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Review – Fort Worth Food Truck Park

Published on May 2, 2012, by in Fort Worth Restaurant Reviews, Out And About in DFW, Tarrant County Restaurant Reviews.

The food truck industry has fascinated me for several years now.  For a long time, the craze hadn’t moved north of Austin but over the past few years, I’m excited to say, that it’s beginning to migrate.  First it was a few trucks on Magnolia in Fort Worth.  It quickly spread to the college campuses and in December of 2011, the Fort Worth Food Park was a welcome addition to the Fort Worth food culture.

Saturday, after convincing my husband I wasn’t taking him to the food court in the mall (he was struggling to grasp the concept), we headed to just North of the West 7th District to scope out this hidden gem.  My only instructions were that it was directly “behind the Target SuperCenter”.  Bryan wasn’t too thrilled when I literally led him through the back alley of Target, dumpsters and all.  So for all of you looking for it, it is on the street behind Target!   2509 Weisenberger Street, FW 76107 to be more specific.

Walking into the park

Don’t let the address fool you.  Yes, this is an industrial business street complete with warehouses protected by chain link fences.  The block of cars lining the street and filling the parking lots led me to believe we were close.  We were.  You can park anywhere along the street except for the parking lot directly across the street from the food park with the sign that says you will be towed.  They must mean business because the food park has a sign upon entrance reminding guests not to park there.  Although the location might sound odd and all being on an industrial street, the circle of trucks create a secluded area around the picnic tables that feels more like you’re hanging out at picnic tables in Luchenbach, Texas, with Waylon and Willie, than in between warehouses.  I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it for myself.   The place is even equipped with really nice bathrooms – not port-o-potties!

Communal picnic tables for dining.

Very clean and nice restrooms.

We decided to get something from each truck so we could try everything.  Of course we got a burger and fries from Fred’s Truck Wagon.  They were juicy and tasted like they came off the backyard grill.  The Weiner Man offered such a scrumptious hot dog.  They all looked appealing but we got the plain one with just cheese, mustard and onion.  Boy ‘o boy was it really good.  This dog was all about the bun.  It sure did seem home made to me.  It was a brioche type bun with a yummy buttery crust.

Burger and hand cut fries from Fred's Chuck Wagon.

Probably the best hot dog I've ever had - The Weiner Man.

The complete shock of the night was how much we both loved Good Karma Kitchen.  Neither one of us have ever been big on vegetarian or gluten free food.  This place turned us around fo’ sho’!  The bean and soy crumbled faux “beef” nachos were better than some Mexican food restaurants.  We inhaled them.  If there hadn’t of been so much more food to try, I would have gone back for more.  I am now a huge fan.  I’ve heard they have great tomato soup so I will have to go back soon to try it.  The street tacos from Salsa Limon were a real treat and were so fresh with their cabbage and cilantro slaw.  We sampled the chicken and the beef on mini homemade corn tortillas.  The Munch Box was only serving menu items with pork belly, not my favorite.  We decided to give the pork belly lettuce wraps a try anyway.  The flavors of sesame oil, soy and cilantro melded so well together.  I would have loved them if they weren’t full of pork belly so I just ate around it.  They came in a cute, little box.  Yes, I am a marketers dream come true!

Bryan at Good Karma Kitchen. Yum!

The scrumptious nachos from Good Karma Kitchen!

In line at Salsa Limon

Street tacos from Salsa Limon.

Pork belly lettuce wraps from The Munch Box - Cute box huh?

There was one disappointment of the evening, the red velvet cupcake from Red Jett Cupcakes.  I was thinking to myself, “For $3 this small cupcake better be heavenly.”  It was far from it.  The cake was very dry and crumbly.  The frosting was a perfect cream cheese variety but without a nice moist cake, it doesn’t quite do it.  I ate the frosting and threw away the cake.  Can’t let a perfectly good concoction of butter, cream cheese and powdered sugar go to waste!  There has to be a cupcake sin against it.  The friends whom I told about my cupcake experience were surprised.  They said that it must have been an off night for them.  I’m not sure if their word is enough for me to try it again but I might.

