Francoli Gourmet Emporio Restaurant - February 24, 2017

Looking at the bar.

 This is definitely an intimate dining experience.

Bread plate with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

The bread plate came with olive bread, which was especially pleasing. Furthermore, olive oil and vinegar makes for a welcome change from the typical butter.

Bruschetta Francoli.

The Bruschetta Francoli was exceptionally balanced and satisfying, particularly for a cold plate.

Salmon with Orange-Cointreau Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, and Red Cabbage.

The main entree plate was exquisite. I ordered it because Orange-Cointreau was a new flavor for me. It made for a great gravy substitute for the mashed potatoes as well as flavoring the salmon. I actually broke up part of my salmon to mix with the mashed potatoes for extra richness. The brussel sprouts and red cabbage gave no reason for complaint.

I wished I felt rich enough for dessert, but this was a fine experience. However, I prefer bigger restaurants as a rule. 

View from my seat including some of the "shop."

Chocolates.

Wine.

More wine.

View of the bar from my seat.

Artwork and a picture.

Blaze Pizza January 30, 2016

Half and Half: Red Vine (Left) and Veg Out (Right) with Arugula.

Blaze catches the eye with its fiery color scheme and name.  However, the crispy thin crust pizza wasn't my style.  Overall, the pizza was alright but nothing I would return for.  I make pizzas almost every week, which means I'm harder to please.  There are three pizza places now in the Orange Plaza: Zito's, The Pizza Press, and this one.  Zito's has the best family oriented, traditional New York style pizza.  Pizza Press is very similar to this place but I prefer it because of the printing press theme complete with old photographs and newsboy-style uniforms.  Blaze uniforms and decor are less intriguing.  Decor is half the reason to dine out, which was lacking.  All the fire on the outside is lost on the inside.  I also did not like the mix of edgy contemporary music playing in the background.

Nonetheless, this is a popular joint, I hope it continues for their sake.  I do like the idea of all the pizza places in our historic town center.  

View from Italian restaurant across the way.

View from Plaza center.