Sunday, November 22, 2009

LaPentola Lights up the Night of Lights

St.Augustine had its annual Nights of Lights celebration on Saturday, and it was only fitting to toast the occasion with an early dinner in the courtyard of LaPentola restaurant in the historic district.

This country French restaurant is never disappointing. I know I said French but the menu is more European. So I always get my favorite lobster ravioli appetizer with a light cream sauce and compliment it with a New Zealand sauvignon blanc. A loaf of crusty warm bread is perfect for dipping into the amazing sauces and the wait staff has no problem offering more. The seafood and veal dishes are delicate and flavorful. A very extensive menu and everything is wonderful.

When you want to entertain, impress, or just enjoy a lunch or dinner in an intimate courtyard setting, this is the best place in St. Augustine. No wonder Flagler's COM Dept. hosts all of their guests here. Excellent choice.

Monday, October 12, 2009

If you ever wander up to St. Simons Island near Brunswick, Georgia, be sure to treat yourself to an amazing evening at Delaney's on Fredrica Rd. It is a true experience. The wait staff treat you as a "guest" not customer from the moment you walk in the door. My husband probably drove our waiter crazy selecting just the right French bordeaux for dinner, but he didn't flinch a bit. The trigger fish sauteed in a light lemon butter sauce was flakey and prepared beautifully with a risotto side. Impeccable in every detail. Check it out. Bring money (lots) but worth every penny.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

I should have known when there was nobody in the restaurant at 7 p.m. After hearing the radio spot and realizing that Let's Noche was open in the evening, I couldn't wait to drive over and enjoy my long awaited corned beef sandwich. Well, it was marginal at best. Huge! But the meat was borderline rubbery. Great rye bread but the contents were disappointing. However the wait staff was incredibly friendly (why not ... who else was there to talk to!) Not much atmosphere but I was there for the deli, not the ambiance. I'd try it again but order something else next time. So the hunt for the perfect c.b. continues

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

It's not often when I can enjoy lunch during the week in a decent restaurant but I did today. The Chryssaidis family owns Athena Restaurant on Cathedral Place in St. Augustine and the gyro was excellent. Lots of lettuce, tomato, and lamb that was amazingly tender. Great sauce too. Very diversified menu for lunch or dinner and the neat part is the atmosphere. Welcoming ... not overdone. I found a card posted on the menu near the front door for a complimentary glass of wine with dinner. You know I'll be back!