Bloom--June 18, 2012

This is what happens when you wait ten years to visit a place you've always meant to visit. As of June 9th, Bloom is no longer open. Sad day for me...sad day for Bloom. Here's hoping my next venture will be successful.

Shells and Sauce--June 12, 2012

One of my favorite things about this foodie adventure is that I keep stumbling onto neighborhoods that I had no idea existed. For example, I have been to the Botanical Gardens, but didn't know that there was a delightful little pocket of charm just two blocks north on 12th and Elizabeth. And right smack dab in the middle is Shells and Sauce.

So good!

I love restaurants where there are so many great options on the menu it is difficult to decide what to have. Thankfully, our delightful waiter sat down with us to make recommendations. He steered me to the Chicken Picatta in a lemon and white wine cream sauce. Nestled in a bed of pasta tossed with wilted spinach, it was rich and flavorful. I was only able to eat half and am really looking forward to eating the leftovers tomorrow.

My lovely dinner dates.

As has been the case with most of the places that I have visited so far, I am looking forward to visiting again to try other treats from the menu. With a lovely patio and large portions of delicious food, this was a true find!

Olivea--June 3, 2012

I have been meaning to try Olivea for awhile, but recently discovered that it is run by the fine people who run Duo, which made this lovely little cafe move much higher on my list of places to visit. Thankfully, my friend Annalea came to town this weekend and provided an excellent reason to venture forth.

Our appetizers

The company and cuisine did not disappoint. Annalea and I shared a plate of fried castelvetrano olives stuffed with ricotta, house made mozzarella roulade, arugula salad with goat cheese, pistachios and golden beats and the house made cavatelli pasta. 

Glad you came to visit, friend!

We intended to share our dessert, but it almost came to blows when we passed our plates back and forth to offer each other "tastes" of our almond lemon torte and chocolate and fleur de sel caramel tart. 

I'll have both, thanks.

I had high expectations for this meal and was not disappointed. Every bite inspired a pause in conversation to relish the flavor and I had to remind myself that I was in a classy joint before I licked my plate. 

What a great meal

I look forward to returning and sharing another meal with good friends soon. Hopefully Annalea will be back from Portland sooner than later to join me!