Lincoln Ristorante, an amazing evening out!

I’ve been eyeing Lincoln Ristorante since it first opened.  The glass walls, the white interior, the open kitchen, it just seemed like the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two.  I was right!  Celebrating my 5 year anniversary here was an incredible experience from the amuse bouche to my peppermint tea.  For dessert, I went with two suggestions from our excellent, informative waiter.  The first was a Tramezzini Con Nutella, described to me as a Nutella sandwich.  Served warm, the brioche bread held a thick layer of hazelnut crema spread between the two slices that was coated in chopped hazelnuts.  On the side was a scoop of fior di latte gelato, chocolate ganache, and lambrusco marmalata (a grape jam) to add brightness to the dish.  Pastry Chef, Richard Capizzi, clearly knows what he is doing because this dessert was absolutely fantastic!  The rich Nutella (oozing out the slices), the warm brioche, and the crunchy hazelnut coating was the perfect end to my evening at Lincoln.  I loved taking a bite that included the marmalata and gelato, it was like tasting a gourmet peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Our next dessert was a ricotta cheesecake with macerated strawberries, strawberry sorbetto, and black pepper crema.  I was glad to have this dessert on the table as well because it was such a contrast to the Nutella sandwich.  The sheep’s milk ricotta cheesecake was a long narrow slice on a graham cracker crust.  The cheesecake was very creamy, light, and fluffy without having the graininess I sometimes find in ricotta cheesecakes.  I loved the vibrant strawberry sorbetto sprinkled with graham cracker crumbs.  It was the perfect palate cleanser in between bites.

At Lincoln two desserts aren’t enough.  The meal officially ends with a cookie plate filled with homemade confections from the kitchen.  I loved the chewy almond cookie and fig layer bar, but the chocolate truffle filled with espresso cream was like taking the last sip of coffee before leaving the table.

Lincoln is perfection in every way and every bite.  I cannot wait to have another special occasion to celebrate so that I can go back to enjoy such delicately prepared food.  Bravo!