Wednesday, November 9, 2011

SoNapa Grille

There’s just something so relaxing about a glass of wine. It’s a feeling that slowly washes over your entire body relaxing you from head to toe. Never have I been to an eatery that nearly encompasses this feeling with just its ambiance. Shortly after taking our seats at SoNapa Grille, I felt instantly tranquil and ready to enjoy a pleasant evening with D.
Recently invited, D and I enjoyed a more than calming evening at the New Smyrna Beach eatery, SoNapa Grille. The restaurant sprung from a wine club among friends into the establishment seen today, with a second location opening soon in Maitland, FL.

With an expansive wine list and a variety of interesting beers, I felt it necessary to start the evening off with a couple of beverages.

After discussing my wine preferences with our server, I went with a glass of Trinitas Moscato. Always sweet and rarely dry, I’m never left disappointed with some moscato.

D, on the other hand, chose one of the more unique beers they carry called Wild Blue. A blueberry lager, it fuses blueberry juice with premium American and German hops, two-row and six-row barley and cereal grains. D found it to be very smooth with a pleasant after taste of sweet blueberries, and needless to say he enjoyed it thoroughly. (He keeps looking for it every time we go grocery shopping!)

Prior to our appetizer, we were presented with house bread and an olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pesto-dipping sauce. The sweet vinegar was swirled in an S on the olive oil with a dab of pesto in the center. Just as beautiful as it was delicious, the complimentary nibble reminded me how much I enjoy the balsamic vinegar, olive oil combination. The added basil pesto was just an additional perk of flavor. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Before polishing off the bread our appetizer of Crescent City Shrimp ($8) arrived. Crispy fried shrimp tossed in a spicy aioli sauce are presented on a bed of field greens with additional spicy aioli designs on the plate for adding extra heat. Chopsticks in hand, D and I dived right into this delicious sea fare. Definitely with a kick, the shrimp were perfect bite size appetizers great for sharing. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Next came our entrees. I went with the Healdsburg Chicken Ravioli ($14), a homemade ravioli stuffed with fire roasted chicken and cheese, topped with an alfredo tomato sauce and shaved parmesan. A very comforting dish, I enjoyed the subtle flavor of alfredo with the raviolis. Not too overpowering, I was able to continue enjoying my wine while dining on the dish. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Two sides accompanied the raviolis, pesto risotto and the vegetable of the day: a melody of edamame beans, corn, red peppers and spices. The creamy risotto melted in my mouth and although you could taste the pesto, it wasn’t overpowering. The melody of vegetables entwined well together with the red pepper tying all the flavors in the rustic ensemble. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

D decided to go with one of their evening specials, the Turf and Turf. A decadent filet with a mushroom marsala sauce paired with a duo of lamb chops atop a red skin potato mash accompanied by the the edamame vegetable melody of the evening as well as some asparagus. He was most impressed by the succulent lamb, typically an overcooked and dry dish; it was a relief to have the delicious meat cooked to perfection. The filet was equally impressive and flavorful with or without the marsala sauce. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

We rounded off the evening with their Diamond Mountain chocolate cake. This chocoholic was in heaven with a warm liquid chocolate center, whipped cream and raspberry sauce. If you can imagine a dark chocolate brownie with a super gooey center; you can begin to understand why this dish was so heavenly. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Overall, D and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience at SoNapa Grille. A knowledgeable staff combined with amazing ambiance and delicious eats, makes this locale the perfect place to wind down after a long day of work or enjoy the company of someone special on a romantic evening.

- A

SoNapa California Grill and Wine Bar on Urbanspoon

3406 South Atlantic Ave.

New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169

(386) 402-8646

Open 7 days a week at 5 p.m.

Happy Hour to 6:30 p.m. daily