30 July 2017

L'Oceano Ristorante (Seafood!!!!)

Friends Diane and Zach loved L'Oceano Ristorante so much last Sunday, that they immediately made reservations (necessary!) for Saturday, July 29, 2017, 6:45pm. Jay and Ken were excited to try this restaurant. We were promptly greeted and seated by the window by Chris, the owner, and began sipping on wine while perusing the menu.

The bread was light and tasty, and came with an eggplant and onion spread. Jay doesn't normally like eggplant, but the spread was surprisingly good!



Appetizers enjoyed:

Jay had viewed the online menu; there were many tasty options, and she selected the Grilled Oysters with Parmesan, Parsley and Bechamel. Cooked to perfection and the sauce was addictive.


Diane selected the Soft Shell Crab special; lightly coated in Panko, and very good.


Zach ordered the Buffalo Fried Scallops (who knew!), which were quite delicious...


Ken (and Jay) enjoyed the Lobster Roll, served with slaw-radish, red onion, cabbage, carrots, mayo and Siracha on a toasted bun with arugula. Extremely flavorful and satisfying!



Entrees:

Jay enjoyed the Lobster Pot Pie - puffed pastry filled with lobster, vegetables and Bechamel, finished with a truffle cream. The lobster was plentiful, and the puff pastry was light and airy. Excellent!


The fish special for the evening came with risotto. Red Snapper was first on the menu - Zach snatched up the last one, and was quite pleased:



Second choice was Stone Fish, which both Diane and Ken thoroughly enjoyed:



Dessert:

Diane and Zach shared the carrot cake...


Jay and Ken shared the Key Lime Pie...



Wines enjoyed:




The table is cleaned between courses, which is a nice touch. Our server, Lisa, made us feel welcome, and everyone was very attentive to our needs.

Overall, this was a wonderful experience. We will definitely return! Must make reservations, as the place is small. Although it gets a little loud, you can still have an intimate experience.


18 July 2017

Ristorante Aroma (Philly)

To begin our Philly Tourist weekend, we met Karin and George for dinner at 6PM on Friday, July 14, 2017, at Ristorante Aroma, 1120 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA (267-314-5315). We had a fantastic time, as always.



Our server, Devon, was wonderful! The food was amazing!

Bruschetta was immediately brought to the table. The bread was a bit too toasted, but still good.


This bread was delicious:


We shared appetizers:

Grilled Calamari - tender!

Artichokes - yum!


We shared an entree portion of the Gnocchi Mascarpone Con Aragosta - homemade gnocchi with lobster, and finished with a touch of tomato and cream. The gnocchi melted in our mouths...



Karin and George shared the Cioppino - seafood medley in a spicy tomato sauce on a bed of homemade crostini. Jay helped finished it, it was so flavorful!



Ken enjoyed the Vitello Abbruzzese - veal medallions rolled with prosciutto, spinach, and mozzarella topped with artichokes and mushrooms, in a demiglace tomato sauce.



Jay loved the Risotto Boscaiolo Alla Milanese - with wild mushrooms, radicchio, and other vegetables, mixed with mascarpone cheese. She only finished half, and enjoyed the rest for Monday's lunch.


We shared dessert:


Wines enjoyed:





We had a great time! Highly recommend!

09 July 2017

Bhan Thai

Ken treated Jay to lunch on Saturday, July 8, 2017, at Bhan Thai, 4330 Dearborn Circle, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 (856) 234-4202. Lunch service ends at 3pm; dinner service begins at 5pm.

Everything was tasty! No wine this time...

Thai Iced Tea - sweetened with condensed milk


Fresh salad with ginger dressing...


Martini Shrimp (normally on dinner menu)


Thai Siu Mai Steamed Dumplings Special (shrimp and crabmeat) - Large dumplings, very tasty.


Ken devoured the Spicy Fried Rice (he chose beef) - he loves broken rice; it has such a unique texture!


Jay enjoyed the Crab Meat Pad Thai Special (dinner portion). Took enough home for 2 more meals...


Love this place! We will be returning soon since Ken wants the Red Snapper next time.

Unique seating outside: