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.
8 comments:
I bet your wine was cooked. Heat damaged from improper storage or transport. I've had that wine before, it is full flavored for sure, a little modern and boring from to much oak, but it shouldn't taste thin.
i love sensi. something about a restaurant that has oyster shooters (double oyster, good vodka, house made catsup/ketchup and horseradish foam) as appetizers just makes me want to return over and over. next time, try a martini!
in vino/whinemedineme
Sensi is Richmond's unsung hero and I cannot say enough good things about it. I adore this place.
What's the address? This place sounds great.
JP - Here is the address:
Sensi Italian Chop House
2222 East Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23223
Sensi is one of our faves! I wish they advertised more or had a website. I'd hate to see it close! We love the food, atmosphere, the fact that it's within walking distance, and especially appreciate that it's nonsmoking.
Sensi does have a website:
http://www.sensirestaurant.com/
Terribianca Campaccio @ $75 is a great value. The wine must have somehow been damaged or defected if it did not show strong flavor. Whenever i drank the Terrebianca Campaccio, it has always shown a balance of strong earthyness and some fruit which creates a delicious bold flavor of multiple layers.
I always sit at the bar at Sensi. The pappardelle bolognese is delicious. Bolognese sauce is done the old fashioned way, cooked slowly with fresh ingredients creating intense flavors. I also recommend Sensi, Very Good.
Post a Comment