Review: Ipp's Pastaria and Bar

Terroir, n. A term used in winemaking that refers to the combination of factors including soil, climate and environment that give a wine its distinctive character. And if I can be so bold as to borrow this term so frequently used when describing a sense of place, as a descriptor of what happens between the nose and the tongue when one tastes wine, and use it to describe the combination of factors that immediately went to my brain when I stepped into the new spot on Main Street—Ipp's Pastaria and Bar, please allow me.

Beyond its name, and beyond the signage, just stepping into the attractively decorated restaurant sent the message that guests are welcome and the owners want you to enjoy your friends, family, the food and the ambience. Large tables covered in white linen dominate the main floor, but there is a large, elegant bar that beckoned me.

I took my perch there so as not to occupy a table that could easily seat four to six guests. Also, I didn’t mind having my meal served at the bar because it would give me a chance to chat up the bartender and ask a lot of questions.

The Wine Selection

I had just read an article about Rieslings and how just the tiniest hint of sweetness in the wine turns most Americans off. I had to agree with the writer and admit my personal bias against Rieslings. But, I’m always curious so, when I saw an unknown Riesling on the menu, I asked the bartender if she knew anything about the wine. She did not, but without hesitation, she offered to let me sample. Nice!

I chose the 2007 Bloom Riesling ($6), a lovely, refreshing one with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. I would order it again especially now during “the Summer of Riesling" (from June 21 through Sept. 22, 2011). For more information about Rieslings and its current revival, check out Paul Grieco’s website to help you overcome the myth that all Rieslings are sweet. Trust me, I’m a believer and a convert. The wine steward at Ipp's obviously gets it, and boy, am I glad.

The Salad

Since I did not want to “fill up” on salad, and since two of the five salad offerings were meals unto themselves (the Calamari Caesar Salad-$12.95, and the Italian Chopped Salad-$11.95), I chose the small Caesar ($2.95), classically prepared with Romaine, shaved Parmesan cheese, freshly made croutons and the proper dressing. Very nice, but I had bigger plans. Onward!

The Entrée

Except for any dish with Tilapia, it was hard to make a decision. The menu included many Italian classics, and some excitingly different dishes, like the Cellentani Cream Pesto pasta. From six different appetizers, the Eggplant Rolentini: a fried eggplant stuffed with ricotta cheese and spinach, baked with a marinara sauce and topped with Romano and Mozzarella cheese really caught my eye. Additionally, six different Paninis, a Gyro Wrap, and 15 classic entrées along with five refreshing salads and of course the pizzas, Calzones and Strombolis all tempted me in ways I cannot describe. I went with the small hand-tossed Greek Pizza ($9.95). The dough was freshly made, brushed with olive oil and garlic, topped with marinated lamb, black olives, red onions and a combo of feta and mozzarella cheese. Every bite of this pizza was close to perfection. I would have chosen a different black olive, but forgivably, a small thing.

Did I Mention the Famous Garlic Rolls?

I really don’t remember when, but sometime during a few, I hope inaudible, pleasure moans, a small dish of hot rolls accompanied with the most magnificent marinara sauce showed up near my plate. I am told this is what Ipp's is famous for—and rightly so. They were fresh, hot, covered with olive oil, garlic and a splash of parsley. Those rolls are the reason that “no man lives by bread alone—but must have marinara sauce for dipping.”

After my visit to Ipp's Pastaria and Bar, I came away with a feeling that Main Street-Woodstock has its own personal terroir—a clear sense of place that aims to attract and please the local citizenry. The dining out scene offers quality, variety and something for every budget. Add Ipps Pastaria and Bar to your “go to” places. You will thank me.