Peppercorn’s Grill
Last week, I kicked off Taste of Hartford with a trip to Peppercorn’s Grill, a fabulous Italian restaurant on Main Street near Capitol Ave. Not only did I enjoy an incredible meal, but I actually have boastworthy pictures to prove it! It’s nice to do my food justice for once. So, that said, all of the beautiful pictures are thanks to Nick Caito. The good company is thanks to him too. Eating is always, always more fun with fellow foodies.
Anyway, I studied the Taste of Hartford menu online for a good two days before narrowing down my options. We ended up with a delightful spread- starting with prosciutto served “Sushi Style”…rolled with gorgonzola, black mission figs, and a drizzling of fig and balsamic essence. Whenever I eat something this flavorful, every bite is followed by a long, reflective, appreciative silence. Call me dramatic, but I STILL don’t know what to say. You can see how gorgeous it is for yourself.
Proscuitto-wrapped gorgonzola, figs & balsalmic essence. Photo by Nick Caito
I opted for Melanzane al Grate as my appetizer: baked eggplant gratin with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, parmigiano reggiano, basil, and tomato…A classic choice, AND pretty predictable on my end because I’m crazy about anything that tastes like eggplant parm.
Photo by Nick Caito
Followed this gem with ravioli (filled with ricotta, spinach, and orange rind) in a perfect buttery orange sage sauce.
Ravioli in Orange Sage sauce. Photo by Nick Caito
And for the other entree, I didn’t even try to pronounce the name (Costolette di Manzo Ubriaco) but I happily tried it anyway…slow cooked fork tender beef short ribs with a port scented red wine sauce and a gremolata served with polenta and sauteed greens. I stink at resizing pictures so you’ll just have to visualize this last dish yourself.
Tiramisu. Photo by Nick Caito
Tiramisu and hazelnut gelato were both sweet conclusions to a spectacular dinner. Needless to say, Hartford’s restaurant week is definitely treating me well so far. Tomorrow I’m off to Firebox Restaurant with Leeanne from Fun With Carbs, Amy from CT Bites (and Motoamy) and Nick Caito. Very much looking forward to this foodie gathering…
Try out Peppercorn’s (or the $20.10 promotions at any of the participating restaurants) before Taste of Hartford is officially over.
357 Main Street, Hartford CT
http://www.peppercornsgrill.com/
oh em! These photos made me so hungry! (kudos to Mr. Caito!) Also, I love the phrase “sweet conclusion” and I also love polenta. Next year, you and I have a date with restaurant week.
…or I’m just throwing this out there: http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?pid=95&m=13
:)
I want to go so badly. I’ve never been to Philly and I obviously love eating, especially with you. If school craziness permits a weekend away, consider me there.
Proscuitto-wrapped gorgonzola, figs & balsalmic essence….Whuck!?! I have to try that at home.