My Heart’s birthday dinner happened, coincidentally, during a Restaurant Week (super good deals at upscale restaurants gets patrons in the door to try out new places). We went to one of our favorite’s: Iron Bridge Wine Company. Restaurant week is generally three courses for a set price. He also had a “free entree” gift card for his birthday so this was a real deal !
My starter was, of course, the House Made Charcuterie but they switch it up regularly so it is always wonderful. This time: Prosciutto di Parma, Duck Rillette, Duck Pâté, Piccalilli, grainy mustard and pickled egg. The Duck Rillette was definitely my favorite – smooth and scrumptious.
My Heart’s starter: Roasted Chincoteague Oysters with Tasso ham, leek and shrimp stuffing. Unfortunately couldn’t taste the oysters at all but the stuffing was delicious.
My main course: Braised Lamb Shank with Gorgonzola polenta, smoked bacon collard greens with the “braising jus”. Amazing… everything worked so well together and the lamb was lovely, rich, and fork tender. The leftovers were equally yummy the next day!
My Heart had the Cioppino which included rockfish, squid, shrimp, mussels, tomato, fennel, and grilled focaccia. I have had Cioppino in all over the place but this was, without a doubt, the best broth I’ve ever tasted. Rich and amazing.
I Absolutely could NOT believe my Heart choose the Bread Pudding of the day – he HATES Bread Pudding (from a bad experience when he was in elementary school) but I think the Irish cream description coaxed him (and our server, who said it was delicious). AND He Loved It ! I don’t know if that has made him a bread pudding convert but if you put enough alcohol on something he’ll try it. Happy Birthday Love !