2020-10-30 TestaBarra. Macomb, Mi…read more
The first time we came here was for their happy hour, tonight we came for dinner.
Menu are both physical and virtual via QR code to access their website menu.
There is definitely too much to talk about here so be sure to look at my pics as I've provided a quick summary in the captions.
J Baldwin's famous calamari. After receiving the dish, I think I've had it before at J Baldwin's in Clinton Twp. The calamari is not your typical calamari and is sauced with his Beurre Blanc famed on the Food Network. While it's still breaded, the Beurre Blanc is enough to soften it completely while adding an explosion of flavor. The Beurre Blanc is made with olive oil, shallots, peppercorns, bay leaves, lemon juice, wine, and cream. Personally I think this dish was way too sauce heavy. There wasn't a single crispy bite. While flavorful, I was looking forward to a light and crispy texture, but didn't get it. I think this could have been accomplished with going lighter in the sauce, maybe just drizzling it on, and providing a serving of it on the side. 3,5 stars.
Truffle Sausage Pizza. Tradition hand tossed dough that's not too thick and not too thin. Italian sausage, truffle oil, parsley, Gouda, Mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. The Italian sausage was not what I expected. Rather than slices or tiny meatballs, it was ground up. I kinda liked it to tell you the truth, but it wasn't evenly applied. It was more densely populated in the center, which left the perimeter sparse with toppings. While the truffle oil sounded good, it didn't work for me. Here's the thing you need to know about truffle oil, it's not made from truffles (mushrooms)! That's right, truffle oil is typically made from extract, which is why the flavor is so intense and a little goes a long way.
Local Carbonara Bucatini. Made the traditional way with cuts of pork cheek (guanciale). The bucatini pasta was nicely done and not overcooked. The guanciale was also nice and crispy as it should be. It was lighter on the cheese than I would have liked and none was served on the side, but it was Pecorino Romano and it was shaved from a block. Did I ask for more on the side, of course I did! The black pepper wasn't also as prominent as it should have been, but the server did have some fresh ground at the ready when it was served. 4 stars.
Overall, I would have to say that I'm still a fan of J. Baldwin's Testa Barra. The food is prepared fresh with quality ingredients, and the dishes are inspirationally classic, and sometimes with innovating or modern twist. I've consistently never been disappointed with every visit.
If You would like to experience more, come dine-with-me.yelp.com I'd love to have your company... Bon Appétit!