DINING AROUND With Marilyn July 10, 2006

All I can I say is, this place is a major home run!  With a menu of global inspirations, excellent food, wonderful service and an impressive wine selection combined with reasonable prices, you have the makings of a superb establishment! 

The atmosphere is very warm with colors of rust and elegant drapery along with wrought iron chandelier's and one wall natural brick give it a Castilian castle feel.  If you’re looking to impress a date, special evening out or just want a fabulous meal with friend this is the place to go.  I was very impressed with the wine selections by the glass.  They are written on a huge beautifully framed blackboard and they change often.  The prices range from $6.00 to $10.00. (The most expensive was Ferrari Corano Merlot.) .  I chose the Boscodei Cerrioli Pinot Grigio – very light and crisp – and complemented perfectly my dinner choice of Seafood Fettuccini with shrimp, clams & chorizo in a light saffron tomato broth, for $21.95….but I'm getting ahead of myself. 

First, we started off with the succulent pan roasted Clams Casino with sweet and hot cherry peppers and country bacon at $8.95 and Cajun Voodoo Pork Picks which were crispy pork bites wrapped in bacon and tossed in a spicy bourbon glaze with sweet potatoes for $7.95.  It's a winner!!  This was followed by the soup of the day, a Summer Seafood Chowder, with scallops, shrimp, clams, and cod in a citrus ginger broth.  Refreshing!

My friends and I sampled each other's meals because everything was just so delicious. My friends ordered the Bourbon "Casked' Prime Hangar Steak served on a bourbon wood cask (hence the name Cask 591) with vanilla scented sweet potatoes, black onions & whiskey braised greens for $17.95.  This dish just melted in your mouth and the cask gave it a delicious distinct flavor.   And a very inventive dish, Chili-Plum Glazed Beef Short Ribs with wasabi mashed potatoes & gingered snow peas priced at $17.95.  This dish truly showcases the talents of Chef/Owner Peter Fishbach.  Wow!!  If you like ribs, I highly recommend this dish. 

Many other items on the menu are stand outs:  Meatless Meatloaf, a whole grain loaf topped with tomato jam and served with three mushroom-onion demiglace with market fresh vegetables and organic sprouts, great for vegetarians, is $17.95, and the Dijon & Herb crusted Rack of Lamb, served with bacon-onion gratin potatoes, sautéed spinach and sauce Bordelaise is $29.95. 
They also have a fixed price tasting menus of 3, 4 or 5 courses.

Now, dessert!!  We ended the evening with espresso and black Sambuca with a Gelato chocolate ginger snap sundae...Oh my!  You have to taste it to believe.  And of course the Crème Brulé was perfect from the first to last spoonful. 

And of course I have to compliment our server Tara.  As soon as we walked in the door we were treated to such gracious service and combined with the wonderful decor I knew it was going to be a great dining experience!

Also, for your weekend night life, there is a beautiful full bar upstairs, and a cozy intimate
Martini bar downstairs off the dining room.  Their lunch menu is equally impressive with entrée’s starting from $7.95.  Also, take advantage of their call ahead program.  Cask 591 only accepts reservations for six or more, so you can call ahead to be put on the waiting list. 

Cask 591 promises impeccable service and exceptional food that will exceed all your expectations and they deliver!