Return to Accanto

Even though we are huge fans of Ryan Baldwin, we don't make it out to Accanto very often since we live in the city and this little gem of a bar/restaurant is located in the interior of the Short Pump area. In fact, we have to check Google maps to find it, or wander around lost with the natives cussing us out as we slow down and make u-turns. Strangers in a strange land indeed.

This past week we did find out way to Accanto enticed by their three course menu on Mondays and Tuesdays for $25.

While we came for the food, service is important as well. At first our waiter was a bit off the mark with our bread arriving, but no utensils. Once utensils were placed, the service did not miss a beat. I was particularly thrilled with the attentive wine service. Well done!

Everything we had was delicious. I wanted to share some of the highlights.

Grilled Calamari with Arugula, White Beans, and Parmesan: While I like fried calamari, I have shied away from the grilled version. I knew On this night, I decided to try it. The calamari was extremely tender with a subtle char. The beans were done (yeah!) and the light lemon added the perfect touch. Light and tasty.

Flash Fried Oysters with Mango and Coconut: Of course, my hubby could not resist the oysters. He liked the creative accompaniments. 

Charred Filet of Beef with Yukon Gold and Queso Stuffed Baby Pepper Rellinos: Perfectly medium rare.  I also enjoyed the potato and cheese stuffed peppers. The peppers were roasted and peeled before being stuffed. I really like roasted peppers and the filling made it even better. Yummy!

White Chocolate Black Pepper Cheesecake with Brandies Kumquats: Very sweet with a tiny jolt of pepper.  Inventive and satisfying.

Kudos to Ryan for his excellent cuisine. The folks residing in the very, very far west end are lucky to have such a wonderful spot for dinner and drink. And for you wine-imbibers, Accanto features half price wine on Wednesdays.

Have a Delicious Evening at Accanto

Okay all of you living in the Far West End/Short Pump area - Listen up! Accanto is nestled amongst you and it is very good.

Accanto is connected to Little Venice and located on Ridgefield Parkway. It was tough for us to find, but all of you locals out there should be able to zero in on the location very quickly.

When you walk in, the space looks like a bar. Well, it is a bar, with contemporary black bar stools and furniture. A full complement of cocktails can be mixed. A decent wine list is available.

But the best thing about Accanto is the chef - Ryan Baldwin. Ryan used to delight my taste buds at Tastebuds American Bistro. He decided to try a new venture and landed at Accanto to showcase his considerable talent. His menu is creative and inventive.

I'll let a few pictures entice you.

Guajillo Duck Confit Tacos with radish, pear-jicama-tomatillo salsa, crema, queso fresco, plantain chips

I'm always a sucker for duck. This was very good. I loved the plantain chips as well as the pear-based salsa. 

Ginger Pork Barbeque Spring Rolls with cucumber-cilantro dipping coulis, daikon, and mango

Crispy roll, but not oily. The pork had a lovely smoky flavor.

Braised Pork Belly Sliders with Scotch Bonnet Goat Cheese

This dish came with three HUGE sliders. The pork belly was oh-so-tender. The goat cheese was not scorching hot. I ate one and took the other two home to make tasty leftovers.

with Grilled Pineapple Jicama Napa Slaw

This was such an incredible slaw/salad. Perfect for summer time dining. A bit of sweet, a bit of crunch, many mouthfuls of delight.

Curry Salmon with Marcona Almonds

Hubby is usually a sucker for salmon. Very satisfying for him.

Lavender Creme Brulee

We both marveled at the floral tones and we were very pleased with the presentation.

Yummy, yummy.

Of course, we wish Ryan were closer to our home, but Accanto is worth visiting. Ryan is a talented young chef and can conjure up dining magic. If you live nearby and you are pining for delicious creativity, you must go! At last you will not have to venture into the city proper (and the tax is only 5%!).