Live 2 Eat: 08/29/10

My first food post. How fitting it is, that my first post on this blog is a review of what may very well have been one of my finest and most enjoyable dining experiences I've had in the Cleveland area. Giovanni's Ristorante. A traditional Italian name. Unassuming. Nothing jumps out at you at first. Even the location of the restaurant is located in the lobby of a rather unassuming office building. But oh how much of a difference it is once you step behind those beautiful double wooden doors of Giovanni's Ristorante. To be quiet honest; its wall of honors next to the main doors should have been an indication of the treat were about to have; with the four diamond awards and plaques hanging proudly on the wall. But to put it simply, when I walked through those double doors, I was transported to a whole new world. A wonderful world of gastronomic delight and bliss.

I'll begin with the service and atmosphere. The moment we walked in, I felt as though I was transported to a different world entirely. The decor was one of sophistication and class. Wood work must have cost them a fortune; and the bottles of wine lining the dining room was a nice touch. Tables were spaced far enough that you were in a comfortable distance away from everyone but not enough to make you feel as though you were on an island on your own. The service was TREMENDOUS. Servers were very friendly, and knowledgeable. Always there when you needed them; but not intruding. And well trained. VERY well trained. Something you would expect from a fine dining establishment like Giovanni's. My experience at a nice restaurant is always more enjoyable when the service doesn't disappoint; and no disappointment here. However, the more importantly issue...what about the food?

I normally do not think too much about the bread. In fact there are times when I ignore the bread entirely. But the moment we sat down; the runners came out with a basket of the most freshest smelling bread; as if it JUST came out of the oven. They placed them on our bread plates and I couldn't ignore the fact the bread itself was a cross between a dinner roll and a croissant. So, I rip a piece off from the roll and was pleasantly, no cross that, was ridiculously surprised. The bread was outstanding. Buttery and flaky like a croissant, with a nice roll hybrid top and some herbs baked into the top portion. Needless to say, I had a few pieces of bread that evening.

CARPACCIO DI MANZA CON SCHEGGIA DI GRANA capaccio pf prime sirloin with mustard cream drizzle

I started off with the beef carppaccio, now I've had my fair share of carppaccio, but I've never really enjoyed one to the extent where I felt "wowed" by the dish. But I heard great ravings about Giovanni's, and I decided I'd give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised. Now I didn't get an epiphany moment felt as though I could fill up just eating this appetizer, but it was good. The mustard cream had a good tang too it, but wasn't overpowering which allowed me to still taste the subtly and flavors of the beef. This is important as I've been turned off by other establishments where their dressing completely overpowers their beef carpaccio, and doesn't allow the beef to shine. Here, the beef is the main player; and the mustard dressing and capers are supporters. I liked it - quiet well in fact, and was content with my choice; but this dish pales in comparison to the rest of the meal (just because of the sheer perfectness of the other dishes).


FORMAGGIO DI CAPRA IN INSALATA CON PISTACCHIO pistacchio crusted goats cheese with baby spinach and warm bacon

A number of different salads were offered with the traditional ceaser's salad, and heirloom tomato salads, but I chose a spinach salad as I was intrigued with the crusted goat cheese that was mentioned in the menu. I know, I know, pretty weird way to choose a salad, but hey, everything looked good and I needed to make a decision - besides I wanted something lighter than a ceaser's but not a huge fan of having too many tomatos. Boy was I glad I chose my salad - and for my so called stupid reason. The fried goat cheese ball? It was AMAZING. The salad had fresh baby spinach; a good amount coated with a warm vinagrette; not overpowering; but very well done. I wouldn't say it was anything crazy. But then I cut into that fried goat cheese ball. It was outstanding; strong intense flavor and fried; but not oily. When I broke it up and mixed it in with the rest of the salad, it really took it up a notch. The little crunchiness the fried component gave it a special textural component whereas the intense goat cheese flavor really enhanced the vinaigrette dressing without making it too heavy.

PENNE RIGATE ALLA CARBONARA CON PANNA short cut pasta with pancetta, parmigiana and cream

For my pasta dish, I ordered the penne carbonara. My description of it? It was blissful. After my first bite, no, my second or third bite (because I couldn't stop at my first) I felt as if I was in heaven. It was absolutely delicious. Firstly, the pasta dish was heated tableside by our server. I mean who does that now a days, but I truly appreciated this "old school" hospitality and service. The pasta was cooked to perfection; tender with a slight chew to its body. And the sauce, oh how good the sauce was. Creamy, but not overpowering; with the saltiness and of the pancetta coming through and coating each and every one of the penne pasta. I felt even though it was a very creamy dish; it maintained a very clean and not overly heavy feeling I sometimes get from carbonaras I've eaten from other place. It was truly a masterpiece. I would definitely recommend getting this dish. The portion was not small either, but I had no trouble finishing the dish as it was just too good not to.

TIRAMISU

By the time dessert rolled by, I was getting pretty full. I guess it didn't help that I loved the bread so much I had three servings of their bread throughout the entire service. It was really good bread!!! But despite starting to feel full, I opted to order dessert. The meal was so good so far that I didn't want to miss out on anything. Being in a traditional Italian restaurant; they offered the traditional desserts, gelatos, cakes, tiramisu; and in hindsight; I really should have opted for a lighter option, but I really wanted to try their tiramisu. (You only live once right? and I had scheduled a LONG RUN the next morning anyways - excessive "carb load" some may say?) The tiramisu was good. It wasn't something I would write home about, but it was good. Light and not too heavy, but still flavorful enough - it was simply a good piece of tiramisu.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Giovanni's Ristorante