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When hanging around Hangtown (aka Placerville) a great place to hang your hat is Tomei’s@384. Located in downtown Placerville in the historic Round Tent Building it is also a venue where history meets avant-garde. The eclectic décor is Art Deco set in an historical background keynoted by original brick walls. There are modern art pieces displayed from a local gallery that accentuate the distinctive decor. Track lighting helps to set the visual tone and jazzy music accents the mood. The table settings are a work of art in themselves that feature black linen tablecloths with white linen overlay and fresh flowers on every table. Owners Denise and Mike Tomei have created a casual comfortable place with those elite touches that fine diners appreciate. Our server Lorraine brought us our appetizers and as we began the course we were all nothing short of astonished! The quality, presentation, garnish, color and flavor were just incredible. We heartily recommend Oysters Rockefeller if you enjoy exclusive delicacies. The dish originated at Antiones in New Orleans and is not often available on the west coast. We also enjoyed their bruschetta and crab cakes that had zesty spice to give them a zippy flavor. Seared Ahi Tuna, encrusted with the flavorful herb coriander, is seasoned with wasabi and balsamic ginger sauces and served with Asian cucumber salad. The mixed green dinner salad is topped with candied walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and a very savory balsamic vinaigrette that complements the meal marvelously. We tried several wines with our appetizers and our consensus favorite was Lava Cap 2006 Chardonnay with its smooth balanced oakey flavor. Wine is a key element in the dining experience at Tomei’s. There is a large beer and wine bar on one side of the dining room. The extensive wine list features a large selection of local El Dorado wines as well as from around California and the world. Wine aficionados will appreciate the Wine Flight samplers that are a specialty of the house at Tomei’s. Bartender Troy Sowa is skilled at offering recommendations that compliment the various appetizers and entrées. Our main entrées ($18-$29) were nothing short of amazing. The presentation, the quality and the flavor were all so full of life. Chef de Cuisine, Peter Lillington describes the cuisine as Pangean Contemporary with influences from many places, especially Northern Italy. Interesting foods and spices from around the world are rotated through the menu on a regular basis. Mike Tomei is an avid supporter of the local agriculture and wine communities in the El Dorado area. Locally grown produce is used whenever possible along with all natural beef and pork, free-range chicken and wild fresh fish. Local produce and wines are proudly presented on their menus. The Grilled Rack of Lamb was flavored with a sweet onion rosemary sauce that imparts a very refined deliciousness. The Potatoes Au Gratin was sheer perfection and an enjoyable fusion with the lamb. The fresh squash and carrot medley were cooked exactly right. They recommended Jarvis Tomei 2003 Syrah be paired with the lamb and they were right on the money. We enjoyed a Grilled Painted Hills all natural New York Strip Steak with a mouth-watering Bourbon sauce and a serving of sweet potato bacon hash. |
Their Filet Mignon is pan seared with warm blue cheese and a toasted walnut sauce that gives this marvelous beef cut a delectable taste. For variety we ordered a Blackened Alaskan Halibut Filet garnished with guacamole and citrus-tomato sauce. What flavor! There is a fine selection of desserts (about $7) to satisfy that sweet tooth at meals end. Triple Layer Cheesecake with Mocha was a fine choice with its popular combination of chocolate and mocha flavor in layers to allow the palate to experience each distinctly. Chocolate Decadence Flour less Cake is topped with that celebrated combination of rich chocolate sauce and fresh strawberries that is hard to beat. Lemon Icebox is like a lemon flavored custard pie for those who like dessert on the lighter side with its just-right lemon flavor. Tomei’s has all of the elements that we look for in a fine dining establishment. The décor was classy and interesting, the selection of wines was excellent, the service friendly and efficient and the food exceptional. What a meal! Tomei’s@384 is located at 384 Main St. in downtown Placerville and is open Tuesday through Saturday. Dinner is served 5 pm to close and lunch is served 11:30 am to 3 pm. The beer and wine lounge is open 3 pm to close and features its own menu of tasty treats. Dinner reservations are recommended and can be made at (530) 626-9766. Directions and menus are available on the web at www.Tomeis@384.com
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