A friend shared this saying with me and it's exactly what came to mind when I thought about my two evenings at Ceres' Table.
My first visit to Ceres' Table was on April 22 for an event focused on Elizabeth Minchilli's latest cookbook: The Italian Table. While dinner that evening highlighted recipes from her cookbook, our table was treated to fantastic wine to accompany the recipes. And, I promised to return to try the full menu at Ceres' Table.
Which is exactly what I did last night with my friend Patti as my date.
To start, we enjoyed a glass of prosecco before settling into our cozy table in the back.
We ordered what has become my new favorite white wine, the Emidio Pepe 2016 Pecorino. This was my second evening with this unique white wine and it won't even come close to being my last. This bottle is worth a trip to Ceres' Table alone.
We started our meal with the arancini which was served on a pea puree, perfect for a late spring evening. Next time, I'll order two rounds for the table. I wonder if I ask really nicely if the chef would come up with a pasta dish with this sauce for me? I could eat it with a spoon.
Arancini
Next was the insalata di rucola with burrata, roasted grapes, asparagus and artichokes. I stopped reading the ingredients after the word burrata because that's all it takes for me to decide on a dish. And, somehow, I think I'll make this salad at home in the near future. It's fresh and bright and anything with burrata in it is good in my book.
Then our insalata di polpo e patate arrived. Anytime I see octopus on the menu, I order it. My favorite Italian restaurant has an octopus salad also that is one dish I'd have as my last meal on Earth. What I can tell you is that the Ceres' Table was equally as good. The octopus had the perfect char and lemon, potato and micro greens rounded out the dish. Please order this if you like octopus.
Insalata di polpo e patate with my favorite wine Emidio Pepe 2016 Pecorino
While I was sad to finish the bottle of the Pecorino, I was excited to try the 2016 Occhipinti il frappato. This excellent bottle is priced at $82. I will share that I had my eye on the 2013 Occhipinti cerasuolo grotte alte that we had during The Italian Dinner party. If you see the grotte alte on the menu at Ceres' Table (or anywhere for that matter) order it. I think it's outstanding. With a price point of $130, my bank account is happier with my selection last night but I still dream about the 2013 grotte alte.
2016 Occhipinti il frappato
Another classic dish I order often is a whole branzino. The Ceres' Table version of the whole grilled branzino was served with a salad of bitter greens and half of a grilled lemon that we squeezed over the fish. Patti and I shared everything last night, but I could have easily enjoyed the entire fish by myself.
Whole grilled branzino
We also ordered the duck carbonara. The duck bacon and duck egg gave a nice twist to the classic dish. Naturally, I was too excited to mix the duck egg into the pasta that I forgot to snap a picture. When you order this, you might forget to grab a picture, too.
One item I wanted to try was the seared hake that I saw arriving at neighboring tables. I missed my chance to order it last night but I hope it's still on the menu when I return. The presentation was impressive with the fish being unveiled once the smoke-filled glass cloche was lifted from the plate.
For dessert we ordered the salted caramel budino. And in typical fashion, a budino is something I order regularly. I can say with all certainty that all that's missing from this picture is a candle in it for my next birthday.
Ceres' Table now has two more big, big fans. Patti is planning to return specifically to order a pizza at the bar and I've already scheduled my next dinner.
I hope you go to Ceres' Table. Please say hi to the staff (especially Anne, Mark and Jack) who will all make sure your experience is unforgettable as mine have been.
xo
Your friend,
-Caroline
