Cafe Juanita

Where do I start?

First, a BIG thank you to my wonderful mom and dad (G & F) for honoring my birthday request to dine here for my last dinner as a twenty-something. Its no Red Robin, so I feel very lucky that I was able to enjoy this amazing cuisine with my parents and boyfriend. And A.M.A.Z.I.N.G it was in deed...

I of course arrived on time and sat alone at the table for a good ten minutes while my bf and parents tried to find parking (I walked since I literally live around the corner). I felt like Carrie Bradshaw on her 35th birthday when everyone forgot about her special dinner. I thought about ordering the $417 bottle of red wine for the table but though F might not be too thrilled about that.

When they finally arrived, I took a chance and ordered a red wine I had never even heard of (they only had four choices by the glass). It was wonderful! Very buttery and smooth with very little aftertaste which I just love, and in my opinion, is a sign of a good wine.

Rosso Toscano '06 Aia Vecchia, Logone.

We sipped on our wine while we reviewed the menu, which I have to say, was no easy task. I honestly couldn't tell you what half of the items actually are. You know you are at a special place when they refer to game meat as "fowl".

We started with a bread plate that contained cheese crisps, a foccacia type bread, and other thin crackers with herbs. They serve this with butter and sea salt. We also ordered the prosciutto di parma. It comes very thinly sliced with a puffed cheese cracker. So good and salty just the way I like it! My family members are big fans of cured meats ;)

As a second course, I had the radicchio salad with a balsamic vinegar and freshly shaved Parmesan. I absolutely love anything with vinegar and Parmesan so this was just the perfect salad for me. My mom and BF ordered the avocado citrus salad and my dad had the Parmesan soup.

On to the main event! Just as F was about to order Thumper (aka the rabbit), the waiter presented the special, Trout. Not the kind you catch in the creek out back, may I add. I had a bite and although reminiscent of salmon with a slightly pink color, the flavor was so delicious and different! I had never had it before, so would definitely try ordering it myself sometime.

I was the odd man out and ordered the beef. OH.MY.GOD it was like the best steak I have ever had. If I recall, our waiter mentioned the beef came from Australia and it was aged so perfectly that it would be like butter. And... he was right! I barely needed a knife but was trying to maintain my etiquette and used it anyway. The steak was accompanied by Gorgonzola and a brown butter sauce with a bit a sage and also some of those yummy little pearl onions that had been caramelized. It was seriously to die for. I ate every bite (not that large of a portion, so I don't feel bad about myself).

For desert we all shared the very chocolate, and salted carmel gelatos. Super yummy and the perfect way to end a fabulous dinner.

I give it 4 stars! I would love to go back someday but definitely a place for a special occasion.