My red velvet cupcake wasn't so velvety.

Bottom line, I am definitely going back.  I missed Lee’s Grilled Cheese!  I heard that their Back Breaker Sandwich is a must.  They are definitely “on a roll” with what they have going on here.  Aaahaaa!  I crack myself up.  Since we visited, an article about the truck park was published in 360 West Magazine.  The park is opening a cantina at the end of May.  It will offer beer and wine, some even being local micro-brews.  When it opens, the current BYOB policy will cease.  In the near future a second park is scheduled to open in Fort Worth’s Northside.  I think the food truck craze is here folks!  Make sure you stop in and try something you haven’t tried before!

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Exploring Dallas Farmers Market

Published on April 5, 2012, by in Out And About in DFW, Recipes & Food.

A day at Dallas Farmers Market

Springtime in Texas can bring many things, especially allergies, but the thing I look forward to the most is the feeling that everything is new and fresh again.  Gone are the cozy days of soups and stews and in are the evenings of al fresco dining with fresh new vegetables and fruits.  Cooking is lighter, fresher and more colorful.  It is this time of year that I begin to get envious of the parts of the country that have small markets and produce stands on the side of the road.  The Dallas/Fort Worth area is full of people rushing on crowded highways from work to home and back again.  Most of us find it an inconvenience just to get out of the car for an errand.  If grocery stores had drive through lanes, I am sure they would be 20 cars deep during afternoon rush hour while the parking lot remained empty.

So when Saturday comes in the spring, a trip to the Farmer’s Market isn’t just in store but is also a relaxing and welcoming stress reliever.  The Dallas Farmer’s Market is hidden in the heart of downtown Dallas.  Just a few blocks off the highway is a hidden treasure of products hauled in by local farmers.  It was here that I tried one of the best apples I have ever tasted, the size of a small cantaloupe and juicier than citrus!  The farmer was luring in the crowd by cutting off slice after slice of mouthwatering fruit.  I bought more than I could ever eat but I didn’t care.  They were to die for.  I felt what Snow White must have been feeling when she couldn’t resist.

Best apples ever!

These people were so great and friendly!

This is just ONE of the booths!

There were several open barns full of bays of farmers and their particular specialties.  The colors were so vibrant that they almost look like I altered them in Photoshop.  None of them are, I guarantee it.

The beautiful bounty at my fingertips!

Ahhh the warm roasted peanuts!

One barn houses vendors selling homemade specialties such as tamales, chocolate, olive oil, ice cream, cheese and more.  You can spend an afternoon wandering the grounds and sampling great food.  I loved talking to the people who grow the food everyday, listening to their stories and suggested recipes.  Most prefer to not alter the food much at all explaining that a little bit of salt and olive oil can enhance but not drown.   Bryan and I ended up filling a huge cart with my treasures!

Big, open barns for easy wandering.

Ain't No Mo' Butter Cakes

Chicago Style Deli

Texas Olive Oil

For those of us in Tarrant County, it seems like quite a trek over to Dallas just for a Farmer’s Market but you won’t be disappointed.  Sure it isn’t for running quickly to just “pick up a few things”.  It is more of a destination.  Wear something comfortable, bring your reusable canvas bags and make a day of it.

Located at the intersection of Pearl and Taylor.

Loaded up with goodies and ready to go home!

Almost looks fake, doesn't it?

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Bizzi’s Bistro in Hurst Texas

Published on April 3, 2012, by in Fort Worth Restaurant Reviews.

 

Margherita Pizza at Bizzis. Forgive the camera. Yes, I am the only person on earth with a Blackberry still!

