CampoBello Bistro - Mediterranean in Midtown

I have said it before, but it bears repeating :  It is amazing the number of great restaurants in Anchorage that are in strip malls!  CampoBello Bistro is one of those strip mall gems, and it is in the heart of midtown Anchorage.  My wife enjoy the service, wine list, and food at this small restaurant.  We just recently made it back and were not disappointed.

We started with the Bruschetta Pomodora.  Savory grilled seasoned bread with fresh Roma marinara, basil, mozzarella, and parmesan.  Warm, savory, tangy, this appetizer sings on your palate.  This is a great way to start your meal...give it a shot.

Next we had the house caesar.  This is not a bad caesar salad, but it is no stand out, especially when compared to the rest of the meal.  I recommend going with the soup.

For my main course, I chose the Calamari Scallopini.  I have to respect the chef who can cook a fillet of calamari just right.  The calamari are so tender and mild.  They pair perfectly with the lemony caper picatta sauce.  It would be easy to overcook the calamari, or to have the picatta overpower the delicate calamari.  This presentation is just right.  Served with CampoBello's layered scalloped potatoes.  What a combination.

To cleanse our palate we chose a dessert of lemon ice cream.  Scratch made in the restaurant, this is a perfect little bite to share with someone special, and not feel over stuffed.

All in all, another nice meal in one of the best kept secrets in Anchorage.

CampoBello Bistro:

Address - 601 W. 36th, Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99503

Phone - 907.563.2040

Website - www.campobellobistro.com

Reservations - Walk-ins are welcome, but I recommend calling ahead.

Overall Recommendation - This is a nice little restaurant with a tasty menu, nice wine list, and reasonable prices.  I recommend giving CampoBello's a try.

Cafe Campagne - French Cuisine at the Market

On my recent trip to Seattle, my wife and I got up on Saturday morning, and wandered from our hotel down toward the Pike's Place Market.  We were a bit peckish, and stopped in, less than a block from the market, at Cafe Campagne for some breakfast.

Outside of my visit to Tahiti, last December, I don't have much experience ordering food in French, so I was a little appréhensive.  I decide to go with the Oefs en Meurette: poached eggs served on garlic routons with pearl onions, bacon and champignons in a red wine/foi gras sauce, and served with fries.  The eggs were poached perfectly, and the savory flavor of the croutons and bacon was good.  Unfortunately, there was a lingering vinegar-like flavor from the red wine sauce.

I wouldn't say that it was a bad dish, and I think I would go again and give the menu another try.  Maybe my palet is just not sophisticated for French breakfast...we will have to see.

Cafe Campagne:

Address - 1600 Post Alley, Seattle, Washington 98101

Phone - 206.728.2233

Website - www.campagnerestaurant.com

Reservations - We didn't need any, but reservations are accepted.

Overall Recommendation - I would not remove this restaurant because of my disappointment in the red wine sauce in my breakfast.  Give it a try and let me know what you think.