we had an amazing lunch at the city today. at an italian place called l'impero. it was one of the best food.experiences we ever had. i have been hearing about l'impero good things for a while, but never got to go there, but we had to be in the area this morning, so decided to give it a try. 

my only regret is that it took us 6 years before we "discovered" the place. it is the best italian in town (at least judging based on the places i went to).

below is what we ordered: 

appetizer: 

Thai Snapper - pickled baby mushrooms, leeks and champagne grapes 

it is a sashimi-like piece of snapper.  the leeks and grapes matched perfectly.

appetizer #2:

Grilled Mediterranean Octopus - chickpea 'panissa' and roasted vegetable

the octopus was of great quality, and together with the sauce it worked out even better. 

Warm Fagiolini and Goat Cheese Salad - truffled vinaigrette and baby greens

green salad with warm goat cheese is an easy pick of any menu. the salty mustard dressing combined well with the fagiolini and goat cheese. 

main course:

Duck Foie Gras Agnolotti - moscato passito di sardegna reduction

WOW!! every bit is an experience. the home-made past was very light and stuffed in it was a delicious foie-gras. with all our love to animals. foie-gras is a sin we can't seem to get rid of. sorry little duckies :( 

House-Made Fontina Raviolini - truffle reduction and parmigiano 

small raviolis stuffed with cheese and tossed with truffle sauce.. very delicate. very good.

desert:

Coconut Panna Cotta - guava soup and coconut sorbet 

a very light desert. the panna cotta was combined with guav soup is a great duo.

Banana Terrine - chocolate sorbet and sesame nougat 

banana can be a bit overwhelming. this one was not over powering and let the other tastes come out.