Bistro diMarino in Collingswood is a wonderful BYOB restaurant. They recently opened another restaurant in Sewell, which I got to check out with my wife and a couple of close friends. It’s great to have another top restaurant close to home. We have no shortage of Italian restaurants in the neighborhood, but this one is definitely in the top tier.
The restaurant opened in a space previously occupied by Pesce, a short-lived Italian take on Seafood. I’m not superstitious, but it seems restaurants in this space have not had very good luck. Prior to Pesce it was home to Mozzarella Grille. They lasted several years, but had closed their doors a few years before Pesce came in.
Bistro diMarino opened about three weeks ago and they are already hard to book on a weekend. As we were reminded last Saturday, this is for a good reason. The food is excellent. The ambience is inviting and upscale If a bit noisy at times (with the exuberance of happy diners). The service was very good. Did I mention it is a BYOB?
Speaking of wine…
I decided on a bottle of Sangiovese (it IS an Italian restaurant) and a bottle of Chardonnay. In keeping with the theme of my blog I brought two great New Jersey wines. The Sangiovese is my favorite Sangiovese in the state and one of my favorites on the planet-Turdo Vineyards & Winery 2016 Sangiovese. It is deliciously fruit forward, with black cherry most prominent in the flavor profile and a little more full-bodied than some. It spent 28 months in new French oak, yielding a caramel note and silky smooth tannins. It is elegantly balanced and has a long, lush finish. As good as it is now, I’m sure this one will age very well.
The Chardonnay, also one of my favorites, is from William Heritage Winery. This 2018 Estate Reserve Chardonnay is barrel fermented in French Oak and then aged for another eight months in French Oak. A beautifully balanced Chard with complexity and richness.
We decided on a large appetizer to share: Antipasto Marino Freddo (fresh homemade mozzarella, tomato & fresh basil, prosciutto, sopprosatta, hot sopprosatta, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichokes, mixed olives gorgonzola and sharp provolone for four people). An awesome app that paired beautifully with the Sangiovese.
My wife and I decided to share a Caesar salad (pictured below)…
We did not want to be full before the entrees even arrived. The Caesar salad (thoughtfully served on two separate, but adequately-sized plates) was paired with the Chardonnay.
Our entrees could not have been much better…
Mine (left above), was the Fresh Pappardell Bolognese with white truffle oil and shaved ricotta cheese. This was a super version of this classic dish. Needless to say, it was scrumptious with the Sangiovese. My wife chose the Orecchietti con Broccoli Rabe (little ear pasta tossed with broccoli rabe, spicy sausage and fresh pecorino romano cheese in garlic and olive oil). I noticed my wife sipping from the Sangiovese and the Chardonnay while enjoying this wonderful dish.
Needless to say, none of us could handle dessert after all of that food, but there was still one small, but delicious surprise awaiting us. We were all offered a shot glass of chocolate hazelnut liqueur. Amazing!
Cheers!
Don’t forget to get your ebook version of my book about New Jersey wines and wineries: New Jersey Uncorked: A Snob-Free Taste of NJ Wine. Use the code: FEB20 and save $2. Only at the Apple iBook app.
Coming Attractions
- Jessie Creek Winery Winter 2020
- Another wine-ing and dining in South Jersey adventure
- Unionville Vineyards Winter 2020
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