Il Barilotto (Italian) – Fishkill, NY - 9/25/06
IlBarilotto is located on Main Street in the heart of the village of Fishkill. The restaurant is housed in one of the several older carriage house
buildings that make up the business district of Fishkill. The walls are exposed brick and a large deep colored mahogany bar. On several occasions we
have opted for a salad and appetizer at the bar. Also on weekends sitting at the bar might be your only choice since they do not take reservations
and it’s always crowded. Wine service is a priority at Il Barilotto and they actually received an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine.
Food is also the star at Il Barilotto as much as the wine service. Once we tried the bread with a soft butter like cheese I knew we were in the right
place. Instead of butter they serve a soft spreadable cheese. Think it’s mascarpone but I can’t remember if that was correct or not. Whatever it’s
called you’ll love it and you will ask for more.
After taking a quick glance of the menu I knew I was going to have a hard time deciding. Il Barilotto focuses on authentic Italian, which is different
than Italian-American food many of us are famialiar with. For example you will find real Italian food with creative enhancements. The Cozze Al
Cinzano is a bowl of steamed Prince Edward Island mussels, baby tomatoes, garlic and Cinzano sweet vermouth. The broth is a get excuse to have
some more bread. The Gamberoni Al Gorgonzola is their signature antipasti which is jumbo shrimp in a creamy brandy gorgonzola sauce.
Il Barilotto offers one of the best salads I’ve ever had. I’m not exaggerating. The Lattuga Con Gorgonzola is simple but perfect. Boston lettuce, my
favorite lettuce by the way, crispy prosciutto, baby tomatoes in a creamy gorgonzola dressing. It’s perfect. You can’t improve it if you tried and yes
I tried.
Pappardelle Al Ragu D’Anatra combines my favorite pasta with my favorite poultry, duck. The wide ribbon pasta is tossed in a Tuscan style ragu.
Luckily for me my wife isn’t crazy about duck so we did not share this Primi course but similar to Babbo this course could be shared.
For my main course I tried the Maiale Carpriccioso, a crispy Niman ranch pork loin over an arugula salad. Niman Ranch is very popular meat
purveyor based just north of San Francisco. You will find their meat mentioned my name on menu’s across the country. They raise their animals
using traditional, humane husbandry methods and wholesome natural feeds. Pigs are raised on the ranch in Iowa. Today Niman Ranch represents
over 500 independent American farmers all using natural and traditional methods.
I don’t mean to be implying that Manhattan restaurants are somehow superior but Il Barilotto is as good as any place you’ll find in the city. Not
just because of the food but the atmosphere, wine list and the service. There is also a scene at Il Barilotto. You really feel like you are out on the
town. Sometimes that is hard to find in smaller towns. The clientele is sophisticated and they keep coming back.
IlBarilotto is located on Main Street in the heart of the village of Fishkill. The restaurant is housed in one of the several older carriage house
buildings that make up the business district of Fishkill. The walls are exposed brick and a large deep colored mahogany bar. On several occasions we
have opted for a salad and appetizer at the bar. Also on weekends sitting at the bar might be your only choice since they do not take reservations
and it’s always crowded. Wine service is a priority at Il Barilotto and they actually received an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine.
Food is also the star at Il Barilotto as much as the wine service. Once we tried the bread with a soft butter like cheese I knew we were in the right
place. Instead of butter they serve a soft spreadable cheese. Think it’s mascarpone but I can’t remember if that was correct or not. Whatever it’s
called you’ll love it and you will ask for more.
After taking a quick glance of the menu I knew I was going to have a hard time deciding. Il Barilotto focuses on authentic Italian, which is different
than Italian-American food many of us are famialiar with. For example you will find real Italian food with creative enhancements. The Cozze Al
Cinzano is a bowl of steamed Prince Edward Island mussels, baby tomatoes, garlic and Cinzano sweet vermouth. The broth is a get excuse to have
some more bread. The Gamberoni Al Gorgonzola is their signature antipasti which is jumbo shrimp in a creamy brandy gorgonzola sauce.
Il Barilotto offers one of the best salads I’ve ever had. I’m not exaggerating. The Lattuga Con Gorgonzola is simple but perfect. Boston lettuce, my
favorite lettuce by the way, crispy prosciutto, baby tomatoes in a creamy gorgonzola dressing. It’s perfect. You can’t improve it if you tried and yes
I tried.
Pappardelle Al Ragu D’Anatra combines my favorite pasta with my favorite poultry, duck. The wide ribbon pasta is tossed in a Tuscan style ragu.
Luckily for me my wife isn’t crazy about duck so we did not share this Primi course but similar to Babbo this course could be shared.
For my main course I tried the Maiale Carpriccioso, a crispy Niman ranch pork loin over an arugula salad. Niman Ranch is very popular meat
purveyor based just north of San Francisco. You will find their meat mentioned my name on menu’s across the country. They raise their animals
using traditional, humane husbandry methods and wholesome natural feeds. Pigs are raised on the ranch in Iowa. Today Niman Ranch represents
over 500 independent American farmers all using natural and traditional methods.
I don’t mean to be implying that Manhattan restaurants are somehow superior but Il Barilotto is as good as any place you’ll find in the city. Not
just because of the food but the atmosphere, wine list and the service. There is also a scene at Il Barilotto. You really feel like you are out on the
town. Sometimes that is hard to find in smaller towns. The clientele is sophisticated and they keep coming back.
| Il Barilotto www.ilbarilottorestaurant.com 1113 Main St. (North St.) Fishkill, NY 12524 845-897-4300 |
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Hudson Valley Food Blog
