Perfection

Unfortunately, Mr. M had to leave town suddenly last week to attend to a family matter, leaving me home alone for five days as single working parent to our three and a half month old puppy. Suffice it to say that I was quite exhausted by the time he returned, and I hadn't really talked to him all that much either. I missed my friend.

I decided to snag some reservations for a special dinner the night after he returned home so that we could catch up. I booked a 5:30 table at none other than Frasca. I'm happy to note that it's still difficult to get a reservation here unless you book way in advance or are willing to eat very early or very late. At least I know they're doing good business and will continue to be around to satisfy my darkest food cravings, at least when I'm willing to drive to Boulder for dinner.

Denver saw just a hint of the winter to come just the day before, when temperatures never got above 60 degrees. Tuesday, though, was a beautiful warm day, and we elected to skip the elegant, airy dining room for the outdoor patio. Hey, we might as well enjoy it while we can...

I started with the fried lobster appetizer - a very simple dish served with some mortadella and fresh peach. It effectively transported me to the ocean while I was eating it. Seriously. The '05 Bisci Verdicchio paired quite well with it. Mr. M had the fresh tomato soup garnished with blue crab - which was beautfully elegant and pure in its simplicity - so refreshing, and tasted of summer itself. Mr. M then ordered the russet potato gnocchi - comfort food at its very best. On recommendation from our server, I ordered the Pork Leg, which had been slow-cooked for 24 hours and served with potatoes, cipollini onions, and fresh palisade peaches. It was quite possibly the best entree I've had this summer. Though summer is about over, you MUST go try this before the peaches are gone. The '05 Palama Primitivo was a good match for this. Finally, we ordered a chocolatey dessert that was good but admittedly not as "wow!" as the other food.

No better way to close out summer than with an amazing meal highlighted with the flavors of fresh tomatoes and peaches.

Service, as always, was impeccable. Professional and knowledgeable without an ounce of snobbery. This place truly amazes me in its seemingly effortless perfection. I guess the combination of the service with the outstanding food keep this place in business. And I hope it keeps it up.