Enoteca Sogno Continues to Please the Palate

We always enjoy eating at Enoteca Sogno.  Recently, we imbibed Aperol Spritzes (lovely for Spring or Summer)...

...split a Roasted Beet and Orange Salad...

...and indulged in Duck Confit and Arugula Salad.

Yum!

Notes and Observations

A few rants; a few raves.

I received an email from Acacia Midtown advertising a to-go lunch special. I usually do not open these since I am not available to take advantage of the offering, but last time I read about the crab cake and this month my mouth watered over the Banh Mi with duck sausage. In both emails (and past instances going back a few years) Acacia has stated this as the routine for ordering:

YOU KNOW HOW THIS WORKS..........

EMAIL US SOON, THEY SELL OUT FAST

YOUR NAME:

PHONE NUMBER:

NUMBER OF ORDERS:

CREDIT CARD NUMBER:

EXPIRATION DATE:

And apparently they sell out every time. Hello? Listen up people: NEVER SEND YOUR CREDIT CARD INFO VIA EMAIL!!!! You are opening yourselves up for identity theft. This is not a secure communication method. I emailed Acacia last time and expressed concern. No response. I emailed them again this time. No response. While I would trust Acacia with the preparation of food. I cannot trust them with how they would handle my credit card. Shame on Acacia for placing their loyal patrons at risk.

Let's face it. Fat Dragon is basically a bar with okay food. I appreciate the fact they have 24 taps and feature local brews. Their cocktails are strong and tasty. They even have impressive wine service. But the food did not wow us like their sister restaurants. Nothing wrong with being more bar than restaurant. And I love taking photos of the place.

While I have yet to find a bread that I like at Sub Rosa Bakery, they have THE BEST croissants. Both the plain and chocolate are to die for and transport me back to Paris when I eat them.

I am so pleased that Little House Green Grocery now carries shallots, onions, potatoes, and garlic! They also have fresh butter from Mountain View Farm in Fairfield, VA and KimKim sauce. Every week brings new delights.

The waiter that made us avoid Amuse for so long is not working there anymore (I have no idea where he went or when he left). Hubby and I rejoiced by having a luxuriously leisurely lunch there a couple of weeks ago.

View from our table

Kaleidoscope Sparkling Cocktail

Fried Oysters

Hangar Steak with Turnip Puree and Roasted Brussels Sprouts

While it looks like bonvenu has finally married up the menu prices on-line, on the printed menu, and in their charging system, in mid-January they had not. Based on our waitresses response when we questioned the bill, it seemed like a known problem. While our food and service was good, unaligned prices do not thrill me.

The Rocket Shrimp at Mekong continues to be a favorite and while Beer is the Answer, they also have a fine list of wines at truly incredible prices.

Rocket Shrimp

Beer may be the answer but Sass is in the glass

Shout outs to both Tastebuds American Bistro and Enoteca Sogno. Northside is so very lucky to have you both. We took out-of-town guests to Tastebuds and they were mightily impressed. We met three friends for dinner at Enoteca - all with different tastes, personalities, and allergies. Enoteca accommodated everyone with grace and deliciousness.

Last weekend we tried The Grey Hill Cafe, a food truck crafting sandwiches located in the Once Upon a Vine parking lot. Hubby enjoyed one of the largest crabcake sandwiches I've ever seen. I had turkey and meunster with arugula on marble rye. Very satisfying.

Finally, Northside (and for me specifically Ginter Park and Bellevue areas) needs, no, is desperate for, a GOOD local pizza delivery company. Zorba's on MacArthur was sold to someone else and the pizzas have not been the same. While the former Zorba's was not spectacular, we had figured out what to order and was happy (we also loved Mike, the delivery driver). Now, not so much. Mike left and we have tried Zorba's Express a couple of times and just can't order from them in their current state. We have not been impressed with Arianna's either. While we enjoy the chicken parm subs on occasion, we were disappointed in the pizza.  Please, any of you budding pizza makers or any old pros, please, please, consider a pizza delivery service for Northside!

Some Yumminess From Last Week

Last week we enjoyed some mighty fine dishes.

Burrata at Enoteca Sogno. OMG. Creamy, soft goodness. Simple, yet so satisfying. I've raved about this before. I'm sure I will rave again.

