We walked in at about 7:30 pm and were seated immediately. It helped that it's been raining like crazy for the last three days and the restaurant did not seem overly busy.
I immediately reviewed the wine list hoping to find a Nerello Mascalese, but to no avail (we tried our first Nerello Mascalese at A-16 a few months ago--here's my posting about our meal). Our server sent the wine director over, and she engaged us in a fun conversation about Nerello Mascaleses and other similar wines. She pointed out several pinot neros and an interesting Sardinian wine that might be a suitable substitute for us. We chose the wine from Sardegna, 6 Mura, a medium bodied, ripe fruit wine with notes of mint herbs and leather and some tobacco. It was an inspired recommendation.
For food, we ordered three antipasti to share--Grilled Percorino with marinated mushrooms, Red Chard with tomato, fennel and anchovy and Fried Brussel Sprouts with garlic, capers, lemon and parsley. Each dish was outstanding. It's hard to beat grilled cheese, and the crispy pecorino and sweet mushrooms hit the spot. The Red Chard and the brussel sprouts were equally spectacular. The chard was sweet, juicy and tasted like cabbage. The brussel sprouts were crispy and very lemony, and they were delicious.
Lou ordered the Carbonara-Guanciale, eggs, black pepper and pecorino over spaghetti. His dish was rich and eggy, and he loved it. I ordered Steelhead Salmon in porchetta with onion and radicchio agrodolce. The flavors of the fish were excellent, though my piece of salmon was full of bones, which meant that I picked a bone or two out of my mouth after each bite. That was not so pleasant, despite the outstanding flavors.
Despite the bones, the overall experience--the flavors of all the food, the wine, the attentive and friendly service, the warm atmosphere--was wonderful. I'm looking forward to going back.
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