IndeBlue (Indian)

We had a wonderful 3-hour lunch with good friends, Karin and George, yesterday at IndeBlue in Collingswood. Chef Rakesh never disappoints! Our server, Jeremy, was a pleasure...

Appetizers:

Shrimp Koliwada - always a favorite!

Stuffed Meatballs - pork with foie gras

Garlic Naan

Entrees
Karin and George shared, and Jay had, the Rabbit Chilgoza special

Ken had the Shrimp Masaledar

Desserts:

George had the Mango and Pomegranate sorbets

Jay and Karin each had the Chili-Lime sorbet and Peanut Butter/Chocolate ice cream

Jay also enjoyed the Chocolate/Banana/Walnut ice cream on the house!

Everything was fantastic, as always! Love this place!

Wines enjoyed:
2010 Cuvee du Clos Baileyana Pinot Noir
2010 Touraine Sauvignon Blanc
2010 Coteaux du Languedoc
2009 BLAU (50% Mazuelo, 25% Syrah, 25% Garnacha)

Enjoy your retirement, Karin!

La Campagne (French)

Now officially both Jay and Ken's favorite restaurant, we visited La Campagne in Cherry Hill, NJ, on Saturday, January 7, 2012, and were prompted seated for our 7 PM reservation and by the fireplace, as requested. Still enjoying Jay's 50th birthday, we had a fabulous time! Our server, Robert, was a pleasure.

Love the herbed butter, which comes with warm bread...

Appetizers:
Jay had the pate special - veal pate with pistachios. So delicious!

Ken enjoyed the crab cake, once again.

We were given complimentary Champagne sorbet, to cleanse the palette.

Entree:
We shared the Chateaubriand - carved tableside with sauce Robert (enhanced the meat), roasted potatoes and bok choy. The beef was so tender that we melted with joy.

Of course, we finished with the cheese platter: Beemster (Ken was hoping for this!), blue, ghouda and brie. The sundried tomato paste was wonderful, as well as the sliced apples and fruit sauce.

Wines enjoyed:
2003 Mischief & Mayhem Pinot Noir (Gevrey Chambertin)
2010 Giesta Dao (32% Touriga-Nacional, 45% Tinta-Roriz, 23% Jaen)

Love this place!

Pho Xinh (Vietnamese) - New Menu!

We visited Pho Xinh in Mount Laurel, NJ, on Saturday. There was a totally new menu, so we tried 5 appetizers: BBQ Pork Summer Rolls, Crispy Spring Rolls, Sweet Onion Beef Wrap, Salt Pepper Shrimp and Grape Leaves Wrap. Everything was delicious!

Jay also consumed an aromatic lemongrass soup with tofu. So comforting...

With two pots of tea, we were stuffed when we left. Love this place!

Tarantella's (Italian)

It's been a while, so we revisited Tarantella's in Medford. Portions are HUGE and the quality is very good.

Upon arrival (no reservations), we were greeted and given glasses of water and an offer to open our wine.

Bruschetta and warm bread (Italian and garlic) were immediately brought to the table.

Salads arrived with the choice of three dressings (including Blue cheese and French).

Entrees that we selected came in a timely fashion and large portions!

Ken enjoyed the shrimp Parmesan, which came with spaghetti. He could not finish.

Jay struggled through half of the blackened tuna special - rare with spinach, Portabello mushrooms, Gorgonzola cream sauce, crab meat in a vodka cream sauce. It came with garlic linguine. The linguine was light and not overwhelmingly filling. Excellent meal!

Ken wants to get the veal saltimbucca next time...

Wines enjoyed:
2006 Pira Dolcetto D'Alba
2009 Charles Smith Cabernet Sauvignon

4th Wine Tasting Party - October 8, 2011

We beat our previous record! 30 bottles, with less people in attendance. 

Looking forward to next year's...

La Campagne

La Campagne never disappoints! We visited on Saturday and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Cell phone pictures are not as clear as the camera.

Jay ordered the Catch of the Week menu:
Chef's selection of hors d'oeuvres - lavender salmon and crab - wonderful

Crab bisque with herb Chantilly cream - light and delicate

Wild caught salmon dijon with zucchini noodles - crispy exterior and very tasty

The flourless chocolate torte had to be taken home to be devoured.


Ken ordered the crab cake appetizer. The crab cake was so flavorful.

Entree enjoyed by Ken was the veal rib chop dijon with bok choy. The plate was empty when he finished.

We always enjoy a cheese plate at the end of the meal. Cheeses presented this time were brie, Maytag Blue, Pecorino and Raclette. Excellent.

Wines enjoyed:
2007 Zunio Cabernet Franc
2010 Chateau Haute Tuque Bordeaux

We plan to return next week and get the Chateaubriand which two couples enjoyed medium rare. Reminder to Ken: bring Chateau Grayac Bordeaux.

Marcello's Fresh Catch Bistro

Another one bites the dust...