Forgive the quality of this picture (kudos to the craptaculosity of my digital) but I had to REPRESENT. Gnocchi has for many years been a passion of mine. Not sure why…I think it has to do with the fact that in a world full of boxed spaghetti fresh gnocchi was first presented to me as an exotic throwback to rustic simplicity. Do those ideas clash? Does it matter? Tonight itis the sound of the statement that counts and after a couple of Nektar’s incredible mocha latte martinis I refuse to be held accountable for any excessive but mouth-comforting verbiage. Especially when it comes to this twist (to the point of twisted) on traditional gnocchi. Maybe itis the maple-glaze (it’s almost certainly that), maybe it’s the apples or, more likely, the tang of fresh cranberries, but this is a dish that defines “the unexpected.” (Oh my dear delicious crumbles of Stilton, forgive me. I did not mean to leave you out.)
I ordered this as an appetizer, an accessory to the main dish (which was, in this case, my martini…much deserved after a long day I might add). But it ended up stealing the spotlight. This was no small feat. The martini was awesome. Chocolate, baileys, and vodka…chilled just enough…just enough buzz to follow the sweet descent…DAMNLICIOUS! But (this is homage to the Sabres game broadcast in the background) GNOCCHI SHOOTS, SCORES! GNOCCHI WINS!. Ah yah, and it shot around a plate of bbq ribs as well, which were tasty in their own right, and coupled with a slew of nicely flavored beans and apple slaw. Good, yes, good good good, but not gnocchi good.
I grooved on the atmosphere as well. Nektar is upscale but relaxed, with a real warmth that no doubt begins with the owner (Stavros looked like he was holding court at one of the tables. He must have personally greeted over half the people that walked in). It was a Tuesday night and relatively demure but people seemed to know each other and I got the feeling that Nektar has cultivated a loyal following.
And as long as (did I mention) the gnocchi is on the menu, I plan to be among them.
Nektar
451 Elmwood Ave.
881-1829