When it came to eating out this semester, I originally intended to branch out and expand my palate after a steady two-year diet of Corner cuisine. I would take risks, munch on frog's legs, slurp down monkey brain soup, eat caviar by the spoonful, drink vintage red wine, and seek out the real chefs in this town.
My eyes were set on Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar, just a short drive from Grounds at the Main St. Market. Orzo's cuisine and wine list blends cultures and flavors from across the globe. Their lunch menu ranges from a Greek salad with sweet onion, feta and balsamic vinaigrette to a signature meatball sub heaped with marinara and asiago cheese. A salivating dinner selection includes fresh pumpkin ravioli, red wine braised lamb and pan-seared scallops, all with sensational sides. For broke college students like myself with odd eating schedules, however, the siesta block from 2 to 4 p.m. (Tuesday through Saturday) was a more affordable, convenient bridge between lunch and dinner.
The menu, with appetizers, salads, sandwiches and desserts offered several tantalizing options. I decided to start with the daily soup along with a side of homemade hummus and bread. To follow - Italian rosemary ham sandwich with asiago, roasted pepper and basil oil.
The soup of the day turned out to be roasted tomato, and the sweet, warm concoction was an excellent foil to the spicy, slightly chilled hummus served with grilled pita triangles. The soup was the most delicious part of my meal. Simple and pure, the tomatoes roasted with onions and herbs were served in a broth of their own juice. The hummus was also exceptional.
In no time, my panini was placed in front of me. Succulent and moist, a thick double-decker layered with cheese and ham, the roasted pepper smack in the middle, it rivaled truly authentic paninis I once ate in Italy. Served with a side of cold orzo salad - chopped cucumber, tomatoes, olives and feta cheese - it was a truly delicious take on the normal ham-and-cheese, and it was filling, too.
Still, there was no stopping me from my dessert. Picking out a dessert at Orzo was by far the hardest decision I had to make that day: chocolate pots de cr
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