I desperately wanted to love Bizzi’s Bistro so badly and for so many reasons. It is close to work. The small town of Hurst needs a good place to chill and relax without the craziness of a chain restaurant. The bistro is a thing of the past in the forever growing metropolis of Tarrant County. I was craving it. I heard about it through a co-worker and anticipated visiting for months before actually going. I think I worked up high expectations in my head that led to a big disappointment.

Bizzi’s is located in an early 80’s or late 70’s small office or apartment building. I really expected the interior to have been transformed into a quaint wine country type experience but it turned out to be very sterile and plain. It couldn’t have been further from my expectations. In fact there weren’t many updates at all. The white tile floor and walls didn’t provide much character. Think of it as a tiled office with tables, a glass cheese display case outside the kitchen door and a bar off to the side. The tables were beautifully set, the menu was detailed and appealing and the wine list was fairly good. The vibe of the place just didn’t mesh. It reminded me of the fellowship hall at my small town church growing up with a tiny kitchen behind a single door. The one thing that I couldn’t get over was the very strange smell. It smelled of old office building or nursing home. It engulfed me the minute I walked in and didn’t fade. The fact I was the youngest patron in the room (in my mid 40s) just emphasized the source of the smell.

Now let me say that the food was amazing. The pasta was made from scratch, the flatbread pizza was so crisp it reminded me of an artisan cracker and the cheese selection was superb. Their frothy signature cocktail made from rose’ and whipped cream flavored vodka was unique and very addictive. The service was phenomenal. We were a huge group with many orders and demands. Our two servers kept up with everything successfully. I wish that the food was enough to bring me back but for me the ambiance makes an entire meal. It is all about the environment and I didn’t feel this one. I really hope that this mom and pop place can survive. Some candles and Febreeze would do wonders!

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Restaurant Review – Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine

Published on January 22, 2012, by in Fort Worth Restaurant Reviews, Tarrant County Restaurant Reviews.

Bryan and I accidentally stumbled on Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine when my husband was looking for a new place to enjoy for a special anniversary. We hadn’t heard much about it but the menu was so appealing, we were instantly drawn in. We researched Chef Jon Bonnell and it appeared that he was quite the accomplished chef.

If you are wondering what “fine Texas cuisine” refers to, let me simply explain. Texas cuisine is most anything that can be killed on a deer lease in Middle of Nowhere, Texas; deer, elk, rattlesnake, pigeons and quail. Don’t let the rustic nature of the game deter you from trying this fabulous restaurant!

Pulling up to Bonnell’s, it doesn’t look like anything special. It is a stand alone building on the side of the highway in South Fort Worth but we were quickly engulfed in the warmth and hospitality that has obviously been set as a standard by Jon Bonnell himself. It is an older building but it only adds to the cozy appeal. The natural, cozy ambiance is due to the dark wood trim, brick walls, old western photos and memorabilia. The dining room is separated into intimate sections by an X formation of half plank and half glass walls through the center of the room. While there is the feeling of privacy in each nook, there is still a feeling of openness provided by the glass design.

Bryan and I snuggled into a perfect table in the back of our nook. We ordered a bottle of Terrazas Malbec as we decided on how to split up our meals so we could have the best sample of the menu. This malbec was smooth and light. It was a great buy at just $36 which was the restaurant markup price. I put it on my list to stock up on at home.

The menu offers a create-your-own combination appetizer which is the perfect way to go. We were able to sample the calamari (a must have for Bryan), the elk tacos, crispy Bandera quail legs, Texas shrimp and creamy grits and the Oysters Texafeller. I loved every bit. I (more…)

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Heirloom Tomato Pie from Food Network Magazine

Published on January 4, 2012, by in Recipes & Food.

My tomato pie!

I found this recipe for Heirloom Tomato Pie on the cover of a summer 2011 issue of Food Network Magazine.  It was almost as pretty as a piece of art.  I immediately had to try it.  I am not much of a baker so I thought this might help me move from savory over to the pastry side of things.  I had a blast making it and it was DELICIOUS!

