As I took a right turn off Route 202 and onto 413, I noticed a light shining outside of my passenger side window. The string of lights was vivid and exquisite covering the patio and leading to the balcony of a place called Baci Ristorante & Heart of Oak Pub. Immediately I had an intense craving to find out what the restaurant entailed.
As I entered the door I was greeted by a blissful staff and shown to my seat. The downstairs area (Heart of Oak Pub) was homey and properly fit the description of a classic English pub. My waiter greeted me with two menus; on one was the regular everyday menu consisting of a mix between Italian and English Pub cuisine, on the other was the specials which change daily offering a variety of different exotic dishes. Pondering the interesting cuisine and style, I asked, “What inspired incorporating both English and Italian cuisine onto one menu?” He responded by explain how his father (the owner) was born in Italy and his wife was born in England, he explained it was vital showcase their love of food while staying true to their roots and background. As I reviewed the plentiful menu, after a lot of thought and consideration, I chose my three-course meal.
To properly sharpen my taste buds, I indulged in some freshly baked bread with a delicious homemade, olive oil and spices concoction that was prepared as perfect as complimentary bread can be. Swiftly, my server brought me my minestrone soup. The beautiful bowl was filled to the brim with a variety of fresh vegetables swimming in a delicious broth base. It was prepared simply and the perfect portion size to stay ready for my other courses to come. Seemingly in perfect time as I wrapped up my succulent soup, the spaghetti cucumber salad arrived at my table. Resting in a lemon vinaigrette, was the cucumber cut into perfect long strips, covered with red onions, tomatoes, feta cheese, and avocado. The ingredients of the salad all danced on my tastebuds as I took my first bite. This was the perfect salad special. So far, I was pleasantly surprised with my experience at the restaurant and was eager to dive into my entrée. Noticing my plate licked clean of all the remnants of the salad. My server brought the show home by bringing me my medium rare Filet Mignon. Glistening, the perfect cut of steak was accompanied with steamed vegetables and for my sauce, a brandy peppercorn. I was unable pick out a perfect bite because they were all breathtaking and blasting with flavor.
Overall, the Baci experience was a memorable one. The Italian style restaurant was clean, and embodied the perfect pub feel. The staff was very welcoming and flexible with questions and special desires from the menu. The menu had multiple delicious choices and I will certainly be returning to try the rest. Baci Ristorante and Heart of Oak Pub was a five-star dining experience. It was obvious that the community and families surrounding the restaurant hold this establishment near and dear to their hearts.
