Barolo Grill: A Masterclass in Michelin Italiano!
There are only a few times in my limited life that I have experienced perfection in every bite. Where the flavors meld, and you are transported to the days of travel in Europe. Where simplicity, attention to detail, and genius collide to leave you wanting to order the exact same menu the next time you return! This place, this little Italian grill in the Cherry Creek neighborhood, is making me want to go back, order the same menu, and experience a masterclass of Italian cuisine because we have to wait to revisit Italy and Sicily.
I know you want me to mention the name of the restaurant that is making me wax poetic, so here it is…Barolo Grill. Nestled in one of the most picturesque neighborhoods outside Denver, Colorado, Barolo Grill is not only a Michelin rated restaurant, it is also a James Beard nominee for arguably one of the best wine and bar programs that we have experienced! Our belated tenth anniversary dinner was a delicious and sweet four course masterclass.
We start, of course, with bread. Warm, perfectly seasoned, and the perfect size to wet your appetite. It’s made fresh daily, and weeping with butter that is inside! Next, our appetizers. You won’t find my delicious buffalo carpaccio, but the vitello tonnato looked amazing. You will, however, find the crudo di ricciola, thinly sliced amberjack, winter citrus vinaigrette, salsa verde, kumquats, and a tapioca crisp. It was light, acidic, perfectly rich, and I got one bite! I did share my carpaccio, and took the last of the complimentary bread to sop up the sauce. The second course was primi piatti, or in this case, pasta! Eric had the gnocchi di spinaci, or spinach gnocchi, paired with roasted sunchokes, cotechino sausage, and 36-month aged parmesan crema. It was light, airy, and delicious! I had the tortellini ai funghi, or mushroom tortellini. House-made tortellini stuffed with morel mushrooms, parmigiano, and a masterclass in perfect mushroom brodo. This was a life affirming course, and took me back to Sicily at another Michelin starred restaurant that specialized in mushrooms.
The entrees were of course spectacular! Eric ordered anatra di barolo, or amazingly tender, delicious, and fragrant braised duck with kalamata olives, seasonal vegetables, and roasted garlic potatoes. I am Greek on my mother’s side, so my entree of choice was agnello, or a perfect example of a lamb chop with creamy stone-ground polenta, tomato, olive, cucumber relish, and mint-basil pesto. It was colorful, perfectly seasoned, and melted in your mouth! Dessert was equally decadent for the senses. Eric ordered the torta di formaggio, or castelmagno cheesecake with lavender honey, and toasted hazelnuts. My dessert was mousse di cioccolato, or chocolate mousse with chocolate glacage, puffed chocolate crisp, and gold leaf. It was beyond rich, decadent, and worth the weight gain!
And don’t worry, I have NOT forgotten about the wine. Wine Director and Owner Ryan Fletter have curated along with his staff some of the best Italian and Sicilian wines that we’ve encountered. For my carpaccio and morel stuffed tortellini, I had a glass of 2016 Umbria Montefalco Sagrantino, a red that paired extremely well with my first two courses. It was smooth and a fantastic medium bodied red. Eric ordered an Etna Rosso Lavico, by Duca di Salaparuta, Sicilia. Equally delicious, it paired with his courses very well. I ended up ordering an amazing Brunello for my last two courses. I won’t shock you with how much a glass is, but do remember that this is a James Beard and Michelin rated restaurant. I highly, highly recommend Barolo Grill for any special occasion, and please note that reservations are required. Buona notte my dears, and stay tuned for more blog posts!
Tiffany
