Restaurant Week was off to a quiet start with the impending rain/ice/snow, but we got out before the mess and had a truly fabulous time at OSTERIA BIBIANA with Samuel last night (www.bibianadc.com). we were here a year ago for Restaurant Week and again we were totally impressed for the special $35 dinner.
Samuel just wanted penne pasta with tomato sauce and his requisite ginger ale.
We started with a bottle of the "on special" wine a De Angelis Rosso "Piceno" 2009 Montepulciano from Marche that was young but tasty and went superbly with Will's huge portion of CALAMARI stuffed with Soppressata & Potato in a Lemon & Squick Ink Vinaigrette. My BEEF TARTAR was no less impressive with several different sauces across the plate for flavors-Parmigiano Cream, Pistachio-Red Wine Puree and some crushed pistachios as well. I was in heaven as we moved on to our second wine -CAPRAI from Montefalco in Umbria, a 2007 blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino & Merlot that was a bit tight at first but opened up beautifully after 30 minutes or so.
It was perfect with our big meat dishes-my BUE or BRAISED BEEF CHEEKS with White Polenta, Onion Compote and a yummy side dish of CAVOLFIORI, cauliflower in garlic and anchovy.
Will's AGNELLO was a novelty in that the leg of Shenandoah Lamb was lightened by Grilled ROMAINE and a Tomato-Olive Tapenade that gave the dish a very springlike feel.
Desserts impressed as well with Will's Honey-nut SEMIFREDDO with hazelnuts and Milk Jam Sauce, but my PANNA COTTA was another revelation flavored with VANILLA and topped with Pistachio Streusel and a Sour Cherry Compote!!
We all went home full, happy and knowing that we must really return on a non-Restaurant Week night for more!
