Every year we head out on one night of Passover
since we try to avoid leaven and enjoy a Passover-style meal at DIno's
Grotto in Shaw. This year was truly the best of all Chef Dean Gold's
years and the food was impressive. The three of us gobbled up most of
the food served family-style, and what was left we took home for later
and enjoyed again the next two days!
Trio of Charosets offered
up some novel takes on the Seder dish which is used to dip the
horseradish in. Here we had one with Dried Fruit, Coconut, Chestnut
Paste and Poppy Seed which was sweeter than I am used to, but I enjoyed
the tropical tinge. Cooked Dates and raisins was amore Sephardi take and
the third was a traditional Apple & Walnut with Spices.
I
think the best thing we all adored was the Leek Fritter with Saffron
which Samuel really wanted seconds on, but we proceeded to what Chef
Gold calls "The Passover Trinity:"
Chopped Chicken Liver which is easily some of the best around town--although Samuel will never touch this :-))
Matzo Ball Soup, which Samuel will always gobble up, and this was a tasty one with light fluffy balls as well.
The
Gefilte Fish was a huge hit of the meal for both Will and me as it was
made from Salmon, Rockfish & Mahi making it probably the best I have
ever had anywhere--no questions asked!
The
main course was several items again family style and came served with
Sweet Potato Tsimmes and Matzo Farfel with Mushrooms both of which the
adults loved.
Fish with Citrus and Ginger came in the form of a
delicious Salmon Fillet which Sam ignored that night, but gobbled up at
home a night or two later.
Braised Veal Breast was the least
impressive of the mains, but on the other hand the Tuscan-Matzo-Fried
Chicken with Livorno Leek & Tomato Sauce was spectacular with an
amazing juicy fried chicken, crunchy coating which anyone would adore on
Passover and superb sauce.
Desserts were a dairy Almond
Torte with Nuts, Cinnamon Ice Cream and Caramel Drizzle-YUM as well as
Macaroons (I like mine better, sorry!)
We always have fun at
Dino's Grotto as the staff is friendly and we get to chat with Chef Gold
and his wife who are so warm and loving and caring.
Dino's is great ALL YEAR, don't save it just for Pesach!
