Happy New Year!

To say good-bye to 2009, my Mom and I decided to treat ourselves to a prix fixe menu for New Year's Eve. I checked around to see what we would enjoy most. Luckily I stumbled upon Asti's NYE menu, and immediately made reservations. For $55 per person we would be able to enjoy 3 delictable courses. The option for 5 courses at $80 per person was available, but we wanted to be able to walk out of the restaurant, not roll. My friends Laura and Sam joined us for the meal, and we started the night of with a complimentary glass of Prosecco served with goat cheese and truffle topped toast. Melt in your mouth good, especially with a little bubbly. I must warn you, I refrained from snapping numerous pics, so not to blind our fellow patrons. We each decided on our courses, and enjoyed great conversation and a wonderful (silver and black ballon filled) atmosphere. Below were our course selections, a link with the entire menu is towards the end.

1st Course
White Asparagus Soup Parmesan & White Truffle Crema

Foie Gras Mousse Bruschetta Mission Fig Mostarda & Micro Arugula

Red & Yellow Beet Carpaccio Fennel, Black Olives & Orange Vinaigrette Ricotta Bruschetta

2nd Course
Seared Scallops with Yukon Gold Potato Puree Caramelized Wild Mushrooms, Leeks & Crispy Sage

Grilled Rack of Lamb Fregola, Escarole & Tomato Calabrese Currant & Pine Nut Salsa

Beef Tenderloin & Short Rib Saffron Risotto Milanese with Barbaresco Orange Gremolata

3rd Course
Chocolate Truffle Tart Vanilla Balsamic Gelato & Brandied Cherries

Poached Pear stuffed with Candied Cranberries Prosecco & Pear Sorbetto & Gingersnap Streusel


Entire Menu
http://www.astiaustin.com/asti/event/

Let me tell you, each dish was fantastic! The soup was creamy and perfectly balanced, the Beet Carpaccio was a surprising favorite, and the Foie Gras though rich was like butter. Our entrees were enjoyed by all. I must say my lamb was incredible. Such flavor and perfectly cooked. Dessert sealed the deal. The chocoalte truffle amazed us all, and my poached pair offered a refreshing end to a decadent meal. If you have not ventured to Asti on a regular day of the year, let me urge you to get there and dive into deliciousness. We finshed the first part of the night off with a Ginger Vodka Champagne Cocktail Laura and Sam whipped up. It was rumored to be the drink to have for a hang-over free morning (worked pretty well!). The champagne with a kick was fabulous. A perfect start to the rest of the night's celebrations. Laura made a simple syrup with ginger, sugar, and water, then added the Vodka after it cooled. We poured the syrup in glasses of champagne and added candied ginger to make it shine. Here's hoping your New Year is filled with much happiness, health, and fantastic food. Salute!

Asti
Twitter: @ASTI_Trattoria