As an experienced culinarian who already thinks highly of the place, I decided it was time for…read morewifey & I to return for a visit and report back. This hidden gem is beautifully perched on a 31 acre estate vineyard with plenty of parking. It boasts sweeping views of Ashland, plus the surrounding mountains and valley are always breathtaking. Upon entry, a welcoming host lead us to our table, where I found myself captivated by the intimate, "al fresco" setting and jazzy live music playing, as we took our seats on the terrace. Overlooking their cultivated, extraordinary grapevines in the distance, we learned they've been growing them for almost 20 years now and their wine operation has been producing classic vintages that encapsulate French, Italian and Spanish heritages for almost as long. The main, multi-story building and climate controlled barrel cellar resembles an Italian basilica, complete with Campanile tower, gracious decks, balconies and an artistic Galleria that looks into the immaculate tank room.
As we settled in, we were excited to begin the experience of tasting their food and pairing it with some great estate wines. The gourmet restaurant offers an elegant fusion of world-class wines and seasonal cuisine, creating a truly unforgettable culinary journey. Under the guidance of Head Chef Alfredo Nava, his kitchen brigade takes pride in sourcing the freshest, locally grown vegetables, fungi and fruits from the Rogue Valley. This important detail was refreshing to hear, when considering the current standard for many restaurants is sourcing ingredients through Sysco or other broadline food distributors. Belle Fiore's menu is appropriately condensed to two pages, but offers something for everybody. From appetizers, a house-made pasta special, flatbreads, salads, mains, a vegetarian (GF) option and daily desserts made from scratch, I think you'll find a satisfying choice.
For our meal, we chose the bruschetta on a fresh baguette to begin, with a flight of refreshing whites. Then our mains arrived in timely fashion by our attentive server and I was happy to see well plated dishes coming out hot from the kitchen. Colorful, generous and composed, all looking very appetizing as set gently before us. I had the pork porterhouse, pan-seared and roasted, then topped with preserved cherries over a layered slab of potatoes "au gratin", with steamed garden vegetables on the side. The 1" thick cut was perfectly cooked (not dry at all) and was as juicy as the tart cherries that balanced the rich meat well on the palate. Wifey had the filet of beef and happily shared a few bites with me. Honestly, it was the best entree of the night and the finest steak I have tasted in years. The tender filet was rare-mid-rare with a caramelized crust, topped with Rogue Creamery blue cheese crumbles for a little funk. Plated with roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus spears and sautéed wild mushrooms in a delicious demi-glacé, fortified with deep wine notes. I would go back tomorrow just for that dish. Both of our mains were paired with a flight of robust and jammy estate reds.
Even though we were pleasantly stuffed, we had to try their cheesecake croissant dessert, just because it sounded interesting from the server's description. The beautiful slice arrived with macerated berries and a big scoop of pecan ice cream on the side. Unfortunately, I thought it could have been better (we make killer cheesecakes at home) and suspect it had been in the fridge for too long. Even though the flavors were sweet, bright and creamy, the texture suffered from being too dense and doughy. That said, we left for home without any complaints and felt amply served on a gorgeous evening out together. Thus I'm leaving this as a 5-star review. The fine flavors were there, the wine complement each dish and the value seemed properly measured. I would say it's well worth the drive from anywhere in the valley.
Truth...