Last week on a warm summer night I was sitting at home and I decided that a glass of wine and an appetizer sounded nice (when does it not?). Grappa came to mind because it was right down the street from me and I have always had pleasant experiences there. The decision was made! I grabbed my notebook and bag and went on my way.House Wine: Cabernet Sauvingnon. I did not have reservations, but I was seated right away in the very seat I had in mind. The people who reserved the table originally opted to sit outside. The table sits in their bar area in front of an open window, I felt it was the best of both worlds considering the August weather in Seattle. I love the bartender here; his name is Jesh and seems to be working most weeknights. I ordered the house Cabernet. They offer five $8 house options:  Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. I actually like when restaurants just put the type labeled under house because it doesn’t make me think too much about what the wine should taste like.

Mixed greens salad: Candied Walnuts, cranberries, balsamic & blue cheese. This salad tasted just as you would expect. It was well dressed and had a good proportion of ingredients.

Halibut Amore: Cauliflower puree, reduced balsamic & almonds. I know I said that I was just going to get a glass of wine and an appetizer, but after seeing that description I couldn’t resist, classic me! The presentation was beautiful and I love how the fish was completely covered in the reduced balsamic. I don’t know about you, but I am a saucy person so this made me happy. Oddly enough but still tasty, the fish and balsamic smelled and tasted like mustard, which I assume was from the balsamic. Overall everything paired well together. Plus if I see cauliflower puree I am automatically intrigued.

Gelato:  Hazelnut & Pistachio. I don’t order dessert often, but I when I do it better be delicious! It tasted as good as it looks. I really liked how there were actual nuts in both of these. My favorite would have to be the pistachio but both did their names justice.