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!