A little Italian….

Afternoon everyone ….

I’ve been really busy lately, I’m trying to work on two very big jobs at the same time. I’m struggling with room, because I haven’t been able to move into my new shop yet. I’m sort of using it but none of my machines have been moved and I have no workbenches or storage in it yet. So it’s all wearing on me.

My girlfriend decided that I needed a break and we went out on Friday night for dinner.

Some of you know, but most probably don’t. That I have a degree in culinary. While I’ve never professionally used it, other than some catering. I enjoy cooking and I still get all sorts of magazines and news letters from when I was at culinary school. I guess they just keep sending it to you. I’ve never paid for any subscriptions.

I read these articles on best restaurants all the time. I’ve been making a list by style of restaurant for months now possibly even years. My girlfriend wanted Italian so I called a place named Toscana Trattoria Ristorante Italiano in Hacketstown. Luckily they had a cancelation for 6:30.

This restaurant is highly regarded by several different publications and is also listed on the top Italian restaurants in New Jersey.

It’s a very small place. Maybe 30 tables tops.

These are photos from their website.

I first want to say that the service was top notch, very attentive, and very knowledgeable about the menu and specials.

We decided to split two appetizers. One was a Caesar salad which I did not take a photo of. Sorry
The second was grilled eggplant with fresh made ricotta cheese, burrata and fresh tomato sauce.

They also bring you fresh made focaccia with a dipping oil of fresh roasted garlic and fresh basil to accompany it. I did not have one but my girlfriend said they were excellent.

For dinner I chose a veal in a cognac garlic Demi glaze and sautéed mushrooms, served with the smoothest mashed potatoes I’ve ever eaten.

My girlfriend chose a stuffed chicken breast with prosciutto, burrata, sun dried tomatoes and garlic. It was served with handmade linguini.

The food was fantastic. I can see why it was so highly regarded by many. What’s even better was it was overly expensive for the quality of the food.

We were both too full for desert this time. But we saw the cannoli trio that they serve and it will definitely be on our list next time for sure.