Come dine with me...
Aug. 1st, 2004 02:55 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
gfrancieYesterday evening Mr. Jenner and I went to Bizarro Italian Cafe for dinner. I believe the first time we tried to go there it was very busy, they forgot to put our name on the waiting list and after an hour of sitting/standing around we gave up and went to Dick's. The first impression was not exactly inspiring.
We gave it another go because the place seemed kind of neat. We had another bit of a wait that time but after that we were given lovely service and had a fun meal. This discusses that experience.
I was thinking yesterday how much I liked that place so we thought, what the heck let's see what they have to show us this time.
We arrived around eight o'clock and lucked out and got a table with in a second or two of walking in. They brought out their lovely herb-decorated bread and olive oil and vinegar mix. While we made our way through that we perused the menu and argued the merits of various appetizers. We decided to have the antipasto platter. I have some incredible experiences with antipasto platters and some that were just down-right depressing. I think this feel somewhere in the middle. There were many things too pick at. olives, pickled vegetables, roasted garlic, crostinis, thin shoestring-like slices of salami and pastrami and cheeses. That I think was one of the disappointing factors within the platter. I don't need a lot of meat and cheese to satisfy me but I like it look a little more...present. The pickled vegetables were too spicy (but I did like the tomatoes) and the roasted garlic was perfect. Absolutely delicious. So sweet and sexy. I ate my weight in olives and generally liked the presentation of everything. Next was the soup. On a lark I suggested we try the soup. It was a creamy carrot and garlic soup with a goats cheese crouton. I think the soup was the highlight of the entire meal. It had this perfect cream base that balanced sweet and salty flavors so beautifully. There were small flecks of carrots throughout the soup and when matched with the garlic it made one feel tingly. THEN one would catch small zinging like flavors of the tangy goat cheese and it made the jaw slightly ache. Oh I fell inlove. Mr. Jenner commented that he could eat this soup forever and ever until he couldn't eat a single bite ever again. I gave my compliments to the chef. I may have to go back and ask for the recipe. This was truly one of the finer cream soups.
For our main course Mr. Jenner chose a penne pasta with a cream sauce (he was sticking with a theme I think) chicken, and basil. They offer an interesting selection on the menu. They allow you to pick a pasta, then choose from a number of different sauces (alfredo, marinara, pesto, etc) and then if you would like they could add meat or seafood or mushrooms and you kind of create the dish. I think this is a really lovely choice for people who might be particular about what they want to eat or children who can participate a little more in their food choices. They might experiment a little or keep it safe.
I chose to have the sun-dried tomato and feta mezzaluna. crescent shaped pasta filled with mushrooms on a bed of spinach with sundried tomatoes, a white wine sauce with a crumbling of feta on top. Another dish that has definite flavors and while the pasta itself was a bit unexciting it was held up by everything surrounding it. It was very satisfying. This is a dish that could be easy to make and served at a dinner party if everyone is game for strong flavors.
We felt too full for desert but their selections for the evening did look good. They had mango or coconut sorbet, a lemon tart, a tiramazu and some sort of chocolate dessert (I forgot to catch the name of it)
The restaurant has a nice selection of wines either by the glass, 1/2 liter or bottle and they have one or two specials which one should keep their eyes open to. They usually have a good vegetarian option on special, a lasagna and a fish choice.
The atmosphere of the place is a bit funky, very casual and quite friendly. If one doesn't mind being surrounded by "interesting" art and maze-like paths around the restaurant I think one will enjoy themselves. Last night since it was so pretty out they had a large window/door completely open so it was semi alfresco dining. Relaxing on a Summer evening.
One of the amusing surprises of the evening was that one of the servers was someone I had not seen in years and had grown up with.
Seth was someone I was in ballet with. We partnered together and spent more time together then we did with our families. As a kid he looked and danced like a miniature Baryshnikov. Right down to the beautiful feet and the tousled hair. He is now a pretty sissy and still lovely looking as ever. (think Greek God) I do believe this cements Mr. Jenner's theory about me knowing everyone in the entire universe.
....
Today is perfect. We took care of most of the grocery shopping of the week (I should pick up some goat cheese, fish, and new peaches at the market at some point this week) then we had a disgustingly relaxed afternoon of listening to This American Life, reading the paper and doing nothing.
I think I want to go to Croatia. I was reading an article about it in the travel section of the paper and it looks very pretty.
Tonight for dinner I will make more pasta.
We gave it another go because the place seemed kind of neat. We had another bit of a wait that time but after that we were given lovely service and had a fun meal. This discusses that experience.
I was thinking yesterday how much I liked that place so we thought, what the heck let's see what they have to show us this time.
