Stephanie K.
Yelp
Dropped in for a casual solo dinner, happy to watch the place fill up while I sampled a variety of dishes & wine pairings.
The wine list has a lovely variety of options by the glass, several Italian, all with detailed tasting notes. I started with a not-too-sweet Lambrusco and their award-winning Caesar on Mediha's recommendation. I love a good Caesar, but this one is truly unique, with the savory anchovy balanced by a touch of apple-sweet, a dash of citrus, and an exciting crunch compliments of their house-made granola - a delightful alternative to the typical crouton.
Next I tried the medium-bodied Super Tuscan with the seasonal Roasted Cauliflower. Cauli could have had a better char, although was not overcooked. Flavor-wise, the delightful emulsion of citrus, earthy seaweed, and warming Calabrian chili carried the dish, especially paired with golden raisins and crisp breadcrumbs. White grapes were a little texturally confusing, but not upsetting.
I was most excited about the pasta, as it's all made in-house. I'm a sucker for Cacio e Pepe, but was recommended to have the Carbonara (which I also love), and was happy to find the best of both worlds with a perfect harmony of rich cream, Pecorino Romano, and fresh cracked black pepper sitting among chunks of local bacon, which is lean and has a flavor profile somewhere between aged ham and salami. The fusilli is in lovely long strands, very satisfying, although a little beyond Al dente.
I should have stopped there because I was quite full, and continued following Mediha's wonderful advice, but instead was a sucker for chocolate and had the Budino. Sadly, I can't recommend this one without major changes. The chocolate mousse and whipped cream are both quite nice, but separated by a thick layer of do-nothing pecans and quite awful olive oil tinged by medicinal orange. I had to pour off the syrupy elixir and ask for more flake salt to make it palatable. I did hear the Pistachio Olive Oil Cake is their speciality and would love to sample on a return trip!
Overall, service was impeccable, vibe is fun and upscale, food is great quality and you can trust the servers who are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable. Definitely a must-try!