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.

Barnacle Ben's (A Favorite)

After hitting the Philly Auto Show, we swung by Barnacle Ben's on the way home. Since neither of us had our credit cards, we were working with cash only, so we didn't bring any wine.

We enjoyed spicy calamari for an appetizer. Jay had the cream of crab soup - very creamy and full of crab.

Ken enjoyed the pecan crusted salmon, with mixed vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas and carrots), and wild rice.

Jay had her favorite - seafood au gratin - scallops, shrimp, fish and crabmeat in a creamy imperial sauce with extra CHEESE thrown in. She selected a baked sweet potato and cole slaw. Very good.

Jay stuck with water; Ken had iced tea.

We stuck to our budget - not bad for the spur of the moment.

Blackbird (Franco-Italian) Again.

To start the New Year off right, we visit Blackbird today in Collingswood for lunch with our good friends, Karin & George.

What a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

We shared in appetizers:
Thai chicken spring rolls, with spicy mustard and sweet chili sauce.

Arborio rice and coriander-crusted shrimp, avocado salad and cilantro oil


Fricassee of Prince Edward Island Mussels, fine herbs and natural mussel jus.


Karin & George shared, and Ken ate, the Steak Frittes. All ordered medium and it was done to perfection. The fries were crispy and seasoned well.


Jay ordered the Bento Box du Jour which included a salad, spring roll, mussels, macaroni & cheese, lamb and fingerling potatoes.


The proper stemware was delivered with expertise (Rona).

Our server, Laurie, was extremely attentive. We requested her for George's birthday on February 16.

Wines enjoyed:
2007 Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
2006 Francois Pinon Vouvray (Chenin Blanc) Cuvee [George mentioned that the Foxen Chenin Blanc is also good]
2005 Smoking Loon Syrah

We were not rushed and enjoyed two hours of dining pleasure. Highly recommended.

Blackbird

Once again hitting the restaurants in Collingswood, we visited Blackbird, 619 Collings Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108, 856-854-3444, on Saturday, December 1.

We arrived on time for our 6:30 reservation and were warmly greeted and promptly seated.

Our server, Michael, introduced himself right away, opened our wines, and brought the proper stemware to our table.

Warm slices of crusty bread were brought to the table with olive oil. Devoured.

Appetizers:
Jay ordered vineyard snails with pine nuts, fresh herbs, crispy onions in a Madeira wine sauce. Very good.

Ken ordered Thai chicken spring rolls. Yummy.






Entrees:
Jay - pepper crusted saddle of venison, butter nut squash ravioli in a Grand Veneur sauce. Done to perfection.



Ken got the special - a crispy striped bass, which stayed crispy throughout the meal. It came with lobster risotto.

For dessert, Jay enjoyed a sweet potato creme brulee (made by Jill Van Dimes, Tangerine, between 2nd & 3rd Streets near Market in Philly)

This was a pleasant experience as we were not rushed, and we will return. The chef/owner, Alex Capasso, was present throughout our dining experience, however we did not get him to take a picture with us.

Wines enjoyed:
2001 Renato Keber Grici Chardonnay
2002 Acacia Pinot Noir

• Dress - Smart casual


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


• Decor - Although a small space, the tables were oriented in such a way as to not be infringing on your neighbor.


• Portions - Perfect.


• Price - appetizers were in the $8-10 range; entrees ranged from $20-$30s


• Reservations - Reserve one week in advance for Friday and Saturday evenings.

We planned to return today for lunch to have the shrimp, avocado, wasabi wrap and chat with server Janine, but Jay fell ill (again) and stayed in all day. [sigh]

Water Lily (French Asian)

Still trying the restaurants in Collingswood, yesterday we visited Water Lily, 653 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108, 856-833-0098.

We arrived on time for our 6:30 reservation and were warmly greeted and promptly seated.

Our server, Tina, introduced herself right away and opened our wines.

Since Jay wanted the Water Lily Escargots (which takes 25-30 minute to bake), Tina placed the order right away, leaving us time to peruse the menu for additional appetizers and entrees.

Hot, delicious bread with soft butter was brought to the table and devoured.



Ken eventually decided on golden calamari and crispy seafood wontons for appetizers. Both were light and tasty. Jay helped with these. Her escargots were encased in a light puff pastry and were absolutely delightful.

Jay ordered the roasted crispy duckling and Ken ordered the shrimp teriyaki for entrees. Both came with green beans and rice. The crispy duckling stayed crisp for the entire time. Each dish remained at a nice temperature throughout.



Jay couldn't resist the Grand Marnier mousse, which was slightly frozen and refreshing.

This entire dining experience was one of the best we've had in a long time. No complaints. We will return. We want to try the Fuji Apple Gyoza, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Seafood Medley and definitely the Pad Thai.

Wines enjoyed:
2006 Kali Hart Chardonnay
2003 Chateau Revelete Coteaux d'Aix en Provence

• Dress - Smart casual


• Service - excellent. Our server, Mara, was very attentive.


• Decor - Asian theme, with reds and greens, done in a classy way. Fuji bottled water and beautiful stemware on each table. Soft lighting. The ladies room was clean and tastefully done.


• Portions - Ample.


• Price - appetizers were in the $8-10 range; entrees ranged from $20-$30s


• Reservations - Highly suggested for Friday and Saturday evenings.