Madrina

 I couldn't wait. We literally went the third night Madrina was open, totally breaking my internal rule about waiting for a new restaurant to get its bearings before trying it out.

I had promised Alisha Blackwell-Calvert that I would visit while she worked at Cider House, but it's not the easiest restaurant to just drop in at so I totally failed at keeping my promise. Madrina is now just minutes away in one of my favorite areas, downtown Webster.

Once you step inside, past the hostess stand, you'll forget all about the CJ Muggs that used to be there. This is now old school Italian.

Alisha's service quality did not disappoint and was the highlight of the evening. 

Alisha Blackwell-Calvert

Just explain what you'll be eating, what you like to drink, and she'll quickly have the perfect wine to pair. If only I could bottle it and take her with me everywhere.

While the logistics weren't totally in place yet, the recipes are definitely ready to go. I'm just going to let the dishes speak for themselves from here on out. 

They own the recipe to the Mayfair salad dressing so you know that was my starter. Comes with a little shaved prosciutto on top.

Mayfair salad

We also shared the Whipped Ricotta appetizer with bread service. Our server was kind enough to keep bringing us more bread!

Bread service

Whipped Ricotta

Our friend Jacqui wanted to share her dish, Beef Carpaccio. There was plenty to share!

Beef Carpaccio

The main courses were just beautiful...Spaghetti Chitarra Carbonara, Seared Scallops, and I ordered the Egg Raviollo.

Spaghetti Chitarra Carbonara

Seared Scallops

 

Raviollo

What's INSIDE the Raviolo you ask?? Check it out...

Egg oozing from the Raviollo

And you can't forget about dessert! Cannoli of course!

Cannoli

You're going to want to add this to your date night, special occasion, and meet up for drink list!

Resources:

Madrina = https://www.madrinastl.com/

Photos by Patience Scanlon

City Winery

While City Winery is actually a wine bar / restaurant, we headed down there for our first time as a concert venue. A friend got me into Dar Williams and so I try to see her every time she comes through.

Dar Williams

I understand there is a membership to give those folks the right to buy tickets before anyone else, however, I would recommend trying it out before making that kind of commitment. I admit that for level of talent, you can pretty much wait until tickets go on sale.

Unfortunately, all the tables run long ways down the room so you have to turn awkwardly to the side to watch the performance. Also, the tables are fairly small so you also have to keep track of your feet as well. The servers are squeezing by so you can't leave them in the aisles either.

View from the back

I highly recommend getting to the show as close to doors opening as possible to give yourself time to study the menu and order, as well as finish your dinner before the lights go down.

We each ordered a (fairly pricey) glass of wine and shared some appetizers: Lobster Risotto and Truffle Fries

Lobster Risotto

Truffle Fries

Great for a date night, but I'd probably only go for the right performer, since the place is a little pricey over all.

Resources:

City Winery = https://www.cityfoundrystl.com/directory/city-winery

Photos by Patience Scanlon