Last night after the Chamber Music Concert, we decided to go to Nostrani (they’ve now upgraded their name from a Trattoria to a Ristorante). We didn’t get there until 20:15 or so, since the concert was a long one, starting at 1800. We started with a bottle of Sparking Water and a 1998 Cortese Barbaresco Rabaja. Then we ordered our starters, Carollee a salad of heirloom tomatoes slices with buffalo mozzarella and I had a Fritto Misto - squash blossoms stuffed with three cheeses, zucchini, and green beans, fried in a light batter. They were very good with the simple, fruity Barbaresco. Then we ordered our main courses - a shrimp and artichoke risotto for Carollee and Branzino for me. The Branzino filets came rolled with herbs and was quite tasty, even though a little bit overcooked. These were also good with the Barbaresco.
Then because there was a free dessert card from Nostrani in the Chamber Music ticket envelope, we shared a Double Chocolate Mousse (alternating layers of milk and dark chocolate) with a rich cherry sauce. Carollee had an espresso. I didn’t see a Banyuls by the glass on the menu, so I asked Eric which would be better, a Port or a Madeira. He went off with a quirky look on his face; and then I got a glass of something (he wouldn’t tell me what, and left before I could ask him). It was very good with the dessert, but I don’t have a clue what it was. I’ll ask Eric the next time we’re in. Then we went home after another nice Nostrani meal.