Tag Archives: Tempranillo

Iberian Pig

Posted in Atlanta by

Iberian Pig, Decatur

It was fate that Marge and I were able to find two seats at the bar on a Friday night. This place has been popular for a couple of years years and is loved by all. If you’re on the hunt for wine & small plates seriously look no further. Their variety of wine by the glass is awesome, regardless of your preference they will have something for you. I tried two different Tempranillo‘s and a was pleased with both. We started with a cheese plate, which consisted of a Mahón D.O., Valdeón D.O., & Monte Enebro. Then we shared three small plates. The Pork Cheek Tacos were my favorite but don’t think that the Spanish Tortoloni & Lamb Ribs weren’t just as good! Our bartender was knowledgeable and gave us good suggestions on the cheese plate. I wish I could have tried their dessert but was just too full. The only things I would keep in mind when going here is that reservations are highly recommended and parking can be a pain but other than those two minor details go & enjoy!

 

 

Canoe

Posted in Atlanta by

Canoe, Vinings

The whole meal was simply marvelous. I sat in the bar area which served its full menu and had pretty lush seating, looked more comfortable than the chairs in the dining room! I peaked outside and would have loved to sit at that bar and listen to the live music (Blue Grass) but it was cold and I of course forgot a jacket. My server, Leigh, was well attentive, personable and of course steered me well through out the meal.

She informed me that they are known for their Manhattan’s so I order one on the rocks with Buffalo Trace. I’m not well versed with whiskey and have not indulged with many Manhattan’s but after this stellar example I think I just might start enjoying them more. For food I started off with another house favorite the House Smoked Salmon, which rest upon a crisp potato pancake and a goat cheese spread. It was indeed rich but ordering the smaller portion allowed me not to feel overwhelmed. With all flavors and textures being perfected this appetizer would probably rank in my top five. Another thing that I hadn’t seen before was bread being served piece by piece. They make all their own bread in-house daily; I opted for a piece of the sourdough and the spicy flat-bread.

For my entrée I excitedly picked the Slowed Roasted Carolina Rabbit, it was de-boned and oh so tender– no knife needed. It was served with swiss chard and bacon ravioli, sweet potato, and a candied ginger sauce. Only one word would be able to describe this dish and it would be…decadent. I had a glass of Muga Reserva from Rioja Spain and it was a great tempranillo, very jammy on the front end but had a spicy finish, which paired with the rabbit sublimely.

And last but not least I ordered the Mercier Apple & Almond Butter Cake with Cinnamon Creme Fraiche. After such a rich meal I didn’t want anything heavy or overly sweet. This was perfect– light and savory but still satisfied my need for something sweet at the end of the meal. I have never had cinnamon creme fraiche and it was a welcomed fall twist to the original. Canoe is known for their fish & game and having the  pleasure of trying both I was not disappointed. I can now see why Canoe continues to be highly regarded year after year.