It was my wife’s birthday on Tuesday and I wanted to have a special dinner to celebrate. Normally the options are almost unlimited. But these are anything but normal times. I knew the restaurant had to have an outdoor dining option. It had to be somewhere we have been before so I could count on the quality of the food and the safe and appropriate distancing of the table arrangement. Throw in my preference to keep the driving time to a half-hour or so and I came up with one that filled the bill without further musing-Bistro di Marino in Collingswood. I have written about their newly opened restaurant in Sewell previously. They have the same great food, but no large beautiful backyard. So the question of where was answered. Now we just had to hope that the thunderstorm that still looked ominous didn’t follow us to Collingswood.
I thought, what better way to add some sparkle to our celebration than to open the Pet-Nat we had purchased last week at Bellview Winery. My wife does not like carbonated drinks-not the taste, they just “don’t agree” with her. Pet-Nats have smaller bubbles and noticeably less carbonation. We enjoyed a glass of this wonderful sparkling wine (made with Cayuga grapes) on our newly refurbished and furnished patio. I hasten to add that, while less carbonated, we enjoyed another glass the next day and it was still sparkling (using a common wine stopper).
Collingswood has a myriad of good restaurants. With the current status of the virus, most have morphed into take-out or started offering a few sidewalk tables. Bistro di Marino is one of the few that offers a sizable outdoor option that is not adjacent to the fumes and noise of passing cars.
My wife and I were very comfortable with how they handled our safety. All staff wore masks. Patrons wore them until seated and if using the restroom inside. Our waiter, Jackson, had a little difficulty with his (like many people we encounter). However, he diligently persevered and did his best to make us feel comfortable and safe. Our service was commendable.
We chose an appetizer, recommended by our waiter. It was new on the menu. The grilled zucchini, yellow squash and eggplant were served with olive oil, goat cheese and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. The goat cheese was a gracious accommodation for my lactose intolerance. They typically serve it with mozzarella cheese.
When it came to entrees, I chose the Pappardelle with their amazing Bolognese Sauce. I have had more than a dozen versions of this dish, but this one remains near the top of the list. My wife decided on their Orecchetti con Broccoli Rabe with Hot Italian Sausage. Whenever my wife sees this item on a menu, I make a silent bet with myself that she will choose it. I usually win this one. The dinners are pictured below, offering enough food to enjoy again for lunch the next day.
My choice of wine for dinner was one of my favorite red wines, especially with Italian food-Turdo Vineyards Turis 2016 Etichetta D’Oro Sangiovese. We had already indulged in the Pet-Nat and I know we’d both be eating one of the entrees with red sauce (or at least compatible with this wonderful red). This Sangiovese is my favorite on the planet. It is rich, full-bodied “Brunello quality” Sangiovese, with a delightful finish that helped take us to a different time and place.
While not one of our typical birthday celebrations, we both agreed it was a memorable dinner and evening, during a time that no one will ever forget. Thanks to the staff at Bistro di Marino for helping to make this a terrific evening. I almost forgot to mention the they brought us cake and shots of Chocolate Cello. Unfortunately I did not get a picture of them. I did get one last photo of the lovely scenery behind me (below).
Cheers!
Don’t forget to pick up your copy of my handbook of New Jersey wineries, New Jersey Uncorked for $19.99 at store.bookbaby.com/book/New-Jersey-Uncorked. Use the coupon code Summer20. An even better deal is the ebook sale at the Apple iBook App. Use the same code (Summer20) and download it instantly for $9.99.
Coming Attractions
- New Jersey Uncorked & Unplugged II
- Grand Opening of Terra Nonno
- Some Less Well-Known Wine Varietals
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