We just came back from an aMAZing dinner at Twig & Buoy! Exactly the island dining experience we were hoping for.
We had a reservation, and were seated at a single 4-top that sits alone, outside the main dining room, near the kitchen, across from the lounge. At first I felt it was a bit awkward... isolated, near the supplies, and by the food pass etc. I thought, "were we put here because we had kids?" But we were quickly able to put any worries aside and really enjoy the location.
It almost felt like we had the VIP spot. We were in a vantage point to observe all the kitchen action including the busy wood-fired oven. The owner/chef was a pizza making machine, all while working like clockwork with the kitchen staff, and dusting herself off of all the flour to greet people with a smile if the servers were busy. She seemed very zen, everything operating smoothly. As smooth as the nice jazz in the background. She made a point to speak briefly with us a couple times, and made friendly gestures from the kitchen to our kids to keep them engaged..
We started with the seafood mushroom caps. Even though our kids like crab and some of the other good stuff that goes into these, they weren't very impressed. We were though! Nice and savoury, the mushrooms were maybe a tad undercooked, but they were a solid starter.
The dinners were what really shined.
The kids each had a pizza - one had the "It Is What It Is," with bacon, salami, and roasted garlic. Zowie. Did that have a good flavour! High quality bacon, great sauce, and an amazing crust. The other had a Margherita - like the traditional, but with some cherry tomatoes and a little extra flavour zing in the sauce and on top. Both pizzas were fabulous. As good or better than many we've had in parts of Italy.
My wife and I each had some meaty entrees. I had the "FaceTime Me", which was a succulent piece of pork with crispy crackling skin and the BEST apple accompaniment to pork I've ever had - a delicious and smooth apple gastrique. My wife had "Don't Be Shia leBoeuf", a yummy braised short rib. Both were with new potatoes, cabbage, and a wonderful assortment of lightly cooked veggies, including romanesco broccoli, broccolini, purple cauliflower, and a whole host of others.
We finished our dinner off with a classic creme brule. Done just right.
We were here on a Friday of a long weekend, and a sign was turning people away. We maybe would have liked to stretch the evening out a bit longer, but aside from that, this evening was near perfect. read more