Last minute call for Sunday dinner found me at Evergreen Brickworks' Cafe Belong for a event sponsored by American Express. Five courses all paired with Stratus wines, with Chef Brad Long in attendance. Cafe Belong serves good honest food made with fresh local ingredients.
Chef Long is a firm believer in honest food preparation and the philosophy of food as fuel, love and nutrition (medicine). It is a philosophy that shines through his tasty dishes. Every dish was wholesome, well prepared and delicious.
Ravioli in a mushroom broth set the tone for wholesome goodness.
Marinated sardines over a salad of caponata was bright and fresh.
Roast saddle of lamb was tender and flavorful paired nicely with a side of foraged kale and heirloom beans. Filling and nutritious.
To finish, one course of fried montfort cheese with a sliver of honeycomb to add a touch of sweetness and the most spectacular slab of chocolatey goodness I've ever had.
The chocolate came from Oaxaca apparently, chock full of antioxidants and wonderfully enriching.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed the food at Cafe Belong. It's food is devoid of pretension and very well prepared. Great place for nice casual dinner.