35th Street Bistro

For the last couple of years, I've walked past 35th Street Bistro, and always said, "One of these days..." Well, last night, en route to yet another Thai meal, my Gentleman Caller and I decided it was High Time. We'd already upgraded to Tawon Thai over Mad Pizza (his favorite), as it would be a warmer meal, so what was another $30? In this case, it turned out to be more like $60, when all was said and done.

The 35th Street Bistro is hands-down, the most expensive establishment in Fremont. It is also one of the nicest. The cost is somewhat justified.

We started with the Bistro Salad, described as: "frisee, radicchio and iceburg lettuce, tomatoes, pancetta and creamy blue cheese dressing -- with fried onion strings and hard-boiled egg." The pancetta was really bacon, and the iceburg wedge was the most notable part of this salad, architecturally-speaking. Accompanying this, we started our dinner with the house bread with their onion relish (bueno!!) and tapenade, along with a glass of Chianti (Classico, Coltibuono Roberto Stucchi Toscana 00) for him, and Pinot Gris (King Estate Domaine, Willamette Valley 03) for me. Since I didn't take great notes about the wines, we'll pass on the descriptions for now.

For our main course, he had the Osso Bucco and I had the Seared Ahi Tuna. The Osso Bucco came with a tasty, buttery polenta and the dish was hearty and perfect for the cold evening. I had the fennel-encrusted seared ahi tuna and I loved it. My dish was served with greens and chanterelle mushrooms, in a tomato-based sauce. The spiciness was just about perfect--not overpowering, and just hot enough.

Bonus points awarded for the later-night service. They were open until 11 PM on a Sunday night, most likely in competition with new late-night service at Jai Thai and Chiso within a block's radius.

Before the tip, our bill came to $73 for the two entrees, the salad, and wine (the wine portion was under $25). I can't say I'd pick this place for a special occasion, and it's too expensive for a weekly outing. The service was great, so it pains me that I can't recommend it without reservations. I'd have to give this restaurant 3 out of 5 umbrellas, and one umbrella is for the service alone.

Bizzarro Italian Cafe

Lately, I've focused on trying all of the restaurants in my neck of the woods in Seattle. Bizzarro Italian Cafe had been lauded over the past year by a few of my Rollergirl pals, and during one of the first cold Winter nights this year, I remembered it as I craved some heavy pasta.

I think I've found my favorite Italian restaurant. There may be others that are superior or even more authentic, but the eclecticism, taste, service, and experience sent it to the top of the heap. Our bill came to $68 with a 20% tip, and at least 3 glasses of wine to accompany our two entrees and one appetizer.

Our menu:
The House Red (Meritage)
Bruschetta: Fig, Gorgonzola, and Red-Wine Reduction
Puttanesca
Stroganoff

The bruschetta was the best appetizer I've ever had. Both of our entrees were preceded by a perfect House Salad. The Puttanesca was tasty enough that I wanted the leftovers for breakfast on Monday morning. And the Stroganoff has to be the perfect winter dish with the spicy italian sausage, and the delectable brown gravy. Our waiter, who I loved from the moment I saw the "Dumb Waiter" nametag, provided us with the best tasting house red I've had: a Monte Volpe 2001 Meritage. The bruschetta was not on the menu and the Stroganoff was a special for the night. All of these factors lead me to honor the BIC with 4.5 outta 5 little umbrellas.