Service was excellent, and the pea soup was foamy and delightful, the foam carrying a wonderful aroma and providing an interesting mouth feel. Janet;s beet salad was sweet and spicy and just a perfect starter. Both starters went perfectly with my second glass of 2005 Dr. Loosen Riesling L Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Germany, $10 a glass here as it was at Puck's Riva Restaurant at the Venetian. Pretty yellow color, clear hue, sweet aromas of peachs and floral notes, creamy mouth feel with subtle peach, lime and other citrus notes, good acidity, medium finish with sweet fruit notes, the sweetness working very well with the food, especially the delicate pea flavors. 4*.
The menu promised slow cooked pork chops, and Janet and I both were so intrigued that we ordered the same dish. We imagined something like pulled pork, falling off the bone. In the event the dish was a loin of pork, hammy tasting, and very tough. We spoke with the chef, who told us that his supplier had delivered the pork chops "off the bone" and he had come up with this recipe and menu description. Other folks had complained about the description – the meat tasted good for what it was – say "Slow cooked loin of pork" – but it wasn't what we wanted. Surprisingly, neither the waiter nor the chef comped the main course, and Janet and I were both a bit jet lagged and didn't raise much of a fuss. [We are still ruing that decision.
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The wine was delicious and made up for the main course. 2004 Andre Brunel Cote du Rhone Rhone Valley France. 13.5% alcohol. Deep red color, deep hue, very good aromas and tastes of fruit, spice, garrigue and earthen notes, medium tannins, good balance of fruit, tannins and light acidity, medium mouth feel, long finish with lots of grace notes. Drinking beautifully just now. 4*.
Regards, Bob