We went to brunch at The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing. The Fried Shrimp starter was so good. I know where I will go when I have my next hankering.

Word to the management, however. We made reservations and arrived on time; while you did not have any outside seating available (which we did not request when making the reservation) you said you would seat us by the window; this made us happy. So which table were we seated at? The booth by the BRICK WALL. There were plenty of other tables. We asked to switch (our waiter promptly accommodated). We then proceeded to watch everyone else entering for brunch ask for another spot, too. The brick wall booth should be the seat of last resort.

Braveheart Beef Strip Steak with garlic and parsley compound butter with First Press Cabernet Sauvignon at Arcadia. The steak was indeed outstanding (better than the area steakhouses) and decently priced ($26).

And the Cab was tasty, hearty, and paired well with the medium rare entree.

One other thing about Arcadia: The owner John Van Peppen graciously greets all of his restaurant patrons as they dine. He has this wonderful ability to sincerely express his appreciation for their visit. Always nice to see, which, in turn, acts as an example for his staff who also provide excellent and engaging service.

Zenato Ripassa

Zenato Ripassa a photo by pjpink on Flickr.

My new favorite Italian from Enoteca Sogno. Very hearty.

Enoteca Sogno Deliciousness

Since Enoteca Sogno is now in my neighborhood, we visit more frequently and can walk there. Lucky, lucky us.

We have enjoyed everything we have ever ordered. On this night we ehoyed some of the evening specials.

Seared scallops with balsamic vinegar. Some of THE BEST scallops. The pan searing - perfect without drying out the little seafood morsels. The drizzle of balsamic enhances the flavor without hiding what the scallop has to offer.

Burrata with tomatoes. We fell in love with this soft mozzarella with the creaminess inside while we were in Italy. Here, it's hard to get burrata. Enoteca Sogno sourced it from a producer in Maine. Heavenly.

Roasted Cornish Game Hen with a mustard-influenced sauce. A very healthy hen where I was tempted to pick up the bones and gnaw on them to get at every last bit of flavor. Since the bird was big, I took half of it home and gnawed my bones in the privacy of my own abode.

We washed it all down with a 2008 Rosso di Casanova di Neri. Mmmmm!

Leap Day Wine Dinner

Four Italian reds. Four delicious courses. Wine dinner at Enoteca Sogno.

We finally attended one of these celebrated events! and now that Enoteca Sogno has moved to the Northside, we can even walk there.

Communal Table

The Veneto region was highlighted for this evening with wines from Nicolis. The winemaker, speaking Italian, and the distributor, who translated gave explanations that were amusing and informative. Gary, the restaurant owner, was also on hand to explain the paired dishes.

2007 Nicolis Testal with Pasta and Bean Soup - The wine featured corvina grapes. The soup was an intersection of elegance and peasant (at least to my mind) with some of the soup being pureed with whole beans and pasta added. Both simple and tasty.

Bean and Pasta Soup

2008 Seccal Valpolicella Ripasso and Baccala with Polenta and Radicchio Gratin - This was my favorite wine. Hearty and in-your-face, but still displaying fruit. Baccala consisted of dried, salted cod reconstituted. The cod by itself was a bit too salty. The polenta a bit on the corny bland side. The marriage of the two, divine. And the radicchio gratin balanced bitterness with the richness of the cheese. Lots of taste sensations going on and the wine held it own throughout.

Hearty Ripasso

2006 Amarone della Valpolicella and a Cheese Plate - The Amarone was smooth and supple. We enjoyed it with a trio of cheese - taleggio, gorgonzola, and aged asiago. The simplicity of the strong cheeses with the sensuousness of the wine was perfect after the somewhat heavier second course.

Sensuous Amarone

2006 Recioto della Valpolicella and Tiramisu. A lovely little dessert wine that took on a few port-like qualities. The tiramisu was some of the best I had ever had. The lightness and freshness of it amazed me. This is why folks should rave about this dessert. I'm glad I had the opportunity to experience it.

Heavenly Tiramisu

Simple, yet so good

A negroni and white beans and arugula with crostini at Enoteca Sogno.

