The place is gorgeous inside. Old Chicago brick, rustic wood tables, an opulent floor to ceiling wine cellar, dim lighting all surrounding a full bar with TV's. Very cozy and a great spot for a date, girls night, or a large group in one of their backrooms. They also offer outside seating which wouldve been lovely if it wasn't sweltering and steamy as a foreign prison on Locked Up Abroad.
We sat in a large comfy booth and looked over both Gables Week and the regular menu. We ordered ice cold draft UFO's and decided to go with the CGRW menu. Once I tried to order, the waiter said they weren't serving dinner. I told him I called ahead and confirmed and he said no, and continued to argue with me as I made good points to which he kept arguing and arguing - silly man. He then sent the sweet teenage hostess girl to reiterate what he said to which I responded "I talked to you and you said so so and so" she then apologized and 2 seconds later, our savior, the lovely and hospitable Mauricio came with 2 beers on the house and a desire to problem solve which lead to my victory in ordering what I wanted. Mauricio went back and forth between the front and the kitchen and returned with an explanation and an apology... Super nice guy. Score again!
We ordered polenta fries with gorgonzola dipping sauce and pasta e faggiole soup. From the CGRW menu we started w/ the shrimp diavola and prosciutto and arugula salad. The polenta fries were amazing! Crispy outside, soft inside, with the tangibles of the Gorgonzola it was a perfect combo.
The soup was Ok, my husband liked it, I found it too hearty and creamy.
The shrimp was good - each piece was thick & meaty. The spiciness was a nice contrast to the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
The salad was awesome. The arugula was plentiful, fresh, crisp, and dressed in light olive oil. The prosciutto was thin and lean. The cheese shaved on top was also very good.... I wish it had more cheese & prosciutto.
For our main course we ordered the chianti braised short ribs and the lobster ravioli. The short ribs came on top of a bed of perfect polenta (these people know their polenta) and topped with thin, crispy fried onions. The beef was tender, juicy and full of flavor.
The ravioli was terrible - way, way too salty, and the filling tasted like someone had a field day with lemon zest. It was inedible but we didn't send it back since I was already feisty to start.
For dessert we had the cannoli and the chocolate baci bomb. The cannoli was perfection - 4 small, crispy little cannolis, filled with sweet rich cream and a berry syrup that added a perfect little kick. I inhaled 2.
The baci bomb was just that - the bomb! A big, beautiful ball of rich chocolate on a top of a delicately crispy hazelnut crust sitting on a drizzle of rich caramel sauce. That thing is amazing. Get it. Don't think about it twice.
Besides the ravioli and the confusion (and the argumentative waiter) this meal was one of the best ones we've had in a while.
I must add a special note and give credit where it is due. Mauricio, our server, went above and beyond to make sure we got what we wanted. I wanted to leave due to fear I would get nastiness in return but Mauricio was incredibly hospitable, polite and accommodating. He made our dining experience an absolute pleasure and when we come back we will ask for him again.
Cibo Wine Bar
45 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 442-4925
No comments:
Post a Comment