Barbacco

If you haven't found it yet, Barbacco is a fun and reasonably-priced place to go downtown for a glass of wine and a few shared bites.

The service was a little spotty, but the flexible menu of small plates, focus on seasonal ingredients, and convivial atmosphere made up for it.

After asking a few questions about the wine list, they kindly brought me out several tasting glasses to make sure I was happy with my choice.  I ended up choosing a hearty Aglianico, but after all that, they forgot to ask for my friend's wine order.

We started with a cauliflower saffron soup, executed in a way that brought out the creamy consistency of a veloute without the overly rich addition of cream.  We shared a farro salad, with spring onion and asparagus, which was a totally delightful reminder to self that farro isn't just a grain for a fall dish.  And finally, a poached tuna plate with orange and fennel that was absolutely the star of the table.

I'd look forward to sampling even more of the menu. (The brussels sprouts fried in duck fat more than piqued my curiosity, but alas, my appetite is only so big.)  I'll definitely make another stop here for an evening out in the FiDi.