After several glasses of wine one night I obviously wrote Food Network Magazine about my pie making experience because while glancing through the October 2011 issue I saw my name in the comments section.  Yep, I drunk emailed.    This is probably the only time Pinot Noir and the internet was a good idea!

My 15 seconds of fame!

Here is the recipe.  It is really easy and very impressive. 

1 refrigerated pie crust

2 pounds heirloom tomatoes

1 large onion; sliced

¾ cup of shredded manchego cheese

¾ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

1/3 cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons of bread crumbs

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup of fresh chives, chopped

1 teaspoon diced garlic

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

Slice tomatoes thin and toss with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.  Place in strainer to drain in sink for 30 minutes shaking every few minutes.  This will remove the extra liquid from the tomatoes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Roll out pie dough and place in greased pie dish and press into dish. Pinch edges around the  pie for decoration.  Fill the pie crust with dried pinto beans or pie weights.  This will keep the crust from rising in the middle of the pie.  Bake for 20 minutes.  Remove from oven and cool.

In saute pan, saute onions and 1 tablespoon of olive oil until soft and translucent.  Set aside to cool.

In bowl mix shredded cheeses, mayonnaise, bread crumbs, garlic, chopped herbs, 1 tablespoon kosher salt and cooled sauteed onions.  Spread cheese mixture into baked pie crust.  Rinse tomatoes and shake off water.  Layer tomatoes on top of cheese mixture.  Bake for 50 minutes or until tomatoes brown.

Cool and slice.  Heaven!!

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WordPress Hacking Upsets My World!

Published on November 21, 2011, by in Recipes & Food.

I cannot fathom the type of person who would spend their spare time writing code containing malware that would eventually destroy a website that someone, a perfect stranger, has dedicated the past two years of their life to.  What kind of gratification that brings is beyond me.

The fortunate thing was that my husband was able (after 2 weeks of very late nights) cleaning up The Weekend Entertainer which has now been approved by Google as back to being safe!  The unfortunate thing is that in order to do so, every last post, comment and picture had to be deleted!  The past two years of my hobby is gone.  Luckily I saved most of my writing so I will try to rebuild.  This must be what a house fire victim feels like.   Should I rebuild it?  Will it ever be the same?  Should it be the same?  Where on earth do you start?

After the anger and grieving of sorts, I decided that it was too important to me and way too much fun not to.  So, bear with me while I try to rebuild.  Thanks!

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Restaurant Review – Farpointe Cellars

Published on August 11, 2011, by in Fort Worth Restaurant Reviews, Tarrant County Restaurant Reviews, Wine.

This fabulous little location called Farpointe Cellar Wine Bistro is difficult for me to blog about. In a way I don’t want anyone else to discover it because I want it to be all mine! But I have to. It is such a rare find in our area. It is the neatest, little spot in Southlake Texas!

I met some co-workers there last night to wish a dear friend goodbye and good luck on her next endeavor. I walked up under the arbor that covered adorable bistro tables and immediately knew it was going to offer a little something different, lagniappe, a little something extra. I literally stopped in my tracks and inhaled with surprise as I looked around the tiny, quaint place! If I could own anything in the world besides a dive restaurant or B&B in the mountains, would be a little wine place like this one. An ample bar for the size of the place was nestled in the corner while every other corner was full of cozy furniture set up in conversation style pods. There was even a wine box of blankets to snuggle up with. I fell in love immediately and insisted it would be a regular place to visit from now on.

We instantly flopped down into one of the groups of fat, cozy chairs and ordered flights of wine. Each flight is 3 heavy pours of varieties of related wines. I got the white wine flight. This flight consisted of Giocato Pinot Grigio 2009 (Primorska, Slovenia), Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (Napa Valley, California) and Ferraton Pere & Fils La Matiniere 2009 (Northern Rhone, France). All were very good.

