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| - Belated New Years Review
Work has been chaotic since we got back from New Years since our employees have been decimated by the flu. Falling a bit behind on reviews but finally getting caught up.
Before my wife left for Pittsburgh to see her daughter, I ran across something under Yelp Events that looked interesting. It was for a Prix Fixe dinner at Aqua e Vino on New Years Eve. Actually it was for two different ones. The first was an early one with four courses that started at 6 pm and a second larger one that started at 9 pm and lasted till Midnight aka New Years.
Considering the distance to Cornelius and not wanting to be out on the road around New Years, we chose the 6 pm flight.
Even though I hit the "I'm in" response button, was not sure that was going to work so I called for reservations the following week. They are closed on Monday so that did not work and ended up leaving a voice mail the next day. Telephone tag and we finally connected and nailed it down.
Wife returns from Pittsburgh the day before and after experiencing hours of driving in a white out, was looking to a nice quiet night out.
New Years Eve arrived and after watching the Panthers Game which ended at exactly the right time, we left and drove down to Aqua e Vino. Due to construction on I-77 we had budgeted extra time but ended up arriving about 15 minutes early.
No problem. Our hosts could not have been more gracious and seated us at our assigned table and brought us water and asked if we wanted any thing to drink. Upgraded to a nice sparkling water which was good.
This gave us a chance to survey the restaurant. Small and I would guess it probably seats around 30 or so patrons. Intimate and somewhat romantic but my wife would tell me, I'm too old for that. Very pleasant atmosphere and could enjoy the restaurant just because of the atmosphere.
The appointed hour of 6 arrived and while folks started to trickle in, the started to serve those who were there. Made for a bit uneven serving on the part of the staff but they did a great job adjusting. Did notice that most of the patrons were regulars since everyone knew each other.
Everyone started out with a glass of Champagne and of course, a toast to the New Year.
The Antipasto came first and we had a choice of three. One was House Cured Arctic Char (misspelled chard on the menu) and buckwheat blinis; another was homemade foie gras "au torchon", porto gelee, baby greens and croutons. The last was raviolone, spinach,sheet ricotta, egg surprise, parmigiano butter and perigord truffle.
My wife ordered the Char and I ordered the foie gras. Both of which were excellent. As for the foie gras, great texture and great balance of various flavors.
For the Primo or First Course, it was the same for all and was an enhanced Risotto with aged Parmigiano and While Truffle Lamelle.
Again excellent although I do like my Risotto a bit softer with a creamier texture but great blend on taste.
For the Secundi or Second Course, again a choice. My wife and I both ordered the Grass Fed Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Farcie, Maidera Glaze and Perigord Truffle . The other choice was a poached Wild Sea Bass and Lobster.
The other choice sounded great as well but the tenderloin was outstanding. Great taste and texture and presentation was outstanding.
Finally was Dolce or Desert which was a Classic Vanilla Souffle served with a hot Chocolate Sauce on the side.
Simple dish but in that is the secret to it's elegance. Had to wait a bit for the Chocolate Sauce to cool down but it was a perfect compliment to the Souffle. A perfect end to the meal.
Perfect way to ring in the New Year. Great Food in a Cozy Atmosphere with great Service.
If they have it available next year, will probably make a point of trying it again
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