Ventana Redux
April 6, 2010 by Hedonista · Leave a Comment
Ah, Ventana – what a windowful place. As your Hedonista already wrote about its soft opening on October 13th, followed by its Naughty & Nice grand opening on December 22nd, Ventana – just like any good lover – knows to keep things fresh, new, and ever-changing. (Your Hedonista recently attended a media tasting.)
Executive Chef Joseph Conrad (formerly of Seattle’s now-defunct Qube and Chicago’s Charlie Trotter’s and also co-founder of Secret Stash Sea Salts)
- Armin’s pom pom. It’s motion has a sort of hypnotic effect – very “lava lampesque.”
has introduced a new seasonal New American menu, as well as Market Fresh Dinners each Thursday night and Sunday Chef Dinners. For me, Ventana is all about Armin Moloudzadeh (formerly of Seattle’s Bastille and Black Bottle), General Manager and Bartender; for its his personality (not to mention his creative, quirky concoctions) that truly make the place. Tasting notes follow:
The pom pom ($9): This drink I’ve dubbed the “lava lamp” – Pearl pomegranate vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and pomegranate juice. Fruity ‘n’ floral with a drying quality, you’ll enjoy watching the bubbles in the prosecco push the pomegranate seeds up and down, up and down….
- Thier Australian hiramasa is da bomb. (Currently not on their latest menu – ask for them to bring it back!)
The pecorino & potato gnocchi ($14): With pork trotter (a.k.a pig feet), carmelized turnips, and foie gras brodo (broth), this dish is incredibly rich and savory, yet too starchy for my palate with both the gnocchi and the turnips.
The Australian hiramasa ($15): They hit a homer with this one, dear hedonists – this Yellowtail Kingfish (a.k.a. Gold Striped Amberjack) is served up tasty ‘n’ fresh with kai-lan, hon shimeji mushrooms, and Chinese black bean sauce. A clean, light, and healthy Asian dish that’s heavy on the de-lish.
- With flavors of peanut butter, grape, and a frothy white presentation (and texture), all that’s missing is the bread (hint, hint).
Oh, and Armin has some new bevies in the works, like a creative clinky he’s dubbing the “After School Special.” With a name like that – plus ingredients such as grape vodka and peanut butter – can you guess what it tastes like?
Just head on over for one of their twice-daily Happy Hours to find out, for this drink is scheduled to be released within the next couple of weeks. (Another hint: you may just want to pedal your bicycle there.)
