Bret made an 8:15 PM reservation and we arrived just a few minutes early. Our host told us that there were a few tables open but that one intimate table by the window was being cleared if we wanted to wait for that table. Since neither Bret nor I were in a rush, we agreed to wait. While we waited, I got a chance to take a look around. The space looked very similar to its predecessor, EVOO, and that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
When we were finally seated, I was thrilled to find that we had some great light, which meant some great photos for the evening. After a really long and stressful day (with a big client emergency to deal with) to end an overall long and stressful week, I was excited to start the evening off with a glass of wine. I chose a sparkling red wine (Lambrusco di Sorbara Rosato, Enilia - Romagne Villa di Corlo). I really think that sparkling red wines are my new obsession.
We were quickly offered a slice of the house sourdough along with their addictively delicious honey butter. And soon thereafter an amuse bouche was plated - a bruschetta topped with sea bass, basil puree, pine nuts and an heirloom tomato. This introductory plate was not only beautifully plated but I was impressed that they managed to really bring out the flavor of the sea bass in such a small bite.
Bret and I had a tough time deciding on appetizers. At our server's urging, we ordered two dishes. The first was a beautiful La Quercia Proscuitto. The proscuitto was paired with local peaches from Verill Farm, pistachios, balsamic vinegar and the most amazing fried goat cheese croutons. When you got it all together, every ingredient layered together to make such a beautiful bite but the real beauty of this dish were the amazing goat cheese croutons. The croutons had a crispy texture on the outside but were filled with creamy, tangy goat cheese goodness.
Our other appetizer was a huge heaping plate of fried clams. These were fried clams done perfectly - no fuss, no muss - with a spicy aioli sauce. I loved that they also deep-fried parsley leaves and lemon slices, which gave it a contemporary touch.
I also went with seafood for my entree with the pan-seared scallops atop a Finnan haddie (smoked haddock) chowder, shoe peg corn, Yukon gold potatoes, and a crispy piece of wild boar bacon. The chowder had a nice creaminess that contrasted nicely with the perfectly seared scallops. The entree sizes are huge but my only request would be that just another slice of crispy bacon to the dish! You can never go wrong with too much bacon!
Bret's entree was again a generous serving of sliced duck breast atop baby bok choy, a circle of Yukon gold potato, black truffle mushrooms and tied together with a red currant sauce. I stole a bite and the duck was a bit salty for me but cooked a perfect medium rare.
Even though we moaned and groaned at how full we were, we couldn't leave without ordering dessert. We settled on a flourless chocolate pave made with Taza guajillo chile chocolate, milk stout ice cream, apricot caramel, and crumbled pretzels. This dish hit all the right notes of sweet, spicy, salty, crunchy, gooey, and creamy. Yes, this little dessert had it all and it completely wowed us. I think that despite all of the great dishes that night, this was probably the best plate the entire evening.
And just when we thought we had hit the perfect note to end the evening on, we were presented with two adorable miniature rose caramel macaroons. They were light, airy and not-too-sweet.
I loved everything about Bergamot - from its pleasant and attentive service, attention to detail, and intensely honest flavor combinations. Their wasn't anything particularly fancy about the ingredients that they use but the kitchen knows how to use them just right. It is easy to see why everyone is raving about Bergamot and after dining there on Friday night, I'd have to say that they are worth all the buzz.
Bergamot is located at 118 Beacon Street, Somerville, MA.
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