Taste

Julian surprised me for a date night on Friday night. We went to Albany for Laser Tag (so much fun) and out to a fancy dinner at Taste. The mosquitoes were biting us outside, so we sat inside even though it was a beautiful summer/fall day. I enjoyed the modern decor (note the fun chandelier), and we got to sit in a private booth, which was great. We both noticed how polite the wait staff were (putting their hands behind their backs when pouring our waters). We loved the warm rolls and choice of olive oil, butter, and mayo butter with spices. I had the Tomato Jam Filled Halibut with Prosciutto Dust and Braised Napa Cabbage as an appetizer, and the Fig Brulee Scallops with Farro Pilaf, Heirloom Apple Chips, and Butternut Puree as my entree. I was a bit disappointed with the Halibut, but perhaps I just don’t like that kind of fish as much (not much flavor), but the scallops were exquisite. The fig and scallop combination was truly genius. The apple chips could have been done a bit more, as they were too soggy and thus did not complement the texture of the scallops very well. There were few options for vegetarians, so Julian got two appetizers for his meal: the Sweet Potato Gnocchi (usually comes with Crispy Prosciutto, which I ate) and with Ricotta Emulsion and Tomato Tartar with Basil Caviar, Saffron Aioli, and Soft Buffalo Mozzarella. Julian loved the gnocchi, but was so disappointed by the tartar that he didn’t even finish it (he said it had no flavor)–and the waiter didn’t notice that Julian clearly didn’t eat much of it!! Overall, for such an expensive meal we shouldn’t have been disappointed with half of it!

Taste
30 South Pearl St
Albany, NY 12207
Phone: 518.694.3322
http://www.tastealbany.com/