11 June 2018

ITA101 (Italian)

We arrived on time for our 7:30pm reservation at ITA101, 20 S. Main Street, Medford, NJ 08055 (609-654-0101), on Saturday, June 9, 2018. The place was packed! We figured it would be since Ken saw the restaurant featured on CBS3 Eyewitness News. We had an enjoyable 3-hour dining experience with friends Zach and Diane.

The bread is wonderful...


Jay already knew what she wanted since she looked over the email that she received a few days earlier...

Antipasti:

Jay and Diane each enjoyed the Granchi Soft Shell e Fiori di Zucca Special - pan seared soft shell crab and squash blossoms stuffed with sheep's milk ricotta and herbs - heavenly!


Ken was impressed with the Burrata con Speck & Prosciutto - burrata with speck and prosciutto and grilled lettuce over a sun-dried tomato puree. It was a large portion, so we all helped him.


Zack loved the Carpaccio di Manzo - filet mignon served raw with parmesan and extra virgin olive oil topped with shaved black truffles.


We all shared Diane's Insalata Mista - baby greens with walnuts, cranberries and shaved pecorino cheese tossed with house vinaigrette. Very fresh and dressed well.


Secondi:

Jay loved the Crepes con Coniglio Brasato Special - crepes with braised rabbit, morel and porcini mushrooms and topped with shaved black truffles.


Zach and Diane were each satisfied with the Stufato di Pesce, Cozze, Calamari e Polipo in Salsa di Pomodoro - seafood stew with mussels, clams, calamari, and octopus in a tomato-based sauce served with grilled bread, topped with a halibut fillet.


Ken enjoyed the last Special available - (didn't write down the name), but it was filet topped with an omelette and rolled, with mushrooms and coco beans, which he loved.


Diane enjoyed the Tiramisu al Tavola once again - tiramisu created table side with homemade lady fingers and cream of mascarpone, espresso and cocoa powder.


Chef Kevin Maher spent a few moments with us. His food is amazing and he's very personable. We'll be back!



Wines enjoyed:




Fancy cushions on the ceiling and under the table help to soften the sound level.




05 June 2018

Vientiane Cafe and Vietnam Cafe (Philly)

Our monthly lunch with Karin and George brought us back to Philly on Saturday, June 2, 2018. It was Porch Fest in West Philly, which was really nice. Many bands and block parties...

Vientiane Cafe, 4728 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19143 (215-726-1095), is one of our favorites, and we enjoyed everything!

Shrimp Summer Rolls and Duck Crispy Spring Rolls


Naam Salad


Angel Shrimps


Wings


Wines enjoyed:




We then stopped at Vietnam Cafe, 816 South 47th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143 (215-729-0260), for takeout, and enjoyed with more wine, before venturing to the porch to see the sights.

Crispy Spring Rolls and Grilled Pork Rolls



The Charbroiled Pork with Broken Rice is the BEST!



Good food, wonderful friends, and a great day!

12 May 2018

Allora by da Soli

Our 3 1/2 hour lunch with Karin and George took us back to Allora by da Soli (why did we pick the Saturday before Mother's Day?). We had enjoyable time. Our server, Diego, knew that we liked long lunches, and we were not rushed.

We were hungry, and went through 3 baskets of bread...


We shared suppli...


Calamari (perfectly cooked)...


and Gnocchi (light and flavorful)...


Ken and George shared veal saltimbocca



Karin enjoyed the Caesar Salad


Jay loved the Poppies Salad with Grilled Shrimp



Lemon cake ended our meal.



Wines enjoyed:





Everything was wonderful, and even though there was a baby shower in the next room, everyone was attentive, and the food was excellent. Mark even took some time to say hi.

11 May 2018

Dolsot House (K-Town BBQ Korean Restaurant)

We stopped by Dolsot House, 404 Marlton Pike East, Cherry Hill (856-216-0090), for lunch after our movie date to see Avengers: Infinity War. Delicious, as always!

We shared wings (spicy and honey sesame):


Always love the variety of the Banchan...


Ken has been thinking about the spicy pork bulgogi hoagie all day...


Jay couldn't finish the spicy pork bulgogi dolsot. It was still steaming as she put it in the take out container!


No wine this time. Very enjoyable meal.

28 April 2018

Bistro SouthEast- Philly (PLEASE Visit!)

Our monthly lunch with Karin and George (this time almost 4 hours!) took us back to Bistro Southeast, 1824 South Street, Philadelphia PA 19146 (267-758-2838) - (one of our favorites!). We were greeted by everyone there! So nice to feel welcome. Van is an excellent server.


Everything is so fresh here. Worth a visit!

We shared the Thai Chili Wings...



before devouring the Seafood Boil Combo #4 (with extra lobster tails) and Cajun seasoning. Must order a day ahead...





Ken and Karin had to have the BBQ Pork Bahn Mi:


Everything was extremely flavorful and delicious! Too full for dessert!

Wines enjoyed: