So this Tuesday was the one night that we were able to put together with two other couples. One were friends of ours who had moved to London last year for what we are hoping is only three years. The others were the owner's of Marly's in Wilton (which is another great local place). This one Tuesday night in July, yes I'm running behind in my writing, was the only night that we were able to get together.
The first thing I noticed when I came into the restaurant is that the bar in the back that separates the dining room from the kitchen is covered in Tomatoes. I mean covered. All sizes and colors. Cherry, grape, beefsteak, cherokee you name it, it was there. It was a fireworks display of color. yellows, reds, purples, oranges and everything in between.
When we sat down and looked at the menu, I noticed that the appetizer section was a lot larger than what it used to be. Since the 6 of us all really love to eat, we decided to share 5 different appetizers.
Here is what we got:
The first one was a new dish to Anita and I. Battered Fish Bait. We had to ask because we had no idea what it was. I still don't remember what the name of the fish was, but it was a small thin fish that was battered and cooked whole. it was so small that you literally ate the whole thing. Bones and all. The fish was light and mild and the batter had a lot of the crunchy flavor you like in a fried fish. It was served pickles and nice roasted peppers.
Artisan Burrata was placed in front of us next. A large generous portion of creamy firm cheese was served with a pesto and fresh cherry tomatoes and a slice of the olive bread. we had to ask for more bread to accompany the dish.
The Kale and Beet salad is a dish we can't get away from. I have become a huge fan of beets and it still remains to be one vegetable that I have never made. I have heard that they can be boiled or more popularly roasted. But for some reason I have steered clear of them. I don't know why. Besides the Portobella mushroom, the beet has to be the "meatiest" of the vegetables around. But they are crisp and fresh tasting and oh so earthy. I really have to get some of these in my kitchen.
As it was tomato season, the plate of tomatoes with onions and Pearl Cous-cous was a nice addition to our selection. All I can say is that there is nothing better in the summer than fresh picked tomatoes.
The last appetizer is one that has become my personal favorite at the restaurant. When we first tried the Octopus, we were told it was a special and Frank our server brought us out a dish to try. Since then, I have always ordered it. I know I have written about it before, but h the way Bill cooks it, make it so soft and uncommon than most other chewy octopus dishes I have had. But the key to the dish is the Harissa dressing he makes. Bill posted a picture recently on facebook showing a kitchen accident while making the dressing. it was everywhere. I told him I would have volunteered to clean it up. I just needed some loaves and bread and it would be gone very quickly.
Our main dishes as usual didn't disappoint us. We had some similar orders but had some nice new dishes to try.
The Bronzoni was a piece of fish that we had gotten in the past. Bill serves this fish with an assortment of fresh summer beans and his tomato marmalade. If you can look back on Martha Stewart shows, you'll find he makes this on one of the shows he was on. Really bright flavors here.
Sweet breads were also ordered and they were as good as the last time I had tried them there. Made with fresh peas, carrots and onions, the dish sits in a light mushroom broth and dotted with bacon. Oh, I so love bacon.
We had two pasta dishes a the table. Both of them were 1/2 orders and it was a good thing because the desserts were plentiful. The first pasta dish was the Cavatelli. It was served with squash and a bean pesto, then topped with thinly sliced Prosciutto.
The last dish was the one that Mike and myself had gotten. It was a good think he ordered first and asked for the 1/2 order. otherwise I would have made a real pig of myself. The Buccatini Carbonara was served with onion, peas, bacon (oh joy), and topped with fresh shaved Parmesan. Fabulous dish.
The table was a group of Dessert fanatics. Not that many people are not but this group really loves their sweets. We got two orders of the fresh raspberries with melted chocolate on them. I'm not a huge fan of chocolate on fruit but this just looked so beautiful.
I can't resist Bills Corn Bread and candied Bacon. (OK, I can see I have a problem here)
Last and newest dessert was one that had to be preordered because it takes 15 minutes to make. Fresh fruit compote was on the bottom of a ramekin and topped with a pastry that can only be described as a cake of pancake. I know they described it differently when I was there a month ago and I have to admit, I just don't remember. But this dish was served with Basil ice cream. The combination was terrific and the cake in the first ramekin was soft and moist. It's worth the wait.
Another great meal and another great entry for me in the blog. This place is always easy to write about. Please go and say hello to Bill. Tell him I sent you.
leFarm can be found in Westport and on the web at www.lefarmwestport.com
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