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!

Pho Xingh (Vietnamese)

Jay stopped by Pho Xingh yesterday after shopping at Wegmans. Takeout order included 3 orders of spring rolls (A1), an order of grape leaves, the seafood lemongrass vermicelli (M20) and charbroiled pork over rice (C4).

While waiting, she ordered a honeydew shake. So refreshing.

She asked why they no longer served broken rice and it was explained that people didn't like the description. Are they stupid? What's the point of eating Vietnamese if it's not authentic? I can get regular rice anywhere. Oh well.

Ted's on Main

We revisited Ted's on Main in Medford on Saturday, July 23, 2010. It was Farm to Fork week, so the menu was limited, but we were not disappointed.

Warm, crusty rolls are brought to the table.

1st course
Jay - silver queen corn soup

Ken - NJ heirloom tomato salad with blue cheese vinaigrette

2nd course
Jay - Charbroiled Cape May Salt Oysters

Ken - Jerk chicken and Jersey vegetable skewers

3rd course - Entree
Jay - Sauteed Barnegat scallops, with butternut squash risotto and asparagus

Ken had the same

4th course - Dessert
Jay - Sweet corn creme brulee

Ken - Blueberry and peach cobbler with ice cream

Wines enjoyed:
7 Deadly Zins
2007 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay

As we were leaving, we ran into a couple we had met at Word of Mouth a few years ago. We were really excited, since Jay had lost their contact information, immediately after leaving the restaurant and had always wondered how they were doing.

Femmina (Italian)

Finally! We met our friends, Vip and Angie, for dinner Friday, June 25, 2010, at Femmina, 408 Stokes Road, Medford.

Bruschetta, italian bread and garlic knots are brought to the table...

Entrees (come with an appetite, as portions are large)

Angie - crabcakes in a vodka pink cream sauce (special)

Vip - Pollo Alla Contadino: boneless breast of chicken sautéed with hot cherry peppers, mushrooms, capers and fresh tomatoes with garlic-white wine sauce

Jay - Blackened Ahi tuna, with lump crabmeat and spinach (special)

Ken - Grilled marlin (special)

All entrees came with seafood ravioli, which were delicious!

Wines enjoyed:
2008 Tempra Tantrum (60% Tempranillo/40% Shiraz)
2007 Ravens Wood Cabernet Sauvignon
2007 South Eastern Australian Cabernet Sauvignon EVIL

No reservations are accepted.

Pho Xinh (Vietnamese)

Arriving later than normal since Ken had to work, we arrived at Pho Xinh, around 8:20 PM.

They now have honeydew shakes. Jay was so excited! Yummy!

We always get at least four appetizers. This time was no exception.
A1 - spring rolls
A6 - summer rolls with BBQ pork
A9 - tofu with stuffed shrimp & sauteed in garlic sauce

A10 - grilled ground beef wrapped in grape leaves w/vermicelli

For entrees, Ken ordered
C10 - steam rice w/grilled shrimp

Jay tried
C6 - steam rice w/charbroiled pork, shredded pork and crabmeat egg. The crabmeat egg was interesting, but she probably won't get again. She loves the texture of the shredded pork. She couldn't finished the charbroiled pork and rice, so she brought it home for Ken.

Jay's co-worker, Dana, recommended the seafood lemongrass vermicelli for next time.

Love this place!