This was my first upstairs dinner in a few years. Several lunches since, but no dinners.
We started with the pizza, which was pleasant (generally, sausage and peppers) but not close to “pizza at its best” from this kitchen. Also, it could have used another 30 seconds or so in the oven.
I then had the pork shoulder with polenta and peppers. This was a fantastic dish - everything about it.
The birthday boy had the duck. I don’t care for duck, but I did sample the pureed fennel, which was delicious.
We then shared a slice of Ginger cake w/peaches and berries. This was phenomenal.
We washed it all down with a 2014 Barbera d’Alba, Pairolero, Sottimano, which went well … well, not “all down” because I figured it wouldn’t go well with ginger, and our excellent waiter delayed the dessert until we were done with it.
Stepped next door afterward for a bajativo at César.
Neighbo(u)rhood dining at its best.