Stella Blu

Tonight I had dinner at Stella Blu. It is in the same space off Main Street that used to house Manhattan on Pearl and the decor seemed almost as if they bought it in a turn key operation. Bistro/club like. We sat in comfy arm chairs in the front window. There were 3 or 4 other tables with people at them and a couple of people at the bar which is promising on a Tuesday night in winter.

Our server was friendly and helpful. He brought some complementary hummus with pita chips. We asked for seconds which he also cheerfully brought! The concept is “American” tapas with choices of small plates from menus that are centered around different types of food such as Little Italy, Asia Town, the Latin Quarter, and Main Street USA. They also had some specials.

We started the apple and fennel salad from the Farmer’s Market section of the menu. Presentation was lovey with the apple, fennel and greens salad enclosed by cucumber slices and placed on a squiggle of cider vinaigrette. Along with that were 3 duck rangoon from the Asia Town section which came with grilled pineapple salsa and a sweet chili soy reduction.

Our main courses were arancini from Little Italy stuffed with prosciutto and provolone and served on a fresh tomato sauce and an AMAZING chunk of achingly tender Sam Adams braised beef short rib from Main Street USA that was served over cauliflower puree and topped with 2 crisp onion rings. So delicious.

The bill was $40 total (no drinks). I would definitely return to try out other menu items or just hang for a drink (and more of those short ribs!).