They serve a smorgasbord of pairings to go with your wine to include cheeses, meats, olives, breads, crackers and even chocolate! We were able to pick something for everyone since the let you create your own platters. The goat cheese selection is magnificent! The fig and honey flavor was fought over.

Overall, this was the perfect place to enjoy our time with each other as we reminisced over good times that we wouldn’t forget. The Bistro is next door to the Farpointe Cellar Wine Store that offers a wonderful selection of wines for any taste or budget. Located on Southlake Boulevard just west of Southlake Town Square, it is right in the heart of the hustle and bustle but nestled back from the road in the trees. Stop by! You will be really glad you did.

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Restaurant Review – Tillman’s Roadhouse in Fort Worth

Published on August 7, 2011, by in Fort Worth Restaurant Reviews, Tarrant County Restaurant Reviews.

When I first walked into Tillman’s Roadhouse, I thought to myself, “This place has an identity crisis!”  I didn’t quite understand the décor.  The massive, faux log structure above the bar was a touch of rustic lodge, however the crystal chandelier and velvet banquettes were undoubtedly screaming romantic elegance.  One sole light bulb dangled over each small table attached to the ceiling with only a cord covered in industrial textile, while the back room was adorned to resemble a blue and silver forest.   Eclectic was an understatement!  With “roadhouse” in their name I was expecting a western themed run-of-the-mill, boring chain restaurant with peanut shells on the floor.  As I settled into our table, I became abruptly aware that I was in for a very different experience!

The front dining room

The fun, ecletic back dining room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a Saturday afternoon after the lunch rush, perfect time to go.  We were seated immediately, shared the dining room with only a few other parties and paid lunch prices!  It doesn’t get better than that.  The menu could be described as fancy cowboy trail food.  We started with some of their signature drinks, The Low Country, and nibbled on the popcorn that they brought to the table.  The popcorn was drizzled with truffle butter and black pepper.  I would have never ordered it off the menu but it was oddly good.  Bryan asked me to split a wedge salad so I did but I wish we would have tried their signature trio of fries; parmesan black pepper Kennebec, chili dusted purple Peruvian and smoked salt sweet potato fries.  Guests at other tables were munching on them.  They are served upright in a wooden, branded box with homemade ketchup and horseradish pickle mayo.  Just the presentation alone was unique.  The wedge was plated to look like an art canvas!  It was the prettiest salad that I have ever seen, delicious too.  Make sure that you like blue cheese before you order this salad.  The dressing was homemade with thick, creamy chunks of gorgonzola.   It is the perfect combination to the salty, crispy bacon.   The candied pecans were the best part.  Candied anything is great but in this scenario, the sweet crunch provided just the texture needed in this crisp, clean salad.

The truffle butter popcorn - Yum!

Bryan noticed that they had a Kobe beef burger on the menu.  He hasn’t had one since we visited our favorite restaurant in Sonoma County California.  He made up his mind immediately, slammed his menu shut and announced that he was getting the 7th Street Burger.  It took me a little longer.  I wanted to get something exclusive to Tillman’s but the options were endless.  The chicken fried steak kept crossing my mind.  Described with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and poblano cream gravy, it sounded mouth-watering.  Poblano is one of my favorite flavors so I went for it.  We also ordered a side of the famous mac n’ cheese with bacon.

Tillman's famous mac n' cheese

When the server sat down my dish, I thought he was mistaken.  Where was the overly huge portion of breading surrounding a shrunken piece of chopped sirloin inside?  Their CFS was nothing of the sort, nicely plated on top of potatoes with little green beans nestled on top drizzled with pobalano cream gravy.  Was I still in Texas?   I loved that Tillman’s had the right idea here, serve guests normally sized portions of exceptional, quality food instead of oversized, under satisfying mediocre fare.  We should be eating this way always.  I couldn’t wait to dig in!   I didn’t have to saw back and forth to cut my steak.  It was extremely tender.  The breading to steak ratio was perfect.   The poblano cream gravy was a perfect accompaniment.   It is definitely green so don’t let it shock you.  I wish there was a little more of it.  The mashed potatoes were a little plain and could have used some more flavor of the gravy.  I couldn’t detect any garlic in these garlic potatoes but otherwise the entire meal exceeded our expectations.

