The Mrs was itchin' to dine out so we met Ms K at HASR Bistro for a kinda-sorta impromptu diner. The last time we had a sit down meal was on New Year's Eve which is usually crowded everywhere so we didn't make any reservations on this evening... almost a wrong move, literally every table was reserved but we luckily secured a table inside the restaurant. There is outside seating but since it was a drizzly evening, we wanted to be totally covered. They do have live jazz on Saturdays from 4 to 6:30pm and also offer a tapas menu before the Bistro opens at 5:30pm.
HASR Bistro does waive the corkage fee if you purchase your wine from their sister business next door; HASR Wine Co. So we bought a bottle of bubbly, a 2007 Vilmart Grand Cellier D'Or 1er Cru Brut. Obviously still a little young with good mineral notes and citrus and a bracing finish.
As well as a namesake wine for dinner, the 2010 Calera Ryan Vineyard Mt Harlan Pinot Noir with orange peel, subtle Asian spice and red berries with a medium long finish.
Since the restaurant didn't start filling up for at least 1 hour, the AC was a bit breezy so the Mrs started with a cup of Clam Chowder.
While I "had" to sample the Lobster Bloody Mary. Don't know why, I've been on a Bloody Mary binge recently and since this version had lobster, I HAD to sample it.
Ms K had the Foie Gras
While the Mrs moved on to her Asparagus with Pork Belly (it was great with the Pinot)
We also uncorked a bottle of 2010 Rochelle Vineyards Paso Robles Syrah - as mouth filling and concentrated as they come. Almost a dessert wine!
The Mrs and Ms K both sampled the Cassoulet
While I chose the Osso Bucco. I'm not sure why they call it osso bucco on the menu as it clearly states it's veal cheeks while osso bucco is veal shanks. I didn't care what's in a name as I'll order veal cheeks over veal shanks any day since that cut isn't available in the market. As tendah as buttah!
The girls ended with dessert
While I simply had a Kahlua and coffee
So far I haven't been disappointed with any of the menu items, they have live jazz if you get there earlier and the wine store is right next door. How can you lose with that combo?
Comments