Where to go on Wednesday?
I have an unexpected opportunity to dine out on Wednesday and I can't figure out where to go. Instead of one of my usual favorites (Osteria, Bibou, Barbuzzo, Zahav), I'd like to try a place I haven't been yet. Some of the spots on my list are Le Virtu, Fond, Mica, Heirloom, and Jamonera (I know, these are all over the place in type and geographically). Of those, any clear winners? Any place else? The Chestnut Hill places are much more convenient, but I'm willing to travel. Food is most important, but a fun, somewhat casual atmosphere is a plus.
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Ok, reporting back: We had a fabulous evening. I am a total Vedge convert and will be recommending it highly whenever I get the chance.
We started at Vedge. I had the Elder Sage--great summer drink. My husband had the sangria, which was on happy hour special and was delicious also. We shared the shisito peppers (happy hour special), the maitake/celery root fritter dish from the main menu, and the brussels sprouts and oyster mushroom dishes from the dirt list. The dirt list had changed from yesterday and they no longer had the green beans with nigella seeds, which I had been looking forward to. Aside from that disappointment, everything was fabulous. Both mushroom dishes were outstanding, but the runaway hit was the brussels sprouts. My husband, who is generally not a veggie lover, is happy to go back any time.
Next we walked over to Jamonera. It was a little loud and service was a bit lax, but we otherwise had a terrific time. Had the stuffed dates, avocado salad, calamari and a mussels and chorizo special. Loved them all, especially the calamari and mussels.
Lastly, we went to Barbuzzo, sat at the bar and shared a budino, which is a favorite of mine. Perfect evening. I don't usually do restaurant hops but it was a terrific way to try places we hadn't been, and have a very varied, leisurely meal.
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re: Hungryin theBurbs
Sounds delicious! Thanks for reporting back. I love those brussels sprouts at Vedge, I think they must be very popular, they've been on the dirt list for a few weeks at least. That's a good neighborhood for a restaurant crawl, lots of great places with bars where you can get a dish or two at each without sitting at a table.
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Bacchus101
Jul 11, 2012 06:51 AM
We have been to Heirloom twice. The first visit we left after 5 minutes because of the extremely loud room. The second we ate outside. The food was good. The menu was interesting with good service and high average prices. If eating inside be aware of the potential for loud chatter.
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The clear winners on your list are Le Virtu, Fond, and Jamonera. LV and Fond are a notch above Jamonera but they're all excellent. Mica isn't. I haven't been to Heirloom.
Fond just announced that they are moving to a new address and acquiring a liquor license in the near future, maybe you should go there while it's still BYO?
If you haven't been to Vedge yet, I'd go there, it's up there with Bibou and Osteria as one of my favorite places in the city right now.
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re: Hungryin theBurbs
Not really, LV and Fond are pretty great too. If you go to Fond, I'd really recommend the tuna tartare they have on the menu right now, with coconut broth and avocado. It's one of the best dishes I've ever had there. And don't skip dessert. LV and Fond are a little further away from Chestnut Hill than Vedge and Jamonera are though.
Actually, Jamonera and Vedge are only a few blocks away from each other, maybe you can convince your dining companion to pop in to the bar at Vedge for a small plate or two before dinner at Jamonera?
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re: Hungryin theBurbs
I walked in and sat at the bar at Vedge on a recent Saturday, we were the only people at the bar when we arrived at 5pm, when we left around 630 the bar was about half full.
So I can't imagine it would be a problem on a Wednesday, depending on what time you want to have dinner. You can order the full menu at the bar. The service was unfortunately not nearly as good at the bar as it was in the dining room but if you're just getting drinks and a plate or two that's not a huge issue.-
re: Buckethead
Thanks. I'm pretty much set on the Vedge/Jamonera plan, though my DP was more positive about Vedge than I anticipated, so maybe we'll eat the full meal there. Looks like there's plenty of availability, so we'll just play it by ear. Now I can spend the next two days obsessing about what to order. I'm thinking maybe a drink and two dishes each at Vedge, and then moving on for a bit more at Jamonera.
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re: Buckethead
All very valid points... if you want to go to Chestnut Hill the Mica crab tasting menu looks awesome this week, including crab salad, galette de crab "georges Perrier", Veal oscar and then peach strudel for dessert. And they have al fresco dining.
The one thing to check is that the dates listed were only July 12, and 13th which seemed strange. So make sure the restaurant is open on Wed and that they are offering the tasting menu if that is your preference.
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re: Hungryin theBurbs
Unfortunately it hasn't been posted yet. I got it in an email. You have the gist of the menu. If you want more description I can paste the whole thing.
You cannot go wrong with Jamonera or Vedge. I would suggest even if you are just having drinks, to make a reservation for Jamonera, as it gets packed. But do not miss the drinks at Vedge eithe, they are very good.
Have a wonderful time and I hope you report back!
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