Terra & Vine
The main entrance into the greeting and dining area on Maple Avenue.
This past Thursday, September 2, my partner Celeste and I ventured out to Evanston Illinois on a business trip and found this beautiful gem at the corner of Maple Avenue in downtown Evanston. After finishing up a client’s private dinner request via TakeAChef.com , we made our reservation with time to spare. Terra & Vine is your neighborhood Italian restaurant offering quality and delicious plates and pairings. The restaurant provides a menu with a more expensive price range of $25-$45 ($$$) per person (Please don’t ask how much we spent…).
The reservation only establishment blew us away with their pristine hospitality and modern fine-dining ambience. I assure you that wherever you’re seated you WILL have the irresistible need to take-in gorgeous layout of the room and decor. We were seated in a low-key spot in between the outdoor terrace and beautiful bar. Though we sat indoor to avoid a drizzle outside, the terrace seemed to be the local favorite as parties continued to fill every wicker patio chair with conversation and libations to the evening.
Bryan, a charismatic gentleman fully of energy, took care of our table and needs. The coordination of the team was astonishing. Once drink orders had been placed, a hot espresso followed behind our waiter as well as a glass of red raspberry wine which I will forever REGRET not learning the name of (I asked to be surprised.). Celeste’s drink of choice was a deliciously intense cocktail called Purple Rain (Don’t sue me its their drink.)
We started the evening with a delicious classic, fried calamari. Between you and me I am obligated to try almost anyone’s calamari on an outing. It is a dish amazing fried and sautéed. The CRISPIEST calamari I have ever had by far, served with plentiful lemon wedges, pesto aioli, and marinara. The star of this dish was seafood and with fresh lemon amazing. I personally think the sauces were riding the bench to Flavortown here but were tasty.
Crispy Calamari, marinara sauce & pesto aioli
Next came the bread basket which Celeste adored. The presentation was so unique to me because they were bite sized rather than a loaf, slice, or wedge. Underneath the toasted morsels was a ramekin of whipped herb butter. I high-key believe the bread was cubed focaccia bread!
Bread & Butter
Our main plates were pasta for Celeste and a… a burger for me. In my defense I at a lot already that day and opted out for pasta BUT I regret nothing. The braised short rib ragout, farfalle pasta, and tomato sauce with parmesan cheese though priced high I admit was filling and sexy. My T&V double cheeseburger was cooked medium and served with american cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and a brioche bun with the option of fries or a green salad. I chose to get all the fix-ins: fried egg, bacon, and avocado all conveniently priced at a dollar extra each. I also appreciated and took advantage of the option to have my burger with a gluten-free bun so I wouldn’t leave the table so stuffed.
A couple’a hungry fools
I promise not to blog while hungry because we devoured our plates before we could get thorough shots… nonetheless, I would highly recommend Terra & Vine. Dine with them to celebrate your loved ones, special occasions, and/or rent out their private dining space that caters to parties of 100+ guests! Thanks for reading and stay corny.