Ann T.
Yelp
FOODGASM.
OK, on to my regular review methodology.
Location: Close to the downtown core - for us, it was a 6-minute drive from West Street. Street parking is available but limited so I'd get there a few minutes early in case you need to circle.
The place: The space is great - it's small, with bar seating and about a dozen tables or so. Very hip, casual vibe with great tunes.
The goods: Well, where oh where do I start? We ate our faces off is where I'll start. I ordered the shrimp as a starter - these were served in a ceramic, covered pot and I think they had been cooked in the oven but I don't know. All I know is that they were served in butter or oil, they were NOT cheap on the serving, and I enjoyed every last one of them along with that delicious crusty bread. But wait - I'm not done. I actually ordered another starter (yes, I am a pig but I shared this one) - olives and anchovies. I'm generally not a fan of anchovies but these were so, so good, with lemon and this nice zest of flavour that initially startled the f*ck out of my taste buds. My friend also approved. In fact, the first words of her mouth were 'Oh my God, WOMAN.' She had the beef tartar and loved it. As a main, I ordered the squid ink risotto (yep, you read right - risotto) with baby turnips and seared scallops. Jesus, Mary and Joseph was it ever good. There's not one thing I didn't like about the dish except for the fact that I had a little too much risotto! My friend ordered the homemade pappardelle with Portobello mushrooms. She didn't say much while she ate which means it was a hit. Then, because we hadn't eaten enough already, we ordered the chocolate tart for dessert. I'm shaking my head as I write this because I'm a) in disblief that I ate that much food and b) I am still in awe of that tart.
Service: Great! Our waitress even gave us tips of places to go the next day, and drew us a map of a secret beach spot.
Price point: $117 including tip, for all of that deliciousness. Definitely add this to your list if you're in the Moncton area.