Recently at breakfast, I picked up one of the local newspapers that listed the “Best of” for Chattanooga. To my surprise, Cibo was voted the best restaurant in Chattanooga. Of course you know my favorite restaurant is Sweet Basil – but that is another story. After reading this, we knew we had to try this new restaurant that just opened in November.
The restaurant itself has a nice modern décor, and I was particularly thrilled with the unusual silverware and plates. Cibo also has a large bar in the front.
As in most restaurants, when you sit down, you get bread and butter, but to my surprise, there was no butter; it was a salmon spread. The bread is served in a unique copper cone with the excellent salmon spread. For appetizers I ordered the sampler cannalonis. There were three egg-roll shaped pastries: one filled with mushrooms, one with seafood and the other with chicken.
The mushroom was, I would have to say, the least exciting. The seafood was tasty, but the chicken was hands down the best. I also tried the three types of salads that they offer.
All were good in their own way, but none were spectacular.
There were many selections for the entrées. I had the Bistro Medallions because, what can I say, I am a sucker for a good filet minon. Any time it is on the menu, I normally end up ordering it. This one was serve with mashed potatoes, asparagus and mushrooms on the side. It was a delicious.
The meat was very good, especially with the creamy mashed potatoes. Another entrée that was flavorsome was the stuffed lamb, the special on the night that I went. It was very delicious and tender. Another good menu item was the pasta, served with cream and marinara sauce. It was OK but a little bland for my taste.
Now on to my favorite part of the meal - dessert! There was a very small selection, but the two I sampled were very good! I had the chocolate pâté and the crème Brule. The chocolate pâté was delicious, although it was a bit bare because they were out of whipped crème, for which the waitress apologized. The crème Brule was also very delicious. Both were smooth and creamy.
Cibo, which is on the pricey side, is located in Miller Plaza and is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday (no lunch on Sat.). It is closed on Sunday.
Overall I might not totally agree with the newspaper, but I would put Cibo in the top 2 or 3 in town!
(Priya Boyington, 14, is a Chattanoogan who has her own web site for restaurant reviews
Teen Gourmet )