Pot Roast & Pinot

After our recent move to Pensacola, my husband and I have decided to get out and explore our new surroundings.

On this outing, we chose to visit Pot Roast & Pinot . . .

We like to start off right by calling ahead for a reservation and any news on parking, especially when our destination is in the downtown area. The male voice on the phone was polite but informed us that nearby parking is a fend for yourself affair.

When we arrived, we paid for a spot on the street even though it seems the fee was due to expire in less than twenty minutes (we didn’t want to tempt any end of shift meter reader).

It was a short and pleasant walk to Palafox Place and this small gem tucked deep within a breezeway at the center of the block. We were greeted with a smile and seated right away in a booth already prepared.

The hour was early to beat the dinner rush, yet the tables around us filled quickly to capacity . . . so reservations are an absolute must.

Laurel was our server and she spoke of happy hour and specials before delivering our waters. Water connoisseurs know that each establishment has it’s own “flavor” . . . I don’t always need it, but for this restaurant, I highly recommend a slice of lemon.

For happy hour I ordered a signature cocktail—spicy hibiscus margarita—the rim had a decorative smear that tasted of salt and spice and the contents of the glass was a lovely shade of pink. The drink itself had a kick and it was lightly sweet, I’ll order this one again on a return trip. Jim had a glass of Santa Julia (2017) wine from Argentina and said it was pleasant (he still prefers Alamos to any other Malbec).

I always hunt for the unusual on a menu and Jim prefers to stick to standard dishes. I ordered the deviled eggs topped with hickory smoked bacon, chicken cracklings, and paprika followed by a beet salad. I am not always fond of dressings, sauces, or gravies (so I typically order those on the side) because these can overpower and sometimes ruin a meal for me. I was a little disappointed when my salad arrived, seeing the plate of arugula topped with red and golden roasted beets heavily drizzled in a citrus herb vinaigrette. I removed what I could and ate it anyway . . . I am not a huge fan of complaining or sending food back. When I brought it to Laurel’s attention, she offered to fix it and seemed genuinely sincere in her apology for the order somehow getting lost in translation. I adore beets and I believe I will enjoy this salad even more in the future. I also think I will try the pot roast or the meatloaf on my next visit.

Jim ordered a burger hailed to be a blend of brisket and short rib dressed with hydroponic greens and garlic aioli on a brioche bun. He said it reminded him of a traditional backyard burger and he ate every bite . . . even the side of salt and pepper chips.

Jim adores chocolate. He simply could not resist ordering the flourless chocolate cake served with a light and fluffy dollop of house-made cream and three cherries. Laurel brought two spoons and Jim’s eyes grew wide when I lifted the one in front of me. I rarely raise a spoon for chocolate . . . it was the cherries that piqued my interest. These were no ordinary cherries, not the usual bright red, toxin-laced maraschinos we often see. These were dark and intriguing . . . they tasted as exotic as they looked. When I questioned Laurel about these little treats she dubbed them “filthy dirty cherries”. I am a confirmed clean freak, but now I want all my cherries to be filthy and dirty . . . yum!

The prices are a bit high for the portion size, but this isn’t greasy fast food guys. I am sure the quality of local gourmet ingredients makes for a healthier meal without leaving you miserable or overly stuffed.