A few times driving into the city on Main Street, there are a couple of restaurants coming into the city center. For a while, there was a place called Izzy's, which seemed to look ok, but Bob and I never got a chance to try it out. A few weeks ago, another place opened up, and I had driven by it a few times, so I decided we should check it out for our monthly - Nina's Bistro.
We started at Hess for a few beers to enjoy the warm weather. Hess Village is always a good place to go when its warm out. Patios abound, and its a good place to chat. Later on in the evening, things pick up and the younger crowd comes in. We only stayed for about 2 hours, then walked over to Nina's. Bob had wondered about the place, so it was a good choice.
It was quiet when we got there about 5:30, and we sat down and had the pleasure of Nina, the owner, serving us. We had mentioned to her that we wanted her to show us her best, so Bob started off with the stuffed baby portobello mushrooms, and I had the crab cakes. The mushrooms were good, but Bob had said that La Paizza stuffed portobello was better. It looked good to me, but he knows portobello mushrooms! The crab cakes had to be the best I have had. Crispy on the outside, and lots of crab on the inside. I hope it was all crab, and not the crab-like substitute. If it was all crab, then it was an excellent choice!
Bob had the stuffed chicken, which he seemed to enjoy, and I had the bacon-wrapped fillet. It was done perfectly, and being hungry guys, the portions were well worth it. Potatoes and veggies were done to perfection. We had mentioned to Nina that it would have been nice to see a rack of lamb on the menu, or maybe even a pork tenderloin. There are so many options for mediterranean food, that she could make a great menu up as things pick up.
For dessert, Bob ordered the lemon cheesecake, which was good he said, and I ordered a custard. I wanted something light, but was disappointed that the dessert I got was a day old at least. Creamy desserts like that, need to be fresh that day, or forget it - its like chewing rubber. I had to send it back, and of course, desserts were on her. We ordered a bottle of wine, and had a spanish coffee afterwards. For $125, it wasn't bad at all. Generous portions, and tasty food, made for a great evening. We gave some suggestions to her to improve, which she graciously accepted. I think we will go back in a year, and see how she is making out. If she changes up a few things on the menu, this could be a place to be.
After dinner, we headed to Koi in Hess Village for a nightcap, and enjoyed a few coffee and Drambuies. It was a nice evening to sit outside and enjoy!
