La Campagne (Becoming a Favorite)

Ted's on Main was closed for Easter weekend, so we went to La Campagne. Everything was fantastic.

We arrived a bit early for our 7 PM reservation and were promptly seated.

Appetizers:
Ken had the crab cake (jumbo lump, grain mustard aioli, smoked tomato) and Jay had the Escargot Dijon (puff pastry, roasted shallot, Dijon mustard, parsley, brandy butter). The escargot were a bit bland, but the puff pastry and sauce were very good.



Entrees:
Ken had the Irish Trout w/oatmeal crust special. It was pink like salmon, but had its own distinctive flavor. He was impressed.

Jay had the Risotto and Clams (chorizo, flageolet, parsley, garlic confit and very special olive oil) and finished every bite.



We didn't want dessert, but decided on the Plats du Fromage (cheese platter) to finish. Four artisan cheeses [Saint Andre, Pecorino Foglie de Noce, Gorgonzola Dolce and Aged Gouda (complimentary)] and two local made preserves (strawberry-balsamic & orange marmalade) were brought out with "house made croutes." It was the perfect ending to the evening.



Wines enjoyed:
2001 LaFleur de Bouard Appellation Lalande-de-Pomerol Controllee
2005 Louis Latour Pouilly-Fuisse




The ambiance was nice; the waitstaff very attentive and the bathroom was clean.

Marcello's Fresh Catch Bistro (Seafood)

For his birthday on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, Ken kept changing his mind between Ted's on Main and the "new place" that used to be Pacific Grille. Marcello's Fresh Catch Bistro won. Marcello's is located at 1200 S. Church Street in Mount Laurel.

Since it was a Tuesday, we called ahead and were told there was no need for a reservation. We were a little surprised about the amount of people in the restaurant, although there was plenty of seating available.

Warm, crusty bread of different varieties were brought out with herbed butter.

Appetizers:
Ken thoroughly enjoyed the scallop skewers, wrapped with prosciutto.
Jay was happy with the jumbo lump crab cocktail, which came with three cocktail sauces: original, pineapple and jalapeno.

Entrees:
Ken had the surf and turf - a filet with lobster tail on top, along with garlic mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables.
Jay had the shrimp risotto special, which included tomatoes and asparagus. She took half home for the next day's lunch. (Picture doesn't do it justice)



Service was great - there was plenty of time to digest between each course.

Wines enjoyed:
2005 Michael Pozzano Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserves
2006 Kali Hart Chardonnay

• Dress - Smart casual.


• Service - excellent. Our server, Nicole, was extremely attentive.


• Decor - Sea theme with lots of blues - fireplace on one side. The ladies room was tastefully decorated and clean, although the stalls were a bit tight.


• Portions - Ample.


• Price - appetizers were in the $8-15 range; entrees ranged from $20-$30s


• Reservations - Recommended.

Very nice experience and we will return.

Bacio Revisited

On Saturday, March 1, we wanted to go out for dinner. We couldn't get into Nunzio's or Ted's on Main, so we were able to get into Bacio (which both Jay & Ken really wanted to visit). We were not disappointed even though the restaurant quickly became packed.

Of course they brought toasted bread and focaccia with their three famous spreads: olive, hot peppers and eggplant.

Appetizers:
Ken - Prosciutto and Fontina Cigars - crispy prosciutto di Parma and fontina “cigars” with marinated artichoke and Roma tomato salad
Jay - "Crispelle della Nonna" - Italian crepes stuffed with jumbo lump
crabmeat, spinach and artichokes, baked in a gorgonzola cream sauce - yummy!

Entrees:
Ken - "Osso Buco alla Milanese" - double cut veal shank slowly simmered in red wine with fresh herbs and vegetables, served over saffron risotto - come hungry because it's HUGE
Jay - swordfish special - with orzo and vegetables - delicious

Wines enjoyed:
2003 La Crema Pinot Noir
2004 Di Maio Norante Sangiovese

Too full for dessert even though Jay wanted the gelato [sigh]

We will return.