Mezzanine

On Friday night, Matt and I decided to have a date night so we headed out to Carytown to Mezzanine.  The restaurant was small with only a few tables downstairs.  However, we didn't head upstairs because there was a function going on so I didn't get a full tour.  We decided to sit out on the patio which was enclosed for the winter.  I sat directly under a heater which was actually pretty toasty. They also had blankets set out for you to wrap up with.  If you've met me, you know I got over using a public blanket and threw it over my legs.
Surprisingly, they had one of Matt's favorite wines: Barboursville's Cabernet Franc.  Barboursville is one of our favorite local wineries and this is one of their best wines.  It is a full bodied red with spicy overtones and has less of a tannin taste.  We were using a gift certificate (thanks, Lauren!) so we decided to spring for the bottle.  It was actually a pretty fair price as well.  

Mezzanine does not keep it's menu online because, according to the maitre d', the menu changes almost daily.  For an appetizer, we had a flat bread pizza with sliced sausage.  It was great and we ate every bite.  It was perfectly sized for 2 very hungry people or could be split between four.  
We both had a special for our entrees: winter vegetable gratin topped with three cheeses paired with grilled ciabatta bread.  For the most part, I liked it but it didn't blow me away.  I probably wouldn't order it again.  I did love the butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and bread, but I think there was an herb included that gave it taste I didn't quite care for.  Matt loved it, though, especially the cheese blend baked on top.  

We shared a dessert - a custard with bananna slices and a vanilla wafer.  It was light, sweet, and delicious.  Definitely hit the spot.

Overall, we really enjoyed our meal at Mezzanine and would definitely go back.  The service was on par, and the ambiance was great.  It's also interesting that the menu changes so frequently.  I love eating seasonal foods so I am sure they utilize the freshest produce they can find - another plus for me!  Finally, there is just something about being in Carytown on a cold, winter night wrapped up outside under blankets.  So beautiful. So romantic.  So Richmond.