Thursday, February 26, 2009

"See You Later See You Soon..." - Dinner at Liberty Tavern



Swiss chard and pecorino ravioli with stewed lamb neck and lamb jus.

So I have some big news to announce (which most of you probably already know) - I am moving to California to live with AJ! AJ got us an apartment in Mountain View (yes hardwood floors).I will still be blogging, but now my location will be Northern California. I am excited to experience the dining scene in San Francisco and take part in the bounty of produce available in my new home.

Malia, Natalie, and Jenny made plans for a sort of goodbye dinner at Liberty Tavern in Arlington. I was happy to spend an evening out with my girls. Boy was I surprised when I saw a bunch of my friends waiting inside for me! Thanks for planning the dinner, it was really special, and I was glad I got to see most of my friends again before I left for California.

Now on to the dinner. Liberty Tavern has the most amazing pizza. I had the pleasure of tasting their "Vermont" this past fall, and I can now say it is one of my top 5 favorite pizzas. Nari ordered up the Vermont, and she agrees that it is done to perfection. The crusts are crisp on the edges and chewy in the center. The combination of vermont cheddar, sweet and tart grannysmith apples, caramelized onion, salty prosciutto, and sage make this one of the best pizzas I have ever had. Seriously give it a try.

The classico - san marzano tomatoes, bufala mozarella, basil, and extra virgin olive oil - proved to be the most popular choice of the night. A simple pie, made with high quality ingredients, didn't let anyone down.




Jenny, Malia, and I enjoying our dinners. (Malia's spaghetti is in front)

Malia and I opted for the pasta dishes on the menu, wanting to try something a little different. Malia got the spaghetti with smoked linguica, octupus, mussels, piquillo peppers, and tomatoes. The pasta was nice and thick, chewy, done al dente. The sauce had a little kick to it with nice garlic flavor. The sausage added a nice smokiness to the dish and the seafood was incredibly fresh.

My ravioli were nicely cooked, filled with swiss chard and pecorino. The swiss chard added a slight bitterness that contrasted with the sweet dough and sharp, salty pecorino. The stewed lamb neck was piled on top of the ravioli. The meat was tender and juicy and sweet. I finished every last one.


Pizzas at Liberty Tavern are spectacular - Natalie and Nari seem to agree!

Liberty Tavern has definitely become one of my favorite places in Arlington. They use great ingredients and the prices are reasonable, especially if you're ordering up a pizza. Another great thing to know is Liberty Tavern has a to-go menu. Pizzas and sliders can be picked up next door, at their to-go window. You can have a tasty dinner on the table in no-time.

2.5 out of 3 JAMs

3195 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA

2 comments:

Malia said...

It was a really great meal and a great send off for a very special chica! ;)

Ariel said...

Thanks Mimi. :)