There are a lot of really good restaurants in our area.  Often times, many go overlooked – but not by Hot From The Kettle®.  I recently had an awesome lunch at Ryan DePersio’s Bar Cara in Bloomfield. 

I started out with a little antipasti of grilled octopus with shaved sunchokes, and tomato vinaigrette ($12).  The crisp sunchoke, also referred to as Jerusalem artichoke – has a crisp texture of an apple, the color of gingerroot and a somewhat rooty, water chestnut flavor.   Dressed with tangy, crisp vinaigrette, and laid on topped of charred octopus, it was a fresh and satisfying opening course.

For all those who didn’t know, take heed: Bar Cara makes great pizza! The dough at Bar Cara undergoes a 24-hour cold ferment – like any great pizza dough should – and has a nice flavor profile that is noticeable and a light lift.  I enjoyed Ryan’s Pie which is topped with sauce, ricotta salata, house cured-pancetta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and a sprinkle of chive. This pizza is everything a pie should be.