This is the Brioche with Proscuitto, Gruyere and Egg at A.O.C. As of this writing, it is the best thing I have eaten all year (sorry Mozza Pizzeria). I would eat this every day without fail or fear for my arteries if I could.
As everyone and their dairy-lovin’ friends already know, A.O.C. is also an excellent restaurant for wine and cheese lovers. This is our beautiful cheese plate, with a cheddar from England, a sharp and stinky blue from Spain, and a creamy goat from the Loire Valley. The cheddar was my favorite, crumbly and not too tangy. This cheddar has ruined me now, nothing will ever seem as addictive. And guess what it’s called, Mrs. Appleby’s New Cheshire! Mrs. Appleby, wherever you are, I salute you!
After drooling all over the cheese menu selections, you will be presented with a nice selection of whites and reds by the glass, by the carafe, and of course, by the almighty bottle. We went with a carafe of Flowers’ super juicy and compelling Pinot/Syrah blend, the Perennial. It sounds lame to say so, but it really had the best of both varietals – it was both supple and elegant, smooth and plummy, bespeaking a Pinot, but it still had a little Syrah spice to give it personality. I will certainly seek this interesting blend out again, and keep an eye on this Napa vintner in general…
Final Verdict: A day or two later and I’m still thinking about my meal at A.O.C.
