The Runaway Cook

A diary of culinary adventures

Dinner on the Water


I would have never imagined getting to a restaurant that had obnoxiously wonderful reviews on the NY Times website would be so difficult. Tonight all began when Peter and I decided that as culinarians, we wanted to splurge on some splendid Venetian fare for our dinner. I had done some research prior to leaving the states on places to go and we used my base to find what we imagined would be the perfect place. I called and made a reservation at this on-the-water experience and wrote down the address and marked it on the map. However, after a long walk and going back a forth between the only to restaurants in the area, we realized that this restaurant was so perfect, that we and no one we asked could find it.

At this point, we decided to ask the two restaurants we could find if they had any seats left, it was about 8-something and we were worried that it would be too late to get a seat. Our fist try was at a very authentic-looking place with many locals having a very loud time. We were rudely turned away and told that they were no longer serving food as waiters flooded by us with trays of pizza. We thanked the smug individual and left. Our only option was a very fancy-looking place, Restaurant Algiubagio, that served fixed 3-5 course dinners with fancy prices to match. We both said what the hell and sat at the waters edge with glasses of pinot grigio. 
Both of us swiveled our heads about glancing at the large glossy squares that displayed food to the nearby guests. Everything seemed to shimmer, however would we choose. In the end, the seafood seemed to be the most tempting and what we imagined as the most popular choice. The plates that surrounded us seemed to match our suspicion.    

The fist and second courses consisted of four delicate options, something with crayfish, something with crab, something with a scallop and a mousse of some sort. All were very different with varying herbs and spices. I would have to say the small but with pickles red onions, pine nuts, crab and crisp green apples was my favorite.
Next was the main course of a Lobster Alfredo over spinach fettucini. I was so excited for this dish. You see, I usually don't like lobster. I think it's blown out of proportion and has only mediocre flavor at best. I'd much rather spend an arm and a leg on some perfectly or even half-way-decently prepared sea bass that tastes like butter all on its own. Tonight, I was again proved correct. Sadly the beautiful vision of green, pink, and red was not all that impressive. Peter agreed that our hopes left our palates wanting for something more.  I think it was the muddy sea notes in the flesh and mixed with the bitterness of the spinach within the pasta dough that combined for something too potent to be outdone by a mild creamy sauce. 



On reflection of the evening, we agreed that the beautiful moonlit view of the water, good wine, food that really was enjoyable, and perfect service made both of us pleased to be sitting here, a restaurant that existed. I do wish that whoever I did make the reservations with, would have mentioned that they moved. 

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wheres my picture?

February 03, 2011  
Elizabeth said...

HA, is this peter? I don't have a picture of us together from that night... do you?

February 21, 2011  

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