When you have 4 kids, it can seem almost impossible to carve out time for Mom and Dad to get ANY alone time, so when we do find the time, it's something we never take for granted.
I think the last time we went out on a date together was for an hour in August. No joke. How lame are we?
So when Nakturnal emailed me and asked if I wanted to enjoy a tasting at a Pittsburgh Restaurant in exchange for me writing about my experience, I jumped on it. It meant a date! With my husband! WITHOUT THE KIDS!
When we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the place was really warm and inviting, and there were tons of staff milling about taking care of their tables. The very first thing I noticed about this place was the positive vibe. It always makes the food taste better, don't you think?
We were greeted by a fantastic Server who explained what the company is all about was all about; how they became what they are, how they choose to operate, and about the integrity of the company. I really resonated with their ideas, as it was all sustainable, eco-friendly, organic choices, and using local foods/growers/farms whenever possible.
We were told that we were in for a surprise AND a treat, according to the management. We sipped on Organic Merlot (which was delicious!) and settled in to enjoy our experience. BTW, the wine list is extensive. I am not sure that I had ever seen so many wines available before. Many are local, and several from the Pacific Northwest (YAY!), and California.
We started with an appetizer, but seriously? This dish was displayed beautifully, and artfully.We ate:
TAPAS PLATTER* FOR TWOIndonesian Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce
Smoked Pulled Local Pork Sliders, Apple-Ancho BBQ, Slaw, Potato Roll
Jerked Wild Caught Shrimp, Citrus Salsa, Plantain Chip, Toasted
Papaya Seed Dressing
Spicy Ahi Tuna Maki, Black Sesame, Kabocha Slaw, Sweet Soy
Beef Tenderloin Crostini, Roasted Tomato, Sweet and Sour Onion
Marmalade, Dijon Aioli, Dry Jack Cheese
Every single thing was amazing. I especially loved the shrimp, and probably could have eaten an entire plate full.
After our appetizer we then shared a salad, and when I saw it I had reserves. It looked beautiful, and probably quite tasty, but it was a salad made of Brussell Sprouts. I have only eaten them a few times, and wasn't 100% sold on the idea that we would get along. But I promised to be open minded and O.M.G. it was delicious.
BRUSSEL SPROUT WEDGE Grana Padano and Potato Basket, Shaved Red Onion, Spicy
Candied Bacon, Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing
It was fresh, crisp, and tasted light. I pretty much need to make this recipe for myself every day from now on. I wonder if they would be willing to share it?
Next came our main course and remember, we were not privy to what we were about to eat. Had we had the option to choose beforehand, we probably would not have ordered what we were given. I am SO glad we didn't get a choice because? The dishes were AWESOME.
CIOPPINO
Market Fresh Fish, Clams, Mussels, Wild Caught Shrimp, Fennel,
Carrots, Onion, Celery, Spicy Saffron and Tomato Broth, Grilled
Sourdough
CHAR SU DUCK Steamed Sticky Rice, Cashews, Red Chili, Cilantro, Daikon,
Broccoli Rabe Stir-Fry
What's interesting is that Glenn had had duck once before and it was made in a way that he had sworn it off forever. So he was really hesitant to try it. He loved it. It was delicious. On the other hand, I was a little hesitant to try the seafood dish because I have never been a fan of Clams and Mussels. It was good. The broth was a little spicy, but it rounded out the bowl beautifully.
The portions were huge. I am really glad we shared our dishes because I would have never been able to finish my own portion off.
I didn't think that I could eat another bite, until the waiter brought in organic farmed cheesecake. I had never ever tasted anything like it. Amazing. Then there was the Creme Brulee. Oh, people. This was a piece of heaven in each bite. Worth every pound that I gained enjoying it.
Of course we thought we were done at that point. Until the server started chatting with us about the NEXT time we came in, that we would have to try the homemade chocolate ice cream. He likened it to a chocolate pudding pop from our childhood days. "sounds wonderful!" we replied. To which he held up his finger and said "hang on, I will be right back!", and brought back 2 tiny scoops of deliciousness.
Did I mention that our server was awesome? He was. The next time I dine there, I hope he is there as well.
In addition to the ambiance, the taste, the values that this place has to offer, It is also in a great location in the Cultural District, and would be a great place to head to before or after a show, for happy hour after work with coworkers, or a date night with your partner.
I think what I love most about this place is their commitment. And I quote :
"OUR COMMITMENT TO THE EARTH AND PLATE
At Sonoma, the path from earth to plate is simple and pure, altered just enough to make the plate shine. We believe that the integrity of our ingredients is what defines our dishes. Each month, the creation of these dishes is driven by the flavors of the season, the exceptional local, sustainable and organic products harvested at their peak. We meticulously choose purveyors and farmers that inspire us. Those that treat the earth and their food with the same passion and love that we have are our partners in creating a beautiful, gratifying meal; Penn’s Corner Farm Alliance, Jamison Farms Lamb, Firefly Farms Cheese, and Ron Gargasz organic grass fed cattle rancher, to list just a few."
I'm really excited to also share that I am going to be giving away a $25.00 gift card to eat at The Sonoma Grille. All you have to do to enter is comment on my blog. You can tell me what one dish you want to try. You can tell me your ideal date night. You can tell me that you promise to take me with you when you decide to check this place out! :) (Just kidding!.. kinda) You can enter as many times as you like. I will randomly draw a winner on Friday, January 7th. Make sure that I have a way to get a hold of you in case you win! Enjoy~
** I need to mention that I was compensated for writing this review by Nakturnal and The Sonoma Grille. I also want to mention that Liz from Nakturnal was so nice to work with, and I am very appreciative that I got to have the opportunity. I hope I get the chance to work with them again!**
