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| - Went to Stagioni last night, my first time , though it is literally right around the corner from my home. WOW! This was a fabulous culinary experience, from beginning to end. All the naysayers who opine about the "entertainment district" problems of the SoSide don't realize that it's places just like this that make residents resolute in their love for this true walkaround, urban neighborhood.
We began with a marvelous home made mozzarella appetizer, accompanied by wafer thin prosciutto and some sort of wonderful pickled peppers. Creamy and slightly sweet, this mozzarella was simply perfect.
I chose a half order of the gnocchi with duck ragout as my second course. Savory with meltaway duck, this pasta dish is one of the best I've ever had...anywhere. A hearty dish, but not heavy in any way. How someone could refer to this gnocchi as heavy defies explanation.
I could have stopped there and been completely content and my hunger sated, but as it was my first visit, I was compelled to order on! I chose the wild boar, plated over a bed of kale and polenta. Rich and fork tender, this was the perfect comfort food to counter the cold, snowy evening. The kale was a genius touch, it's mild crunch and pleasant bitterness was the perfect foil for the savory boar and dreamy/creamy polenta. I asked for the remainder in a to go bag, and this morning I'll enjoy it with runny eggs and cheesy grits for a fabulous breakfast.
No dessert was had, so I can't comment there, but the superb food, more than adequate wine list, and efficient, but never interfering, service all came together for a simply remarkable meal. I love Stagioni, can't wait to return, and feel so lucky to be able to walk around the corner and feast on such sublime food.
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