Turner
Bacco,
the Italian name for Bacchus, and the name of the best Italian restaurant
I know of. The food at Bacco borders on supernatural. Their bread alone
is incredible, with their own special marinated olive oil for dipping.
We split an antipasti platter for two -- brimming with flavor-packed
meats, olives, and grilled vegetables.
A standard
pasta dish is not too expensive, maybe 10 or 12 bucks. Don't quote me.
We all ordered off the special menu, though, running us 18 bucks a pop
as I recall. Well worth it. The pork medallions with gorgonzola herb
sauce sent my olfactory nerves into an orbit they are still recovering
from. Perfectly cooked (flame grilled?) slices of pork with a G-sauce
that was subtle yet deep and astounding. Those who fear the strong cheeses
should not shy away. Earthy. Sublime. There were some very tasty vegetables
and potatoes on the side. Best baby carrot I ever ate.
I was
saddened to learn the menu had changed a bit since last time. The old
standby gnocchi with lamb sauce has been replaced by a ricotta gnocchi
with some other sauce. We were able to procure an order with the original
lamb sauce...but frankly I miss the good 'ol potato dumplings. Judge
McC's saltimbocca was a freaking riot...veal...sage sauce...prosciutto...oh
Lord. Next time. Oh, the wine is pricey, but somehow a Bacco meal is
not complete without some Italian red.
Don't
listen to Vardigan. Bacco serves the best and most consistent restaurant
food I've ever had. I've never been less than blown away with every
single dish I've ordered. If you want a truly fine Italian meal, go
to Bacco.
Vardigan
Two
bottles of wine = three stupid judges. That's the math, and that's why
you see no picture here -- we forgot.
But
the food was very good. High end, by Füd Court standards. Too expensive
except for a special occasion, and this was one. The Court fell into
some unexpected money, and Judge McClure was celebrating his triumphant
return to the city after serving justice for far too long on BART trains
and in mysterious locales like Martinez, CA.
I had
salmon and I quite liked it. Judge McClure's veal was the winner, though.
The gnocchi were apparently not what they used to be, and it's true,
I was not bowled over. But still a lot of chewy goodness.
McClure
Bacco
takes more cash than The Court usually likes to pay for a meal but all
things considered it was well worth it. Especially considering the check
was picked up by the Honorable Judge Vardigan. I think he may have his
sights on a promotion to Chief Justice.
