different craft brewery.  It is a ticketed event that often sells out and is repeated a second night due to high demand.  This particular beer dinner featured a favorite brewery of mine – Founders (Grand Rapids, Michigan); little did I know what rare brew surprises would lay in store!

We began the night with the refreshingly hoppy Nitro Pale Ale to accompany a cheese dip and homemade chips.  The chips were crisp and not greasy and were perfect for dipping in the tangy, vegetable chunked cheese dip.

Cheese dip with house made chips

Cheese dip with house made chips

The first surprise brew of the evening was their sweet, boozy Curmudgeon old ale from 2013.  This is one of my favorites and it paired perfectly with a Michigan/White Hot.  The sweet dog was topped with a house made sweet mango honey mustard that finished with a mustard kick.  Next to the dog was a scoop of grilled potato salad with creamy, tangy mustard and topped with smoky bacon and chive.

White hot Michigans with grilled potato salad

Michigan/White Hot with grilled potato salad

Playful was the key word of the next course.  Mango Magnifico Con Colore, the imperial fruit beer aged with habaneros, was served with a three berry spinach salad.  The spicy, fruity and complex beer was cooled by goat cheese and played off the tang of the berries and the amazingly fruity and thick blackberry balsamic vinaigrette.

Three berry spinach salad

Three berry spinach salad

The next course was another small plate: a mixed slider of brisket, chuck and short rib meat with melted Brie and bacon onion jam served with onion rings and house made sriracha ketchup.  The beer for this course was the Devil Dancer, a limited series triple IPA featuring 10 different hops.  This beer kicks off slightly sweet on the palate then finishes with a bit of bitterness from the hops.  The fat of the juicy slider helped to cut the high 12% abv.

Brisket, chuck and short rib slider

Brisket, chuck and short rib slider

The main course was the most ambitious one:  a grilled ribeye topped with Morbier cheese with edible ash in a wine reduction accompanied by rich cauliflower mashed potatoes and green beans.  The Smoked Porter paired well with the strong aroma and flavor of the cheese and the smokiness of the grilled meat.

Grilled ribeye

Grilled ribeye

A small trio of decadent desserts was then served to us along side a 2013 Backwoods Bastard (aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels, perhaps my favorite Founders offering!).  The Nutella cheesecake was rich with a slightly sweet caramel topping.  The mini cannoli was piped fresh with a hint of cinnamon and caramel in the cream and was perfect.  The bourbon chocolate cupcake was by far my favorite, topped with a bourbon ganache and candied bacon.

Bourbon chocolate cupcake, mini cannoli and Nutella cheesecake

Bourbon chocolate cupcake, mini cannoli and Nutella cheesecake

With the combination of rarities from Founders and the innovative cuisine of the kitchen, Eddie’s Roadhouse proves that it is not afraid to create an experience above the norm for its patrons and fans.

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Something Sweet Dessert Café

Something Sweet Dessert Café | 17 North St, Middletown, NY

Tucked away near the corner of North Street is quite the cute café. Something Sweet specializes in desserts and custom cakes but also serves an extensive menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrées.

I stopped in for a Saturday lunch and began with the Middle Eastern Sharing Platter: sweet baked Naan bread served with four dips; red pepper tapenade, homemade hummus, basil pesto, and spicy garlic dipping oil.

Middle Eastern Sharing Platter

Middle Eastern Sharing Platter

Each dip had its own character and all were successful in tempting our appetites. We did have to order a second basket of the Naan triangles; we weren’t going to let those dips go to waste!

Gazpacho

Gazpacho

A cool and refreshing gazpacho was offered as a special on this hot summer’s day. It had all the right flavors, but was simple with a base of pureed tomato and topped with green onion and crunchy croutons.

Strawberry chicken salad

Strawberry chicken salad

Another special of the day was a strawberry chicken salad with a poppy seed dressing. The chicken was moist and pleasantly seasoned and the dressing was vibrant with a slight tang.

Quinoa Sweet Potato Cake

Quinoa Sweet Potato Cake

The Quinoa Sweet Potato Cake caught my eye with its combination of smoked Gouda, vegetables, sweet potato cubes and side of homemade cranberry-pineapple relish. The tart of the relish paired perfectly with the herbed vegetables and the grains made this a hearty and satisfying dish.

Something Sweet is a treasure for my hometown and I couldn’t be more pleased with its existence. Alas, I had no room for one of their tempting desserts, but there will be a next time.

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Roman Nose

Roman Nose | 125 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ

I always look forward to a meal at this authentic Italian kitchen. It makes my Italian-American heart cry for joy when I can roll in here with a few friends and share one of my favorite Jersey City experiences with them.

Roman Nose recently expanded their space to include more tables and a bar area that serves up refreshing cocktails. Their menu is consistently excellent; you just can’t go wrong with their traditional offerings or their daily specials.

2008 Mocali Brunello di Montalcino

2008 Mocali Brunello di Montalcino

We selected a delicious red wine to start, the 2008 Mocali Brunello di Montalcino. This was a big wine, full of deep, dark red fruits, medium toasted oak, and in-your-face tannins that I could only describe as playful…hey, I like to play hard.

Eggplant Parmigiano

Eggplant Parmigiano

I couldn’t say no to the special Eggplant Parmigiano. It arrived perfectly fried in a vibrant tomato sauce; its thin layers almost resembled a Napoleon or pasta-less lasagna. I would love to make something like this for Sunday supper.

Tagliatelle with rosemary and fennel sausage

Tagliatelle with rosemary and fennel sausage

The house-made Tagliatelle is always an excellent choice. This hearty pasta was enrobed in a luxurious cream sauce accompanied by savory rosemary and fennel sausage.

