Bacchus

don't look now but someone has a man-crush on Johnny Depp (and it's not me). we had a smallish group last night at Bacchus as 5 (one rookie) came out. we ate inside as their patio is under construction - it looks like they will no longer be hosting the summer film series as well. it was somewhat fortuitous as a torrential downpour interrupted our meal halfway through. the conversation was the highlight of the evening barely beating out a terrific meal.

we had interesting conversations about the aforementioned Mr. Depp (can you name two bad movies he's been in?) as well as Al Pacino. we also talked about Jimmy Fallon's prowess as a singer/imitator: http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2010/11/neil-young-and-bruce-springsteen-whip-my-hair/ and yes that is Bruce Springsteen with the assist (bonus points if you know who the local attorney is who Fallon went to his prom with).

onto the food:
for apps we had their roasted beets served with goat cheese, pickled onion, orange and a citrus vinaigrette. good; their crispy calamari and rock shrimp served in a sweet and spicy glaze. excellent; their steak and eggs with carpaccio beef, egg crostini, reggiano cheese and truffle oil. interesting but very good; their tuna tartar served with cucumber, jalapenos, asian guacamole and wonton chips. I dind't have any but I was told it was very good; and their berry salad with cinnamon walnuts. very good.

for entrees, I had their grilled filet mignon served with a merlot demi glaze, potato gnocchi and mushrooms. it was fantastic. others had: the bouillbaise served with shrimp, scallops, mussles, spicy chorizo in a spicy tomato fennel broth. spicy and very good; the panko ahi tuna served over a miso salad with sweet sticky rice. it was tender, asian influenced and delicious; the pecan crusted atlantic salmon was served with carmelized sweet potato hash, chorizo vinaigrette and honey burre blanc. I was told it was a.o.k.; and their pasta putanesca. I was told it was good but slightly overcooked.

for only the second time I believe no dessert was ordered but the appitizer's and entrees were excellent. so out of a possible four mannillos, Bacchus gets . you can thank dan gigante for being able to see my mug.