Enoteca Sogno Dinner Photos

After a hard day at work we strolled over to Enoteca Sogno for some good food therapy. The Northside Italian restaurant now features cocktails as well as a well-stocked wine list. We started with Aperol Spritzes - Slightly bitter orange with fizz. Fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers were shared.

Gary and Farouk enticed us with a Sardinain wine - Korem. A hint of spice, unusual grapes, Bordeaux-style.

We both had specials for the evening: Pork chops with sweet peppers and salmon, accompanied by pasta and marinara. Simple fare, excellently executed.

The therapy worked.

Welcome to Northside Enoteca Sogno!

At last! Enoteca Sogno in Northside! We waited and waited. I'm so very glad we are in walking distance. I'm thrilled that the building has been spruced up. As we entered Farouk enthusiastically greeted us, seated us, and proceeded to serve us.

We ordered a nice Albe Barolo.


A hearty splurge


We then shared the white beans and arugula crostini and the trio of salami from Olli Salumeria. Yummy, yummy!


One of my favorite dishes - simple and elegant




The first we have tried this brand. It will not be the last

 For the main event we selected the pasta with bolognese. Mmmm!


Fresh pasta and lots of meat. Mmmm!


And we continued to get our Italian on with some espresso.


Gettin' our Italian on with some Illy


Oh so lovely and a great way to celebrate a wedding anniversary! Thank you Enoteca Sogno. We are glad you are here.

What Will Become of Enoteca Sogno?

RVAfoodie put out a post on What Will Become of Enoteca Sogno. It's worth a read and if you have ideas on where Gary York should reopen his great Italian place, feel free to make a comment. I, of course, vote for a place in the Northside, but anywhere within the city would be satisfactory.

I Now Know Beans

Thursday evening – potentially bad weather approaching, my hubby might or might not bring home a friend from work (and we might or might not be eating dinner together). We have dealt with chili and its aftermath for days. The friend did not make it. I did not pick up anything to prepare. The frozen stuff was completely out of the question. So, we went out. We pointed the car in the direction of downtown, but still mulled over options – Millie’s, Lulu’s, Café Rustica, Tarrant’s – all good choices. But do you ever run down a list and none of them ignites a spark of “Yes, that’s the place for tonight!”? Nothing clicked. As we approached Broad St. Enoteca Sogno popped into my head. Perfect for this evening. We bee-lined to mid-town.

We had dined at this unassuming Italian restaurant a while ago. Their steaks, especially the herb-roasted T-bones are heaven. Alas, rib-eyes were the steak of the evening. We don’t favor this particular cut and decided to branch out to other menu options. On this night about 75% of the tables were occupied, but even so, the place maintained a calm and quiet demeanor. Perfect for enjoying wine and conversation. A casual, relaxed wait staff enhanced the tranquility.

We poured over the simple menu. A few appetizer choices, a couple of salads, pasta and gnocchi with multiple sauce options, chicken and veal dishes, a brief list of specials. We decided to share the Crostini with White Beans and Arugula. This had been a heavily negotiated choice. I wanted something to share. My husband wanted to order soup or Calamari. Neither of those options appealed to me. After a little more wrangling, we compromised. And a happy mouth time was enjoyed by all. We received a plate with a pile of very large white beans surrounded by toasted baguette-style sliced bread. Sounds plain and simple, huh? But the beans were tossed with a few arugula leaves, red onion slivers, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a very, very scant amount of vinegar. All of the beans were done – no crunchies (I detest going to a restaurant and getting crunchy beans). And quite delicious. We kept raving about the beans. They had picked up the flavors of the other ingredients. Such bean perfection is rare to encounter. We raved about those beans the entire evening. And congratulated ourselves on remembering this place as a dining option.

For entrées I chose the Veal Piccata and my spouse ordered Penne with Sausage and Rapini. I had three nice-sized pieces of slightly seared veal with a sauce that hinted of lemon, but did not overpower the dish. The dish also came with a side of spaghetti with just enough red sauce for flavoring, but did not compete with my main dish. Very delicious. My husband also enjoyed his dish. He was particularly please with the quality of the pasta.

We toasted the entire evening with a bottle of 2001 D’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino. A wine that kept its flavor despite the vinegar in the beans and the lemon in the Picatta sauce. What a wonderful evening.