Il Villaggio

Celebrating both Jay's, and Karin's, birthdays this month, we finally were able to get together (after cold and snow incidents) on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at Il Villaggio, 211 Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 (856-795-1778). We had a wonderful time, as usual. This time was a 3 1/2 hour lunch. So happy that we were able to take our time.

Lauren and Herman greeted us, and Nick our server was very attentive throughout. Every time the guys left to take a smoke break, he redid their napkins! Very cool!

We enjoyed warm bread with a sun-dried tomato spread:

We shared appetizers:

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage - sautéed in a roasted garlic olive oil, grape tomatoes (Ken's favorite!)

Blue Point Oysters

     Chilled...

     Casino...

Entrees:

Tortelloni Special

Pocono Trout Special 

Veal Affumicato - shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, shiitake mushrooms, smoked scamorza cheese, balsamic demi grace reduction

Scallops Risotto - diver scallops, over mushroom risotto, truffle essence

Dessert:

Pistacho Gelato and Cannolis

Chocolate Nutella Gelato

Purple candle!

Everything was delicious, and the entire experience was wonderful!

Even the coffee was good:

Wines enjoyed:

L'Oceano Ristorante

We enjoyed a wonderful meal with good friends, Diane and Zach, on Saturday, January 6, 2018, at L'Oceano Ristorante, 833 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood 08108 (856-833-9888), to help Jay celebrate her birthday. Everything was delicious!

The bread was so good, we had 3 loaves...

Small Plates were shared:

Grilled oysters with parmesan, parsley, and Bechamel (sorry for blurriness)

Crab Rangoon Flatbread, with crabmeat, Thai chili, horseradish creme fraiche, and scallions. Large portion was perfect for sharing!

Venison Meatballs, with marinara sauce and ricotta foam. Light and delicate...

Scallop Tacos, with pico de gallo, quest fresco, and creme fraiche. Yummy!

It looked so good, we ordered the Lobster Mac and Cheese!

Entrees:

Flat iron steak stuffed with crawfish, caramelized onions, & gorgonzola cheese, served over farro, finished in a red wine reduction. The picture doesn't do it justice!

Lobster Tail Thermador - amazing!

The Scallop appetizer, made into a meal. Perfectly cooked! Came with a mound of mashed potatoes.

Forgot to get a picture of the veal chop special. It was amazing!

Dessert:

Caramel Crunch Cake - light and just the right amount of sweetness! Perfect ending to the meal.

Wines enjoyed: