Pho Xinh (Vietnamese)

Ken treated, so we went to Pho Xinh on Tuesday, August 24, 2010. It's always a pleasure eating at this restaurant.

We went light on appetizers, since Jay wasn't very hungry:
Spring rolls
Summer rolls with BBQ pork
Grape leaves

We always wait until after eating the appetizers to determine what we want for entree.

Jay had 7 - Pho w/rare steak and beef balls

Ken had C10 - Steam rice with grilled shrimp

Both were tasty. Of course, we ogled others' plates as they came out. We need to try the rice vermicelli with seafood and the one with the BBQ pork (similar to the summer roll, but without the wrap).

La Campagne (Continental)

As promised, we went to La Campagne yesterday. Jay loves this place!

Jay had the scallops with truffle oil and caviar as an appetizer. It was a special and went well with the champagne.

Ken had the crab cake, which came with a tomato coulis, pancetta and eggplant caponata. Delicious!

Jay thoroughly enjoyed the duck breast (medium) with orange and honey glaze and chef's vegetables. The potatoes and zucchini went well with the duck.

Ken devoured the pork loin chop, with succotash and chipotle BBQ sauce.

We always save room for the cheese board. This time we had a goat cheese, Fairmount pecorino, Brielle and Nettlesone. Fig jam, mustard and a fruity jam were included with the crudites and thin slices of apple. Yummy!

We didn't get any bread this time, but it turned out fine because we would have been too full.

Wines enjoyed:
Mumm Napa Cuvee M Champagne
2002 Bodegas Chandon Partida Especial Pinot Noir

We asked the chef/owner when Irish Trout would be on the menu. He wasn't sure, but noted that arctic char is similar in flavor and texture and would probably be available soon. Jay gave them her email address so that she can be notified of specials and events. She also signed up as a Facebook fan.

There will be a jazz trio on Friday, the 13th, so if you have the time, GO!

Marcello's Fresh Catch Bistro (Seafood)

Craving seafood, we visited Marcello's yesterday. We are never disappointed when we come here. Everything is so good.

We were surprised to learn that one side of the restaurant is now designated a "Crab House." All you can eat!!! Great idea, especially for the summer.

Our server, Erin, brought the food out at a nice pace, giving us enough time to digest each course. We love the garlic bread so much that we asked for extra pieces and ate it all. What do they do to make it so good?

For appetizers, Jay ordered the Marcello's scallops special - lightly breaded and fried LARGE scallops served with cocktail sauce.

Ken was craving the coconut shrimp...

Of course, the salad wedge is always a hit.

For entree, Jay ordered the pretty portabella, two mushrooms topped with lump crabmeat. The mushrooms had a nice smoky flavor. The entree came with roasted potatoes. Delicious.

Ken had the surf and turf, the steak perfectly cooked to medium. Melt in your mouth goodness. The lobster tail was a good size. Vegetables (carrots, green beans, broccoli) and garlic mashed potatoes came with the meal. Yummy.

There was so much food that we took home leftovers for Jay's lunch.

Wines enjoyed:
2006 St. Francis Sonoma County Chardonnay
2007 Snowy River Westend Estate Merlot

La Campagne on Sunday - since Ken mentioned it, it's now in our heads!