Biba Ristorante Italiano

I was surprised, shocked, and eventually blessed to be able to go to Biba for dinner for my birthday this year. It's such a landmark in these parts that it's a wonder I've never been. But this occasion changed all that.

Wanting to try EVERYTHING on the menu, we ordered one Antipasti and one Primi Piatti with intentions of splitting the dishes. Usually we do this with one plate, two forks, but not at Biba. They were sweet enough to serve the one order on two plates, and so on.

First up:
Bruschetta con Caprino e Pomodorini
Bruschetta with creamy goat cheese and marinated cherry tomatoes

Simple, uncomplicated elegance


La Pasta Ripiena del Giorno
Housemade stuffed pasta of the day

The stuffing for the day was eggplant. I could have eaten an entire plate and been happy.


Insalata di Barbabietole, Cipolle e Balsamico
Beet salad with sweet onion, pecorino cheese, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar

I'm a sucker for beets, but rarely buy them for myself. This added to the "specialness" of this dish. Mmm, beets, cheese, onions, loveliness!


Lattuga Romana al Gorgonzola
Romaine salad with pine nuts in a creamy gorgonzola dressing

Just grass? Hardly. Bursting with flavor for my mister.


Bistecca Piemontese alla Griglia con Peperonata
Grilled New York steak, rubbed with peppercorns, served with grilled, marinated vegetables

I thought steak in an Italian place was a daring choice. And Biba didn't disappoint.


Wild Salmone con Prosciutto in Padella
Sauteed prosciutto wrapped salmon, served on a bed of yellow corn, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms

Yeah, read it and weep. It says "prosciutto wrapped salmon". Don't you wish you could eat that picture?


Gelato del Giorno
Housemade gelato of the day

Our server sold me on the amaretto chocolate gelato. Seriously, can I just die now?


Zabaglione con Frutti di Bosco
Zabaglione with mixed summer berries

Oh yeah, no dieing here. You'd miss out on the "Zabaglione", which was light and refreshing.


Biba Caggiano

The diva herself. She doesn't cook much any more but makes sure to be in the restaurant to "inspire" her staff, and watch out over her customers. It was a pleasure to meet her, eat her food, and share my birthday here.