Anthony Alberto's

We had dinner in Portsmouth the other night at Anthony Alberto's on Penhallow Street. It was really, really good. The service was efficient but relaxed and the menu selections caused that delightful quandry - too many great choices to pick just one.

To start I had the Gnocchi con l’Essenza di Aragosta: House made herbed potato gnocchi sautéed with Maine lobster [that night it was shrimp] essence, torn basil leaves and a mascarpone emulsion; drizzled with spicy chili oil. I followed that with the Insalata Mista: an assortment of Lolla Rosa, Red Oak and Frisée greens dressed in a Champagne-roasted shallot vinaigrette. Then I indulged in one of my artery choking favorites, Costatelli Corte Brasato: slow-braised beef short ribs served over horseradish-potato puree with sautéed root vegetables and a Chianti braising jus. It was better than mine, I hate to admit.

BTW - since it's April and only the bravest plants are coming out, I digitally enhanced the flower boxes in the photo to spruce them up.