Recently my wife and I got to visit another local BYOB, called Limoncello Ristorante. While we miss the previous seafood restaurant that occupied this space and one could also debate whether or not we needed another Italian restaurant, I must say we continue to be impressed with the menu and the quality of the food we sampled. In fact, we have eaten there on several occasions over the past several months and have been very happy with all of our meals. We have even met several of our friends there, eager to share our good fortune. In addition to their indoor seating they also have a narrow outdoor seating area (between them and the business next door, as well as on the sidewalk out front.
The Restaurant
Limoncello Ristorante is located in Sewell, across the street from the Washington Township High School. It has only been open for about a year or two, but they have a fairly extensive menu (not just another pasta and pizza venue). Their seafood is always fresh and exceptional. It is also a BYOB, which makes us very happy, as we save money, while enjoying the wines of our choosing.
The Food
Appetizers
We chose to share an order of Rapini e Salsicia (broccoli rabe and mild sausage, served with cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, and garlic oil). Unfortunately, I did not take a photo, but it was delicious.
Entrees
On our most recent visit, my wife and I ordered the same special-The Flounder Francaise with fresh arugula and crabmeat in a lemon wine sauce over pasta. It was even better than the photo below suggests. It was one of the best flounder entrees we have had in a long time.
The Wines
In keeping with our tradition of bringing a bottle of white and a bottle of red wine, I brought along a bottle of Auburn Road 2022 Reserve Chardonnay and a bottle of Hawk Haven Q.
Auburn Road Vineyards 2022 Reserve Chardonnay-This is a wonderful Chardonnay, lightly oaked in French barrels, in the style of a Burgundy Chardonnay, with a creamy quality, a hint of apple on the palate, and a long finish. It was an excellent accompaniment to our Flounder dishes.
Hawk Haven Vineyards 2020 Q- A perennial favorite, Bordeaux-style red blend of Cab, Cab Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot with dark fruits and a hint of cocoa on the palate. It was a great match with our Broccoli Rabe and Sausage.
In keeping with its namesake, we were served a small glass of Limoncello when we finished our meal. What a nice way to end a wonderful meal!
Coming Attractions
- Virginia Uncorked-Highlights from our visit to Charlottesville (restaurants, wineries, and breweries)-This may be a two-parter and the first part won’t be posted before Monday evening (7/1).
- Vino & Vibes at William Heritage
- Beneduce Vineyards Summer 2024
- Unionville Vineyards Summer 2024
- Turdo Vineyard is Back!
- Working Dog Winery 2024
- Grill Night at Cape May Winery
Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Please share your experience here. Just scroll down, hit the “Comment” section and leave your comment(s). Like what you read and see on these pages? It couldn’t be easier to scroll down, hit the “Subscribe” button, and get your weekly pour of NJ wine right in your inbox. No spills. No mess. No annoying popups. It is free. I promise not to share your email information with anyone. Cheers!
