
We were offered a table in the corner near one of the front windows - a prime location for a mom and daughter lunch - private with a good view. Our waitress was friendly and helpful, answering our questions and giving suggestions. We decided to get caponata as a starter - stewed eggplant, capers, tomato, crostini (see above). It was delicious, and a favorite for both of us. It had more of a "pickled" taste than other caponatas I have had (must be really briny capers) which I liked, and was served with crostini , but would be tasty over pasta too. Three different types of olives were included too on the plate - a bonus!
We also ordered a salad to share: pesche alla griglia - roasted peaches, gorgonzola dolce, aged balsamic vinegar, basil oil. This came in an unusual presentation - in a row across the plate. I regret not taking a picture - I dug into it before I thought to take one ... Oh well, will just have to go back and order it again! My husband and I often grill peaches in the summer, so I know how yummy they taste and was looking forward to this salad. Again, it didn't disappoint - the sweet peaches were served with peppery arugula and tangy, soft gorgonzola - a perfect combination of flavors playing off each other, and the basil oil drizzle was a nice touch - not overly done.
Then we each ordered soup: minestrone for my mom - summer squash, spinach, tomato, pesto; and fagioli bianco for me - cannellini beans, swiss chard, suffrito. Both hit the spot on a rainy day - rich broth with fresh vegetables served in generous bowls. I used the crusty bread were were given on the side for dipping into the soup - so good!
Minestrone Fagioli bianco
Will definitely go back - would love to go for dinner to try the gnocchi con gamberetti - rock shrimp, tomato, guanciale, roasted garlic, basil pesto; or maybe polenta alla griglia - grilled polenta, rapini, roasted red peppers, parmiggiano reggiano, pesto. Yum!!