Ave Ava!

People close to us know how much we love, love, love Restaurant Ava in Rockwall, but for those of you who have not heard of it, please do yourself a favor and go!  Most of us in Dallas don't like to drive all that far, but it is very much worth the effort.  As with many restaurants these days, there is an option to do a five course chef's tasting with or without wine pairing.  For the more adventurous eaters, DO IT!  However, those who are more into a sort of comfort zone when it comes to food will definitely find not only familiar fine dining fare, but the ability to talk directly to Chef Randall to customize your dinner to your liking.  He is very approachable, always available to diners, and completely into making the plates pleasing to all palates.  With winter nearing, I cannot wait for Kristi and I to go again and have some of the butternut squash soup as well as the wild mushroom risotto that will undoubtedly be on the menu.  We have found that the Chappallet Mountain Cuvee (Bordeaux blend from St. Helena, CA) is a well balanced partner to the earthy and sometimes smokey flavors featured when we have been to Ava.  One of the things I like about Ava is how reasonable the wine list is while still having breadth of style.  We will forever thank Veritas Wine Room for introducing us to Chef Randall and Restaurant Ava.