We celebrated our 26th anniversary tonight at Quemar Wood-Fired Cocina, located at 1201 Laskin…read moreRoad, just a few blocks from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and what an incredible first visit.
Lindsey, our bartender, was an absolute superstar. She took wonderful care of us throughout the evening and really made us feel special. Great service is about more than taking an order and keeping a glass full. Lindsey understood that distinction.
The Executive Chef also came over to welcome us and started our evening with a fantastic mini tostada served with house-made guacamole and escabeche. It was an unexpected and much-appreciated touch, and a great introduction to what was ahead.
We started with the Wood-Fired Wings, featured on their Wood-Fired Wednesday menu: one pound of hormone-free, all-natural organic whole chicken wings with a choice of roasted jalapeño & pineapple, chile de arbol "buffalo," white peach BBQ, or Caesar.
I don't throw around superlatives lightly, but these are the best wings in the 757, and it's not even close!
Next came the Tenderloin Asador, roasted garlic-marinated beef tenderloin served on a skewer with salsa cruda and salsa criolla. The beef was tender, beautifully cooked, and absolutely delicious.
We also tried the Charred Brussels Sprouts with ancho sweet potato purée, maple-Dijon vinaigrette, pepitas, and goat cheese. There is a lot going on in that description, but somehow it all works together.
Yummy!
For dinner, my wife selected the Bone-In Pork Ribeye, served over mashed potatoes with peanut salsa macha and grilled onions. The dish was as visually appealing as it was delicious. The pork was cooked to perfection, everything was seasoned properly, and she enjoyed it very much.
I ordered the Argentinian Grilled Fish, served over mashed potatoes with grilled greens, chimichurri, and almonds. I really enjoyed both the presentation and the amazing flavor of this dish. The fish arrived piping hot, perfectly cooked, and properly seasoned. Everything on the plate worked beautifully together in that rare way that is so wonderful to encounter when a dish looks every bit as good as it tastes.
Naturally, celebrating 26 years of marriage required a little dessert, so we finished with the Chocolate Crème Brûlée, made with dark Colombian chocolate. Interestingly, it reminded me of pot de crème because it was served without the usual layer of hardened caramelized sugar. Not a complaint, just an observation. I enjoyed it very much.
From the banter we shared with Lindsey, to the Executive Chef taking a moment to welcome us, to the atmosphere, the Happy Hour selections, and the consistently excellent food, Quemar delivered something considerably better than simply a good dinner.
If you have never tried Quemar, you are missing out on more than another night out. You are missing an experience that deserves to be savored.