We had been to Il Punto (on the corner of 38th and 9th) once before. It was decent, but not some place I was chomping at the bit to go back to, however. But when Mike’s family suggested we do a family meal there, we were game. Hell… it’s hard to beat a place right on the corner!
We started with the artichokes, as we did last time. These weren’t as good, and the sauce I loved last time seemed changed.
We then ordered “Paper Thin Slices of Wild Boar” which came with mesculin, marinated eggplant, cherry tomatoes, and drizzled with pear vinaigrette. This was good, but resembled roast beef a little too much to feel very special. Still tasty though.
I’m a bit foggy on what was ordered, but this may have been some sort of salad with meat and potatoes? Hmm. Not positive.
This was the Salmone Alla Brace, which was grilled atlantic salmon served in a nest of julienne vegetables and roasted potato.
Next was a Lombatina Al Vincotto: A grilled tender rib veal chop with red wine reduction, drizzles with vincotto, sprinkles black turffles, mashed potatoes and swiss chard. This was pretty good. Probably the best thing on the table. However…I have no idea what happened to the truffles.
Someone also ordered a fish. This may have been a special, because I can’t find it on the menu. I know it’s not easy to bone a fish, but this one looked a bit like it had been through a war when it came out.
Mike got the Bisteca Di Manzo Arrostita: char grilled sirloin steak with roasted potatoes and vegetable. This was pretty good. Well cooked at the very least, though missing the fantastic char that, in my mind, sets steak apart.
I got the special of pasta with beef and vegetables with shaved truffles. I need to stop ordering shaved truffles. They never taste as rich in flavor as I want them too. This basically tasted like a small diced stew over over-cooked noodles. Disappointing. Fair at best.
Overall consensus was pretty poor on Il Punto. It was fine… but for the price, it should be much more than fine. (Most entrees were $25-$30) I probably won’t go back, but it’s just fine if you need an option in the area.
Total Nom Points: 6 out of 10 (a full Nom Point lower than last time)
