Southern European Bistro
By
Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives
We
have always enjoyed going to Blackhawk Plaza in Danville to dine
and shop but had not been there in well over a year. We knew there
were some new restaurants, so we decided that since it was overcast
and 60 degrees in the City a ride to where it was warm would be
very welcome. Blackhawk Plaza has had its ups and downs over the
past twenty years but this time we could feel that there was a
Renaissance happening.
There
were lots of diners in the new restaurants, people were strolling
around the lovely lake which runs through the plaza and most of
the shops were full. Yes, we accomplished our goal as it was over
80 degrees at 6:00 PM so many people were enjoying dining outdoors.
|
click
on image to enlarge & get caption |
Laurus,
which was opened by Executive Chef Matthew Silverman,
in November 2009 is a Southern European Bistro featuring the cuisine
of France, Italy and Spain. The interior décor is quite
stylish with a beautiful bar area, fabulous tiered pendant Moroccan
inspired glass lighting, large botanical prints and an open exhibition
kitchen with a pizza oven. They have booths and tables indoor,
as well as a terrace with outdoor dining overlooking the lake.
We decided to sit inside in the center of the restaurant, to get
the full effect including the view of the lake but many of the
diners opted for outside as it was such a beautiful night.
Our
server was very knowledgeable and professional. He knew the menu
well and reviewed it with us in perfect detail. We were in the
mood for cocktails and ordered a refreshing Cosmopolitan with
fresh lime and Grey Goose Vodka and a tasty Paul's Kamikaze made
with Absolut Vanilla Vodka, triple sec and lime. We began our
dinner with their Truffled Cauliflower Bisque with sweet corn-pancetta
relish and chives. The flavors were complex and complimented the
exquisite flavor of the cauliflower puree.
This
is one of our favorite soups! Next, we had their Treviso Caesar
Salad wrapped in prosciutto, with hard boiled quail egg and parmesan
reggiano which was lightly dressed and tasted extra fresh. The
presentation was beautiful! You must have the Moroccan Spiced
Lamb Spare Ribs with apricot glaze and spicy carrot-almond slaw.
The spices were fantastic and the meat fell off the bone. The
portion was large enough that this could be an entrée.
We also liked the Wood-Fired Flatbread which was a spicy White
Shrimp Pizza with padrone peppers, roasted red peppers, garlic-leek
confit and cilantro.
The
Entrees that we enjoyed were the Veal Scaloppini with crimini
mushrooms, lemon, Marsala and capellini aglio olio and the Pan
Seared Diver Scallops with excellent white corn succotash-risotto,
English peas, peppers, and yellow tomatoes. On a future trip,
we will have to try their Mesquite Grill entrees which feature
chicken and steaks. The wine list includes wines by the glass
which are served in a carafe, so you can enjoy them at your own
pace. The Caposaldo Prosseco Brut Vento paired well with our starters
and the 2007 Domaine Arlaud Roncevie Pinot Noir Bourgogne paired
well with the Veal.
The
Desserts that we tasted included a fabulous Caramelized Pineapple
Tart served with vanilla gelato, whipped cream and caramel sauce
which was reminiscent of a pineapple upside down cake and a decadent
Banana Cream Pie made with chocolate butter mousse, caramelized
bananas and whipped cream. A Double Espresso and a 2007 Banyuls
chapoutier vin du naturel dessert wine were the perfect finish
to a very enjoyable dinner. Laurus has all the elements of a destination
restaurant with excellent cuisine, friendly service and very appealing
ambiance!
Laurus
Restaurant
3483 Blackhawk Plaza Circle
Danville, CA. 94506
925.984.2250
www.LaurusSF.com