Now isn't this a beautiful chicken fried steak?

Bryan’s burger was one of those dishes that make you wish you had ordered it.  It looked like one of those burger commercials that comes on late at night when you are so hungry.  Those burgers that look so good only because they are styled perfectly by a food stylist with ingredients that include everything but beef!  It was perfectly juicy with melted smoked gouda cheese and crisp vegetables.  Dorothy, we weren’t at Chili’s anymore!  It was almost as good as our favorite wine country burger.  Bryan was thrilled to find a place that satisfied his taste for a good burger.

Seriously one of the best burgers we've had.

I wish we would have had time to order their famous s’mores that you make at your table.  We were short on time since we were trying to catch a movie.  After seeing that movie, I can tell you now that I would have chosen the s’mores but I don’t do movie reviews so I will leave it at that.  I can’t wait to go back especially when it cools off outside. The patio has perfect atmosphere for cold weather; fluffy couches, an outdoor fireplace and big, cozy chairs!  Since we have had 60+ days of over 100 degrees, I am sure ready!

Tillman’s Roadhouse has a Dallas and Fort Worth location.  Ironically they are both located on 7th.  Well, the Fort Worth location is actually on Crockett in the 7th Street District.  This was the location we went Make reservations now for a very different, quality experience and try the fries for me!

 

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Restaurant Review – Taverna Risotteria

Published on July 1, 2011, by in Fort Worth Restaurant Reviews, Tarrant County Restaurant Reviews.

Peyton and her grandparents, Toots and Bamma

Tonight we went to downtown Fort Worth to Taverna for Peyton’s birthday.  The kids absolutely love the food and the fact that they are treated like true guests.   We were immediately greeted by the older Italian gentleman who manages the place.  He immediately announces to us, “Bryan party of 6” without asking us to identify ourselves.  He remembers people as though he is in a small cafe in the countryside instead of an urban pizzeria bistro.  He walks us to the table as he talks to Peyton about her birthday.  Not many restaurants are excited to see a 6 year old on a Saturday night but the folks at Taverna were even more welcoming to her and her brother than to the adults.

The tin tiled ceiling is painted the color of merlot, the wood floor adds warmth and the open kitchen makes you feel as though you are a guest at someone’s house.   It is a quaint establishment with maybe 20 or so tables but it feels open and comfortable.  The only challenge is with parties over 6.  You must make a reservation to get the good farmhouse style family table.

Besides their regular menu, they have many specials of the day written on chalkboard above their kitchen island window.  I typically stick with something from the menu but tonight I went with the pasta special.  It was tagliolini pasta with crab meat, shrimp, asparagus, cherry tomatoes and sherry cream sauce.  It was TO-DIE-FOR!  The crab added such a richness without being too rich.  Everyone at the table sampled my dish and raved about the flavor combinations.  This was probably my favorite pasta dish that I have ever had!   The server recommended something new for me,  Septima Malbec.    It was a really good, mild sipping wine.  I am typically a Pinot Noir fan but this wine was rich and fruity without being too heavy which is good in the 102 degree Texas heat!

My pasta with crab

Septima Malbec

After dinner Peyton was anxious to order the crème brulee!  This dessert is probably the real reason she keeps begging to go back.  Some crème brulee can often taste burned.  Not this one!  The sugar coated topping melts in your mouth without any bitter, burned taste at all.  The creamed custard of vanilla and orange flavors could be something that I eat every day for the rest of my life!

Taverna is located on the corner of Throckmorton and West 4th in downtown Fort Worth.  There is convenient garage parking just one block to the west that is free on the weekends and after 5 during the week.  The ambiance of this place will draw you in and make you a forever fan!  Enjoy!