We arrived around eight o'clock and lucked out and got a table with in a second or two of walking in. They brought out their lovely herb-decorated bread and olive oil and vinegar mix. While we made our way through that we perused the menu and argued the merits of various appetizers. We decided to have the antipasto platter. I have some incredible experiences with antipasto platters and some that were just down-right depressing. I think this feel somewhere in the middle. There were many things too pick at. olives, pickled vegetables, roasted garlic, crostinis, thin shoestring-like slices of salami and pastrami and cheeses. That I think was one of the disappointing factors within the platter. I don't need a lot of meat and cheese to satisfy me but I like it look a little more...present. The pickled vegetables were too spicy (but I did like the tomatoes) and the roasted garlic was perfect. Absolutely delicious. So sweet and sexy. I ate my weight in olives and generally liked the presentation of everything. Next was the soup. On a lark I suggested we try the soup. It was a creamy carrot and garlic soup with a goats cheese crouton. I think the soup was the highlight of the entire meal. It had this perfect cream base that balanced sweet and salty flavors so beautifully. There were small flecks of carrots throughout the soup and when matched with the garlic it made one feel tingly. THEN one would catch small zinging like flavors of the tangy goat cheese and it made the jaw slightly ache. Oh I fell inlove. Mr. Jenner commented that he could eat this soup forever and ever until he couldn't eat a single bite ever again. I gave my compliments to the chef. I may have to go back and ask for the recipe. This was truly one of the finer cream soups.
For our main course Mr. Jenner chose a penne pasta with a cream sauce (he was sticking with a theme I think) chicken, and basil. They offer an interesting selection on the menu. They allow you to pick a pasta, then choose from a number of different sauces (alfredo, marinara, pesto, etc) and then if you would like they could add meat or seafood or mushrooms and you kind of create the dish. I think this is a really lovely choice for people who might be particular about what they want to eat or children who can participate a little more in their food choices. They might experiment a little or keep it safe.
I chose to have the sun-dried tomato and feta mezzaluna. crescent shaped pasta filled with mushrooms on a bed of spinach with sundried tomatoes, a white wine sauce with a crumbling of feta on top. Another dish that has definite flavors and while the pasta itself was a bit unexciting it was held up by everything surrounding it. It was very satisfying. This is a dish that could be easy to make and served at a dinner party if everyone is game for strong flavors.
We felt too full for desert but their selections for the evening did look good. They had mango or coconut sorbet, a lemon tart, a tiramazu and some sort of chocolate dessert (I forgot to catch the name of it)
The restaurant has a nice selection of wines either by the glass, 1/2 liter or bottle and they have one or two specials which one should keep their eyes open to. They usually have a good vegetarian option on special, a lasagna and a fish choice.
The atmosphere of the place is a bit funky, very casual and quite friendly. If one doesn't mind being surrounded by "interesting" art and maze-like paths around the restaurant I think one will enjoy themselves. Last night since it was so pretty out they had a large window/door completely open so it was semi alfresco dining. Relaxing on a Summer evening.
One of the amusing surprises of the evening was that one of the servers was someone I had not seen in years and had grown up with.
Seth was someone I was in ballet with. We partnered together and spent more time together then we did with our families. As a kid he looked and danced like a miniature Baryshnikov. Right down to the beautiful feet and the tousled hair. He is now a pretty sissy and still lovely looking as ever. (think Greek God) I do believe this cements Mr. Jenner's theory about me knowing everyone in the entire universe.
....
Today is perfect. We took care of most of the grocery shopping of the week (I should pick up some goat cheese, fish, and new peaches at the market at some point this week) then we had a disgustingly relaxed afternoon of listening to This American Life, reading the paper and doing nothing.
I think I want to go to Croatia. I was reading an article about it in the travel section of the paper and it looks very pretty.
Tonight for dinner I will make more pasta.
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no subject
Date: 2004-08-01 04:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-08-02 10:06 am (UTC)I think it is hit and miss. When it works, it works beautifully.
I happen to like many members of the staff and so far my experience has been good.
I think I would like to go back again and see what happens.
I like to try places a number of times and see if places have off nights and what not.
I need to research a few new places to try....more reviews.
to
Date: 2004-08-01 07:23 pm (UTC)Re: to
Date: 2004-08-02 10:11 am (UTC)Re: to
Date: 2004-08-02 11:39 am (UTC)Re: to
Date: 2004-08-02 01:54 pm (UTC)Re: to
Date: 2004-08-02 02:44 pm (UTC)Re: to
Date: 2004-08-02 06:11 pm (UTC)Re: to
Date: 2004-08-03 01:28 pm (UTC)Re: to
Date: 2004-08-04 08:22 pm (UTC)sung to the tune of
Date: 2004-08-01 08:01 pm (UTC)Re: sung to the tune of
Date: 2004-08-02 10:15 am (UTC)Re: sung to the tune of
Date: 2004-08-02 10:20 am (UTC)Re: sung to the tune of
Date: 2004-08-02 10:25 am (UTC)Re: sung to the tune of
Date: 2004-08-02 10:26 am (UTC)Re: sung to the tune of
Date: 2004-08-02 10:29 am (UTC)What do I make for dinner?
Re: sung to the tune of
Date: 2004-08-02 10:36 am (UTC)Re: sung to the tune of
Date: 2004-08-02 10:49 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-08-02 10:30 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-08-02 10:51 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-08-02 11:31 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-08-02 01:49 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-08-02 11:25 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-08-03 08:09 am (UTC)