Barolo Grill

I am tempted to write a diatribe, but will spare myself the energy and the inevitable deaf ears. My girlfriend and I went for 5280 Restaurant Week. I've long heard about how wonderful Barolo is and thought this a good introduction to their wine and foodie fare.
And, the food was indeed wonderful. A simple selection of solid courses. I opted for the wine pairing--I didn't love all four, but no complaints. So, here's the rub. Our server was clearly not feeling the 5280 love. Haughty, abrupt, borderline hostile, and didn't even bother to explain the courses. It actually became somewhat comical by the final course--the food runner actually apologizing for our server's absence. I won't be back and it's given me a horrible "taste" for 5280.

I was at Barolo the other night for a romantic dinner.  I have been there twice in the past (several years ago), and I remember it being very good.  This experience did not live up to the expectations of my previous visits.  I will tell you that my expectations were high based on the past, and also considering what they charge.  The ambiance was a litte noisy, but very nice other than that.  Good lighting and decor.  Our server was a little pretentious, and did not do a very good job of answering our questions (about the wine or the food).  I happen to know a fair amount about food and cooking, and it seemed that he did not understand some fairly simple questions.  However, instead of acknowledging that, he attempted to answer as if he knew what I meant, but clearly he did not.  In a restaurant of this caliber, I expect the servers to understand more from a culinary perspective.  He was also very rushed, so that often he (or we) would be finishing a sentence as he would be running off. He did have his good moments, so the service was not terrible overall.  As for the food, our appetizer was good (fried calamari, scallops and shrimp).  The gnocchi with shellfish crema and lump crab (off the chef's tasting menu) was superb, and kudos to the server as he recommended it.  The risotto with escargot and salsa verde was mediocre.  The flavors were good, however a little strong.  I enjoyed it, but almost sent it back because the risotto was CHEWY.  I mean, really chewy. I was shocked that it was not cooked properly (and clearly not tasted in the kitchen), and did not send it back only because it tasted good enough otherwise.  And my boyfriend helped with it, so I did not have to finish it on my own.  That would not have happened.  While I would consider going back just for that gnocchi, it is not likely.  I am sorry to say that I won't be back any time soon.

A celebratory and romantic night out was our goal on Friday night and I was pleasantly surprised when the car pulled up in front of Barolo Grill.  

As Lindsey K. mentioned valet parking is a nice perk when dawning some high and hot heels and there is a chill in the air.

We had reservations and were seated immediately, after being ushered into the side dining room and quick ask to be in the main dining room and the request was quickly granted and we were brought into the main dining room.

This is a romantic and intimate restaurant that completely sets the mood for the evening.  We started with a few cocktails, a Cosmo for me and a scotch for him, both equally delicious.  We then spent quite sometime perusing the extensive wine menu, most of which is easily $100+ a bottle and ended up settling on a beautiful red recommended by our server, Adam.  

I want to mention that we were definitely taking our time this evening and enjoying conversation and recounting the weeks activities so we were not in a rush to order.  Our servers were respectful of this and we never felt rushed in the slightest during our entire evening.  

There were complimentary bread sticks and a squash dip of some kind to start our meal, neither of which exciting in the least.  The dip was under seasoned on so many levels and was underwhelming.  Don't let this deter you from the rest of the meal.

Barolo offers a Chef Tasting menu for a prixe fixed price, as a bonus they also offer the items on the Tasting Menu a la carte as well if you don't want to participate in the entire Tasting Menu.

We opted for the Capponata di Baccala, tempura fried salt cod with agro dolce winter veggies from the Tasting Menu as an appetizer and this was outstanding.  Cod was delectable and served with a simple vegetable hash that had a hint of sweetness that paired so perfectly with the salty cod.  Every bite was ecstasy.

Based on the recommendation from our server who has fabulous knowledge of the menu we choose from the Insalate e Zuppa the Agrumi e Polpo which was winter citrus, octopus carpaccio, shaved fennel and watercress.  I would normally never try octopus carpaccio but these days I'm of the opinion, "why not?".  I'm so happy we tried this, I' in love with octopus carpaccio and may order this anytime I see it on a menu.  Perfect thin disk slices of octopus topped with slivers of citrus, fennel and watercress.  Flavor explosions happening in my mouth and taste buds dancing all around.  One of the highlights of the meal for me.  There was not a morsel left on the plate once we were done.

For our third course we ordered from the Primi Piatti, and based on another wonderful suggestion from Adam ordered the Agnolotti di Vitello, veal stuffed ravioli with espresso gelee, sage brown butter and parmigiano reggiano crisps.  At first we were both a little stumped by the espresso gelee and if it would actually melt or not.  Once we mixed it in with the pasta the flavor penetrated the tender veal stuffed ravioli making each bite better than the last.  An expertly created dish with creativity and finesse.  Five stars all the way.

We opted to skip another entree dish and go for dessert instead and both fell in love with the idea of Creme Brulee for two.  This is served in a large flat tart like pan almost the size of a pie plate so each bite you have has that caramelized sugar crust that we all crave so much.  We've all had the moment where we have eaten all the sugary crust and want for me.  There is no wanting to be had here, each bite will have that crisp sugar crust.  Accompanying dessert was some decadent port and heavenly cups of coffee that rounded out our celebratory evening.

I'm of the opinion that Barolo is a place where dreams can come true and food desires are realized.  The best of the best is here in service, food, flavors, atmosphere, wine pairings, and so much more.  THIS IS A DESTINATION FOR MAKING MEMORIES.