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Restaurant Review – Terra Mediterranean Grill in Fort Worth

Published on June 25, 2011, by in Fort Worth Restaurant Reviews, Tarrant County Restaurant Reviews.

I have wanted to try Terra Mediterranean Grill for quite some time now.  I have recently been slowing segueing into trying more Greek food.  In the past I hadn’t been much of a fan but I believe that was probably due to the quality of the food I was sampling.  Lately I have found many favorites.  Terra didn’t disappoint.

Located on a street just off of 7th Street in Fort Worth, it fits right in with the modern main street vibe of shops and restaurants.  Fun and  unique al fresco dining experiences seem to be a focus on this block and Terra chimes right in with their outdoor bar that looks into the restaurant.  It is definitely a neat way to have a drink and not miss out on all the activity and people watching outside.

Bryan and I met our best friends, Denyse and Chris, at around 8:00 p.m. on a Saturday night.  They happened to honeymoon in Greece and are world travelers so I am usually following them to their best restaurant recommendations.  Since I recommended this one, I was hoping that they would love it.

At first impression, the atmosphere felt like a contemporary fast-paced cafe or cafeteria.  After finding out that they offer a lunch buffet, the empty, stainless steel food stations made more sense.  It did tend to transfer a very casual feeling to the dinner crowd, however.  We were seated in a corner across from the bar at a half booth, half table set up.  Denyse and Chris sat on the booth bench while Bryan and I were in the chairs on the opposite side.  When Denyse scooted into the booth she almost slide right off the bench onto the floor by the wall.  There was a gap of about a foot between the end of the booth and wall.  Although she had to almost sit in Chris’ lap through the meal, we made a joke of it and went on.  We decided it must have been an order mishap and made it the purse holding section.

As we decided on appetizer selections, we ordered drinks.  It took quite some time for drinks to arrive and they came one at a time which was a little odd.  The guys got beer and Denyse and I had a very fruity and smooth Hob Nob Pinot Noir.  It had a slight raisin finish. Great wine and equally great price point.  For appetizers we ordered hummus, calamari and baba ghanouj.  Baba gah what?  This not something I was familiar with.  I immediately started singing Baba O’Riley by The Who! Baba ghanouj is a dip of pureed eggplant, tahini, lemon, garlic and olive oil.  Absolutely didn’t sound as fabulous as it was!  I could have licked the bowl.  The soft pita bread was warm, fresh and just the right accompaniment to the dips.  This dish reminded me of the dress that on the rack looks unflattering but when put on is the perfect, flattering fit!  On the menu it didn’t stand out but in reality, I would go back for this one dish alone.  The hummus was very flavorful and silky but the calamari was very forgettable.  It lacked flavor and seasoning.  We ate very little of it.

A wonderful Mediterranean meal!

Each of us ordered something different so we could try many things on the menu.  Denyse had the sea bass special, Chris got the roasted chicken, Bryan the gyro and I got the lamb chops.  Lamb chops are a new experience for me as well.  I had them for the first time at my brother’s wedding reception at Zizikis earlier this summer.  I loved them!  Terra’s version was also very tasty.  They were perfectly cooked with the right amount of pink.  Chris and Bryan also had delicious entrees but the star of the night was definitely the sea bass.  It melted like butter in your mouth.

The portions at Terra are huge which is probably why they charge $3 for split entrees.  I don’t blame them.  They serve great food for a terrific value.  Don’t let the $20 price tag for the lamb chops fool you.  I had about 10 chops on my plate with a generous portion of saffron rice and grilled vegetables.  It was well worth it.  If you are a little hesitant, pay the extra $3 and split your meal.  You won’t regret it.

The evening had a slow start but grew to meet the expectations we had of Terra.  If you are looking for a lively place to meet friends and share some wine and flavorful Mediterranean fare, head here.  And don’t forget the baba ghanouj!  My mouth is watering just thinking of it.

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