Sunday, April 4, 2010

snails!

i recently enjoyed a meal at Manuel's Vintage Room here in Gainesville.  nice wine, and good food... what more could you want?  maybe good bread.  which we had.  but i guess bread falls into the food category.  it came out warm, was crunchy on the outside, and nice and soft on the inside.  perfect for dipping in oil.

i tried my friend's escargot,  simmered with butter, garlic, and herbs.  it was my first time, and i will definitely eat them again.  i mean, let's be honest... anything simmered with butter is sure to be tasty.


next course, fried vegetable risotto cakes with a pesto aioli sauce.  creamy, yummy goodness.  it was a last minute decision, and i had to wave to get our waiter's attention to come back after we had already ordered.  there are three cakes to each order, which makes it a perfect primi to share.  and, they are kind enough to plate each one separately.  you must order these if you eat at Manuel's in the future.


luckily the two friends i was with cringe at the thought of gorgonzola, so i didn't have to share a bite of my salad.  this rustic salad was a spring mix with gorgonzola, red onions, prosciutto, fresh chopped tomatoes, and pine nuts tossed in a lemon-pesto vinaigrette.  one of my biggest pet peeves at nice restaurants is when there is so little dressing, that the greens are still dry.  i'm happy to report that Manuel's was not frugal with their dressing, and this salad is a must have.  that is, if you like gorgonzola.


the main course... capellini with shrimp.  angel-hair pasta with sauteed shrimp, chorizo, onions, and tomatoes in an oil and garlic sauce.  i will order this again.  it was so light and flavorful, which was exactly what i needed after several courses.  i'm not a fan of leftovers, but this warmed up perfectly for dinner later that weekend.


we ended the night with a piece of chocolate cake.  i said i didn't want it, because it seemed too heavy after already over indulging myself.  but, somehow i managed to be the one eating the last bites and scraping the chocolate ganache off the plate.  so pathetic!

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