Casino Living

One of the great perks of living in Uncasville is the world class casino in our backyard. A five minute drive places at the doorstep of music, slots, and food. While Mohegan Sun runs the full gamut of food choices, from over-priced food courts and buffets to pubs and fine dining, their list of franchises is impressive. Jasper White, Todd English, Michael Jordan, Starbuck's, Krispy Kreme, and Ben and Jerry's all reside under the faux starlit skies of the Sun. Not to mention soon we'll be able to waste away again in Margaritaville, or rock the night away at the House of Blues (can't wait!). So while Katie and I rarely drop a dime, or penny, in the slots, we due tend to head over for a good meal. Last weekend we made reservations for one of their "fine dining" establishments, Pompeii and Caesar.

P & C is located within the confines of the original Casino of the Earth area. It sits behind the casual dining Cove in between The Longhouse (steaks and such) and The Bamboo Forest (figure it out Sherlock). We were there the night of an Avril Lavigne show, so needless to say, the under 21 sections of the casino were brimming with obnoxious "look at me I listen to fake girly punk rock and act like I don't follow the rules society sets for me" girls. After arriving late for our reservations due to the traffic, the Maitre D' was extremely kind and understanding. We were quickly shown to a nice table for two on a raised section of the dining room floor.

The atmosphere was, well, good. If it was a quieter night I'm sure I'd say excellent, but the volume in the restaurant was difficult to bear. I actually asked Katie to move next to me instead of across the table, so I wouldn't have to scream. The color scheme is at first blinding then becomes quite enjoyable. It has more Greek Mediterranean feel than Italian, with hues of blue and a sense of being under water. Bright colors everywhere, no drab and dark ones like many an Italian restaurant. I'd like to return on a weeknight just to see if it was a Saturday night crowd that resulted in the amplified noise.

The service was not the greatest I've ever experienced, but above average. Our waitress could have been friendlier. Another waitress passing by our table offered to open our red wine and let it breath a bit. We then struck up a conversation with her about good wine and at which restaurants to find it. I'm sure if she was our waitress all night, the experience definitely would have been heightened, as she knew her stuff about the Vino.

To startwe had a bottle of our fave, Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc. The bottle we first experienced long ago in Napa Valley at Bistro Don Giovanni. And just like at Don's, I paired it with some calamari. P & C's calamari, was bountiful to say the least. The portion was massive and would be more than suitable as appetizer for four. It was delicious as well, not too crispy but not soggy. Great texture and just right with the calabrese peppers and basil. Do try it if you go. The bread and spreads were also quite good. The basket contained a three varieties of bread that were all superb with three spread, our favorite being the olive.

For an entree Katie settled on lamb, which she had for dinner the night before, while I enjoyed the Osso Bucco. Katie's rack of lamb was well cooked and had terrific flavor. While my Osso Bucco was simply divine. Laid over a bed of nutty Farro Risotto, the veal shank simply feel of the bone and mettled in my mouth. The rich flavor was sensational and the entire plate was quite filling. They definitely did not skimp on the portion size all night. For red wine we went with a favorite, Joseph Phelps Le Mistral. Mistral is their take on the Rhone Valley. A terrific blend of Syrah and Grenache, it's smooth and seductive. The 2005 vintage was more than drinkable at it's young age. Small amounts of Carignane, Petite Sirah, and Alicante Bouschet are added in to complete the Rhone profile. We felt it was a great pair with the two entrees. Neither the food nor the wine overpowered each other. The earthiness went well with my risotto and the silkiness of the wine seemed destined to go with melt in your mouth veal.

So after a surprisingly good cup of espresso we headed home and decided that Pompeii and Caesar is a terrific restaurant with delicious food, a decent wine list, beautiful decor, but a bit too pricey to become a regular stop on our restaurant rotation. I'll be looking forward to another visit to Mohegan's more casual Birches Grill in the future, and hopefully look for some salt shakers in Jimmy Buffett's neck of the woods. Till next time..."Yeah, I have a lot of questions but number one, how dare you."--Kelly on The Office