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| - Brussels Sprout Pizza (see photo) ... the end!
More? Okay, here's the real review:
Though we arrived without making reservations on a late Friday evening, it didn't take long to get seated at the pizza bar. The GM (and hostess for the evening) was a friendly, bubbly gal who handled our waiting time expectations very well. Besides, we didn't mind since it gave us a chance to warm up near the fireplace. On to the food that evening ...
Stuffed Peppadews, Anchovies and Radicchio, & Chicken Skins w/Olive Spread, House-Made Ricotta & Eggplant Caponata - A little gimmicky, but guests can select from a wide array of snacks to whet the appetite. Of our selection, Chicken Skins, while simple, were executed with precision such that it was light, crispy, and not too greasy. Also, I could put their Olive Spread on anything - hell, a napkin. Napkin with Olive Spread? Seconds, please.
Grilled Octopus - Slightly hesitant on octopus in general, but better than your run-of-the-mill calamari appetizer. Flavors abound.
Brussels Sprout Pizza - Friggin' amazing. Fired to perfection in a stone pizza oven, the marriage of pecorino and pancetta complimented the Brussels sprout so well we scarfed down the pizza within minutes. It had a tinge of heat (spiciness) underscoring the pizza - gotta love that too. Rest assured, any pizza elsewhere from here out will severely pale in comparison. YOU MUST GET THIS (and invite me).
Gnocchi - IMO, one of the staples to judge an Italian restaurants by. Stagioni passes the test.
Zeppoli - Italian beignets with a scoop of salted caramel gelato. While the gelato was a great way to end the meal, the beignets could have been baked a little longer. Hey, every restaurant has to have SOMETHING to work on - this minor point is theirs.
A spectacular dining experience. I look forward to coming back for the Brussels Sprout Pizza (of course) and the Brodetto Di Pesci (the two chicks next to me were loving this mixed seafood dish - think Herbal Essence shampoo commercials).
Oh yeah, big ups to Wilson, yo. Great service and on-point recommendations.
dmo out.
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