The Impaler

Last night HB and I went on another excursion to find a restaurant beyond the norm.

We walked into a place earlier that we had set our sights on. It was supposed to be a very good Cajun place. The write up in the rag went something like..."If they didn't try do hard to be a disco the restaurant would thrive. The food is superb!" The door was open - the lights were on - but no one was home. HB was saying loudly...."We are robbing you blind, We are taking the dollar off the wall!" No one came running. So we decided to head next door.

Next door is Transylvania. Always looked like a nice place - always empty! But its been there forever.

HB has decided that a lot of these 'ethnic' places that are around our area are a cover for something else. We cannot figure out how they keep the lights on and not sell any food.

But- we being of brave hearts and stomachs tried it out. Glad we did!

Walking in you are greeted by a very large statue of Vlad the Impaler. He was clad in gold and stood over 8 ft tall. Actually - you stare at Vlad the whole time as he takes up most of the front room. I guess its appropriate in the end while you gorge on red wine and rare meat.

When ever we go to any restaurant of a different land we always try to order a mixed plate if available. That way - we can get a taste of everything instead of getting stuck with one thing we hate.

The waitress suggested a bottle of Romanian wine and we were ready to dine. (And I made a rhyme).

We were brought a platter of meat - lamb, pork, chicken, sausage, steak and cabbage rolls. On the side, a huge pile of polenta. All the meats were grilled to perfection, all of them tasty and flavorful. Never having polenta before I scooped a little pile on the plate. It reminded me of dry grits - it actually was a good accompaniment to the meal. I have had cabbage rolls before - but these were small and red - I couldnt tell you what the spice was that they used but it was very strong. You kept eating it to try to figure it out.

After dinner we ordered some Turkish coffee and she brought out a little plate of all their dessert cakes that she wanted us to try.

I think that when you talk to the wait staff and ask their recommendations (only when they are of the same ethnicity) they like sharing a little of their culture and food with you. We have been very lucky with leaving some choices up to them.

She went gentle on us because two of the main meats available were tripe and brain. I think it may be an acquired taste - but she wasn't going to waste a perfectly good eatin' brain on us!

I would recommend it - I would go again and I would bring a friend or two to fill up those empty chairs!

So here's to Vlad or shall I call you....Dracula.....

Muuuaaaahhhhaaaaaa!!!!