Tempt Your Taster at Bin 22

The new year brings a welcome new free tasting at Bin 22 every Wednesday beginning January 14. The tastebud enlightenment will begin at 6 PM with a line up of 3-5 wines. I can't wait!

Sensi: A Feast for the Senses

I had read numerous montions of Sensi possibly closing. This establishment had been on my must-try list, but alas, we had not made it there. Despite all of the raves. Despite being listed on Open Table. We finally remedied the situation on Friday.

First of all, I fell in love with the space. Soaring ceilings, red and gold interior, fantastic bar, gold mesh curtains used to divide the room, a trance beat emanating from the speakers.

The menu featured numerous temptations. Our dilemma was palpable. Pasta or entree? Wait - lobster bisque with chive foam! No, I want calamari! Hang on, the pasta can be served as half portions. Brett our waiter displayed much patience. We finally decided on a half order of Bolognese - Hand-cut Pappardelle and Braised Meat Ragu ($12) and then FIRE ROASTED MONTPAK FARMS' "FRENCHED" VEAL CHOP with "Beurre Noisette", Trapani Capers and Garlic "chips" ($38) for me and "CHAIRMAN RESERVE" FILET MIGNON AND BEL ARIA AGED BALSAMIC VINEGAR "ESPAGNOLE" ($27). We also ordered a side of zucchini and almonds drizzled in balsamic vinegar ($4.50). The Bolognese turned out to be heavenly. The pasta was perfect and the slow-cooked sauce melded delightfully. If you are not a vegetarian, then you MUST try this dish!!! As we finished the pasta we wondered if the entrees would be able to compare. Unfortunately, the filet mignon did not measure up. While this would have been a great entree anywhere else, compared to the pasta, it rang out as average. A bit too charred on the outside. But the huge veal chop was up to the challenge. Perfectly roasted with herbs. And the garlic chips (yes, crispy just like potato chips) and capers only enhanced the taste sensations. This might have been the only dish that could have stood up to the magnificence of the pasta. The balsamic vinegar made the zucchini better than average.

For the wine we selected a 2004 Terribianca Campaccio ($75). My hubby was a wee bit disappointed that the wine seemed lighter than expected (70% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon), but I thought it paired well with both the pasta and the veal. Since he helped finish the bottle, I don't think he was that put off by it. But we did have difficulty finding a wine. The choices under $50 were sparse and simply did not appeal and the over $50 seemed to have a substantial mark-up, thus, not making me feel comfortable paying the price. The food is so good that I will want to return, but because the food is so good, it will require wine to complete the experience. The wine prices may be a deterrent.

We finished the evening with a Caffe Amore (Godiva chocolate liqueur and Kahlua) and Caffe Romana (Sambucca) ($8). A nice warm, fuzzy feeling before tramping out into the cold, January night.

If nothing else - go try the pasta.

It's Vegas for Me Baby!

Sometime soon my hubby and I will be heading to Las Vegas for a week. Since there are so many options to indulge and imbibe, I'm looking for suggestions.

Where would you eat/drink?