Taglierini with pine nuts and vegetables

Taglierini with pine nuts and vegetables

Another special of the evening, I really enjoyed the house-made Taglierini with pine nuts and vegetables. This thin yet rustic pasta was coated in a deliciously earthy pesto.

Broccoli di Rapa and Verdure alla Griglia

Broccoli di Rapa and Verdure alla Griglia

Two sides that we are never without here are the Verdure alla Griglia and the Broccoli di Rapa. The mixed vegetables are grilled to perfection and drizzled with a tantalizing aged balsamic. The broccoli rabe is tender, bitter, and loaded with fresh sautéed garlic.

You always need a side of meatballs….

Meatball bowl

Meatball bowl

These veal, pork, and beef meatballs are seasoned perfectly and can be ordered in several different ways. We chose a bowl of 4 meatballs in their zesty Sunday Sauce and Parmigiano with two pieces of bread on top. They are so good; they may even be better than my own mother’s (but don’t tell her I said that)!!

What’s a second bottle of wine amongst friends? A great idea, that’s what. The elegantly fruity Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso 2012 paired perfectly with the rich and delicate house-made Tiramisu.

House-made Tiramisu

House-made Tiramisu

This dessert is so delectable, you may not want to share!

I am so happy that we found a neighborhood go-to that serves elegantly comforting Italian fare. Rather than keep it a secret, I wish them success and plenty of patrons!

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Pouring Ribbons

Pouring Ribbons | 225 Avenue B, NYC

I am a huge fan of unique cocktail bars and NYC has no short supply. It thrills me when I come across one that has actual personality and fantastic cocktails, like Pouring Ribbons.

The bar itself has a gorgeous wooden interior that is more classic than contemporary. We chose to sit at the bar, close to the mixing action.

Round One

Left: Bad Habit, Right: She's No Lady

Left: Bad Habit, Right: She’s No Lady

Bad Habit – Wild Turkey 101 Rye, Cantaloupe, Cynar, Egg White, Laphroaig Quarter Cask: This was my favorite of the four that we tried and I would return just for this drink. The Wild Turkey 101 Rye and Laphroaig Quarter Cask gave it a nice, strong punch while the cantaloupe and egg white kept it fruity and frothy. I truly felt like a lady-like tough girl sipping on this wonderful creation.

She’s No Lady – Linie Aquavit, Lemon, Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, Lemongrass Syrup, Celery Bitters: This cocktail was incredibly refreshing and absolutely perfect for a hot summer day. I recommend this drink if you are not looking for a strong flavor of spirits.

Round Two

Left: East of Eden, Right: Chartreuse Swizzle

Left: East of Eden, Right: Chartreuse Swizzle

East of Eden – Citadelle Gin, Lime, Laird’s 7 ½ Yr Apple Brandy, Orgeat, Granny Smith Apple: Another refreshing cocktail with pleasant apple notes from the brandy.

Chartreuse Swizzle – Typically, it consists of Chartreuse (a French herbal liquor similar to Strega), falernum, pineapple juice and lime juice and garnished with nutmeg and a mint sprig: This delicious drink was served in a tall glass packed with shaved ice to keep the booze level steady throughout.

The menu at Pouring Ribbons has enough variety to keep me coming back and their garnishes are fresh and beautiful. The mixologists behind the bar are very accessible and will even write the recipes you would like to know about on the backs of their post cards. We had a great discussion about Chartreuse with ours, it was great to learn about a liquor that is, to us, unfamiliar.

Pouring Ribbons proves that it is not one of many cocktail bars; it is truly unique.

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Terroir Tribeca

Terroir Tribeca | 24 Harrison St., NYC

Who doesn’t love a wine bar with a kitchen that serves up delicious bites, cheeses, meats, and sandwiches? We decided to stop in to Terroir Tribeca on a weeknight before a concert. Would we stay for just one glass of wine before moving on in search of dinner or would we find everything we needed here? It turns out that Terroir was exactly what were looking for.

I began with a tantalizing rosé, Fronton de Oro 2013. It was perfect for the day; refreshingly fruity up front that gives way to a dry finish. I paired it with some small plates:

The Marinated Olives were a generous and varied assortment.

Marinated Olives

Marinated Olives

The Saucy Mozzarella Balls were crispy and the perfect consistency. I enjoyed the fact that they were not piping hot and could be enjoyed immediately, and they were playfully pierced with toothpicks for easy pick up.

Saucy Mozzarella Balls

Saucy Mozzarella Balls

The Whipped Lardo Bruschetta at first glance resembles garlic toast. Once you bite into the toasted, crunchy outer, the bread gives way to a flavorful hint of melted pork fat.

Whipped Lardo Bruschetta

Whipped Lardo Bruschetta

It was decided, at this point, that we would stay for two more dishes to fill us up before the night’s entertainment. Another glass of wine couldn’t hurt, right?

I have a growing fascination with Greek wines and quickly became a fan of the Strofilia Agiorgitiko 2010; a medium bodied red with soft deep berry up front – and a zing of a finish!

The savory Veal and Ricotta Meatballs arrived nestled in a tangy sauce that just begged to be sopped up with bread, so an order of garlic toast was a must.

Veal and Ricotta Meatballs

Veal and Ricotta Meatballs

The showstopper of the evening was the Duck Ham Panini. It was a comforting combination of warm, crisp bread, delicate taleggio cheese and hen of the woods mushrooms, and succulent duck.

Duck Ham Panini

Duck Ham Panini

A final decision had to be made: one more glass of wine?   Sure, why not!

The deliciously thick and fruit forward Mourvèdre 2011 from La Bastide Blanche would send me on my way, thoroughly satisfied and ready for my evening.

Next time, we may need to leave room for one of their Chocolate Budinos or House-Made Apple Cider Donuts!

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