Forno Vecchio w/ a GIVEAWAY!

How is time flying so fast???  Is anyone else completely shocked that it is already August 1st?

I can’t believe it.  The last few months have been so busy with yoga teacher training, the H-E-B challenge, and trips to San Francisco, Denver and most recently, Los Angeles.  The months have been zooming by with all the fun I’ve had.

Today, I’ve got another [food find] with a GIVEAWAY!  You can win a $20 gift card.  Read below to find out how to win!

I finally get to show off one of my favorite meals I ate when I was home in the San Francisco Bay Area.  My mom and I went to Forno Vecchio, in charming downtown Pleasanton, and went home so full and so satiated.

The owners have a garden in Pleasanton, just a few miles away from the restaurant.  Any produce used in the dishes are picked right from this garden, or is bought at the weekly farmer’s market.  The local use of ingredients results in the freshest and tastiest dishes.

I must note that my brother’s childhood best friend is now the Executive Chef.  He went from playing nerf guns at my house to Executive Chef.  Who would’ve thought?  I am so proud of him and all that he’s done.  It was so fun to see him in action at the restaurant and doing what he loves.

I must say that I truly enjoyed the food, the service and the atmosphere, despite my ties to the restaurant.  I would not be writing about Forno Vecchio if I didn’t believe it was worth it.

We started off with the house red, of course, and the bruschetta.  It might be the best bruschetta I’ve ever had… and I have tried a lot of bruschetta.  When it is on the menu, I can’t resist and usually order it.  I didn’t think anyone could top Mediterraneo‘s bruschetta (in Manhattan Beach, CA), but Forno Vecchio’s is pretty darn good.

The bread was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.  The combined flavors of tomatoes, basil and balsamic glaze kept me saying ‘oh my gosh, oh my gosh’ with each bite.  Taking that last bite was heartbreaking.

My mom got the Rosemary and Lemon Baked Salmon with Mushroom Risotto and sautéed vegetables.  The salmon was cooked just right; it was fully cooked but was not dry at all.  It was new to have rosemary on salmon and she enjoyed it a lot.  Despite having my own risotto, I couldn’t stop picking at her mushroom risotto.  The earthy mushroom flavor was distinct and well-complemented with the creamy and textured arborio rice.

I had the Spicy Calabrian Shrimp Risotto.  Come on.  If you put spicy shrimp and risotto together, every other entree loses it’s shot.  (Maybe the only rival would be ginger and eggplant :)) I loved the spiciness of the shrimp.  The risotto was perfectly firm and creamy, helping to balance out the spice.  This is definitely an entree I would order again.

I would have loved to try some of their other dishes.  Their Eggplant Parmigiana, Pan-Seared Halibut and homemade Gnocchi definitely caught my eye.  I will just have to go back and try them out soon.

We closed the meal with a rich chocolate mousse that was topped with cream, almonds and salted caramel.  Need I say more?

My mom and I loved our meal here; the food, friendly service and ambiance was so enjoyable.  We sat on the cute outdoor patio and enjoyed the summer evening.  For those of you Pleasantonians, mark FV on your list.  And for the others, keep it on the list with you come out to California.  Also include the iconic drive-thru Meadlowlark Dairy ice cream. :)

Forno Vecchio: 680 Main Street, Pleasanton, CA 94566 | (925) 425-0099

• Tues-Thurs 11:30-3pm, 5-9pm
• Friday: 11:30-3pm, 5-9:30pm
• Saturday: 9-2pm (brunch), 5-9:30pm
• Sunday: 5-9pm

 Lucky me, a few days later, I got to go behind the scenes and make my own homemade pasta!

We made pasta primavera with a red sauce and veggies and more veggies!

Stop on by and say hi to Jason, the chef.  Let him know Kristin sent you, and give him a hug for me!

Want to win a $20 gift card to Forno Vecchio?  Here’s how to enter! [update: Congratulations to Shannon for winning the gift card!]