Bestia

Aline, Alene, Seda and I finally got to try Bestia on Thursday. Of course, we all said we were going to take it easy, but then inhaled most of the menu. Bestia has certainly lived up to it's reputation. First of all, the restaurant itself is almost perfectly executed. Pretty patio, heating lamps, industrial chic inside, nice cocktail list, attentive service, etc. My major complaint was that while we waited for our reservation, there wasn't a comfortable area to stand. There were people eating at the bar, so it felt awkward to loom over them with our wine. But really, a small hiccup. Also, make a reservation and make sure your whole party is there.

Onto the food:

Starters:

Scallop Crudo: surprising dish. delicious freshhhhh scallops sprinkled with sea salt and lemon zest. Very fitting for spring. Lovely, delicate flavor.

Chicken Liver Crostino: MY FAVORITE. aged balsamic, delicious texture. Even Alene and Aline, who aren't generally fans of anything liver, went back for seconds. Palatable and hearty. Dude, that balsamic.

Cozze all 'Nduja: Mussels have been a go-to dish for most of the restaurants we've checked out. This one definitely departed from the classic white-wine, garlic, butter version with spicy sausage and grilled bread. Bestia makes its sausages on the premises and its tremendous. Win.

Grilled Calamari: The freshness of this octopi killed me. It was a simple dish, but so authentic and light.

Entrees:

Pizza 'Nduja: The topping was that lovely spicy sausage. But it's the crust that got me. It was crispy and grilled in the middle, but the outer crust was so yummy. It was also grilled, perfectly cooked, slightly chewy with this rustic flavor.

Cavatelli alla Norcina: This pasta was PHENOMENAL: ricotta cavatelli. house made, pork sausage. black truffles. grana padano. I die for truffle stuff and this was gold. I want it right now. At 9am. Yes. 

Fusilli Lunghi al Sugo di Capra: This was my least favorite and I feel awful saying. The braised goat had a lovely texture, but that fusilli was slightly undercooked and the dish slightly oversalted. 

Debating the menu.

Dessert:

Zeppole di Castagne con Gelato al Caffè Latte: Chestnut doughnuts with coffee gelato and whipped cream. I couldn't even tell these little balls were fried - so light and airy. 

Crostata al Cioccolato e Caramello Salato: We were in agreement that this was the best dessert we've tried this year. We couldn't decide what the chocolate filling. It wasn't dense, but it was rich, but not a mousse, but not a pudding. It was like this magic material and gloriousness. Definitely going back for this and ordering one for myself (we split it between four - bad idea, there was almost bloodshed) and one to take home for later.

Overall, tots recommend Bestia for a date or girls' night out. xx.