We headed to the Gateway Quarter downtown to kick off our holiday weekend with happy-hour drinks at Senate followed by dinner on the roof at Lavomatic, across the street.
Senate is only a few weeks old, and it was just getting cranked up when we arrived near 6 PM. The perfect 75-degree weather made for open the front doors and windows, giving a fresh-air feel to the entire room. It's a small space, but pleasant. We perched at the bar and tried a couple of cocktails while chatting up the bartender and other staffers.
When we mentioned that we planned to eat across the street at Lavomatic because the food choices were healthier, the manager comped us his healthy salad ("My Wife's Salad," a light and satisfying mix of arugula--my favorite green--avocado, mozzarella and tiny tomatoes). We promised to return for a meal.
At Lavo, we nabbed a table on the rooftop patio and had a grand time. We loved Chef Brad Bernstein's approach to food -- sourcing local ingredients and saucing with a light and healthy touch.
Even though we'd had our salad at Senate, I could not resist the grilled romaine with caramelized onions and a delicious, light blue cheese dressing -- I love grilled lettuces.
For my main course, I went with Grandma's Bean Stew, a vegan dish accompanied by a hefty slice of skillet cornbread. My husband had a halibut special atop pureed potatoes and watercress--tasty, but a somewhat small portion for his appetite. (I gave him some of my cornbread). With a glass of wine apiece, we were well satisfied and did not try dessert.
This is a fun neighborhood with new places opening all the time and lots of young people moving in to the newly renovated condo buildings nearby.
We're so happy to see city 'hoods become retvitalized, and encourage adventurous readers to check it out.
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