Farewell 2010 and Digs Bistro
A friend of mine had been raving about a “neighborhood” restaurant called Digs Bistro in Berkeley for the past few years. I had been meaning to go and even bought a coupon from the website restaurant.com in March 2010. I happened to ask about it recently and my friend said “They’re closing.” I was concerned that I would never get the opportunity to experience this restaurant and also use the coupon I purchased. My friend made a reservation for us to go before they would permanently close their door on December 31, 2010.
I am a big fan of soup. We both decided on the crimini mushroom soup with a meyer lemon cream. I stressed the word “neighborhood” earlier because their customers supply the meyer lemons. I enjoyed the soup very much with the slight hint of tart.
For my entrée I decided on the Rocky Junior fried chicken. I could not go wrong with a great quality chicken from Petaluma. The chicken came with a tasty biscuit, creamy mashed potatoes, and a one of a kind coleslaw. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside this was one of the best fried chicken I have had. Their version of coleslaw was made out of cooked greens which I thoroughly enjoyed.
My friend ordered the stuffed chicken with a root vegetable puree and brown butter brussels sprouts. The stuffed chicken had a pork filling and it was tender and delicious. Leaving a clean plate, I assume my friend enjoyed her entrée as well.
Although I was quite full, we managed to each order a dessert. This would be our last meal at Digs Bistro, so we could not have any regrets. She ordered the seasonal fruit cobbler (apple) with ice cream. I thought this was disappointing. I ordered the black and tan sundae because it caught my eye from the first look at the menu. I wondered how it would compare to my favorite at Fenton’s ice creamery. It was quite different, but nonetheless excellent. It came with vanilla ice cream, caramel and fudge sauces (the black and tan), and chopped praline. Yum.
So I am sad that there will be no more meals at Digs Bistro and it is a loss for the neighborhood, but I am grateful that I had the opportunity to try it. I look forward to following Chef Heidi where 2011 brings her. I say goodbye to Digs Bistro and all other restaurants that may have closed, but am optimistic I will find new foods and restaurants that I will enjoy in twenty eleven.
