On our last night in Cooperstown, we drove 1/4 hour northeast to the tiny
hamlet of Cherry Valley, where we hadn't been in ages. We took 4 singers to The
Rose & Kettle, which is unquestionably the best dining experience we have
had in the entire region in years. The service was friendly and attentive, but
it was the food that shone.
Will started with a strong Pomegranate Cosmo and I had the delish and not
so strong Elderflower Margarita made with Patron Tequila, St. Germain, lime
juice and a Champagne float.
It was hard to decide and then the specials were read off making it even
harder. There were many delicious choices and everything indeed was
superb.
The starters included a filling Thai Shrimp & Pork with Glass Noodles,
Spicy Broth, Greens, Tomato, Cilantro & Lime
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup that sent Samuel to heaven
Crabcakes that were as large as my head & Samosas.
My starter was the Grilled Maple Glazed Lamb Tenderloin with Mission Figs
on Skewers with Greens, Roasted Red peppers, Gorgonzola & Balsamic which was
a light salad with amazingly tender meat.
I did not get to taste Will's Grilled Tequila Lime Shrimp with Chorizo on
an Arepa with Chipotle Aioli, because it was gone so fast!
We enjoyed a Gruner Veltliner 2011 from Wachau, Teressen Federspiel that
was amazing for the 30$something and was all about apples and honeydew; indeed
all the wines were very low priced for their quality.
We moved on to a tasty Stonecap Merlot 2014 from Columbia Valley in
Washington State.
Main courses were Fish & Chips, Meatload made from beef with locally
raised pork and lamb, garlic mashies, pan gravy and green beans
Grilled Pork Loin with Rhubarb Peach Chutney, Sauteed Spinach and Sweet
Potato Fries
the special of Pork Loin with Garlic Scape/Almond Pesto, Cheddar Polenta
and Milanese Sauce was totally unbelievable as it burst with flavors, and again
the loin had to be the biggest cut I have ever seen.
Samuel adored his Meatballs Marinara with pasta.
Desserts were also quite good from Crème Brulee to Flourless Chocolate
Torte and 3 Philosophers Cherry Sauce & Whipped Cream.
the winner was undoubtedly my Strawberry/Rhubarb Tart with Whipped Cream
that boasted one of the best pastries I have had in ages.
Everything was amazing and the company superb as we dined with the leads of
this summer's Glimmerglass operas before heading home!
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