From time to time, people have commented on doing restaurant reviews being the best job ever. I always smile and say something to the effect of, “Well, it could be worse.” Then we both laugh. But in reality, there is a lot more work than you might think going into a restaurant to write a review. If you haven’t been before, you can’t commit to writing a “good” review, and The Bloom only writes “good” news. Occasionally it happens–the service and/or the food sucks and then you quietly slip out not to draw attention and come up with plan B for a lead article for the week.
More often than not, a good review is in the works the moment the food arrives. But, no matter how hungry you are or how tasty it looks, you have to get a photo. In reality, you are taking many photos before that very first bite. And if all still goes well, you have to write copious notes not only describing the flavors, textures and ingredients, but the experience, too, including the atmosphere, what music is or isn’t playing, notable art, colors or decorations of the restaurant, and the general feeling of being there between bites with pauses for more notes. Rarely have I ever eaten my meal while it’s still hot.
And when it’s all said and done, I take even more photos, check my notes, and take more notes and photos before finally paying the bill. And if I tell you in the review that it’s a leisurely meal, meant to slow down and savor the moments, bites, and or view/atmosphere, I’m not actually doing any of those things for more than a minute or two, but am imagining you being able to do it.
And then, there comes a time when your review is everything you hoped it would be, but the bakery is always sold out of bread every time you visit. Well, that makes for an imperfect review of Ferrigno’s Italian Baked Goods.
Oh, I had many tastes of homemade goodness, including the scrumptious, perfectly baked cranberry orange biscotti. The only thing missing was a hot cup of coffee to go with it. Every bite was firm and full of flavor. I also had a single serving of vanilla raspberry cake with layers of moist, delicate vanilla flavor that complemented the sharpness of the generous, bright raspberry filling, not to be outdone by the cream topping. Perfection in every bite!
And how can one not enjoy a cannoli in an Italian bakery? These freshly filled shells promise to be crisp and flaky against their delicate cream filling, each side dipped in mini chocolate chips or pistachios–or get it both ways, like I did.
It’s the kind of food that complements the experience, with a brightly lit atmosphere, white tiles sparkling, and friendly service that answers all my questions. Happy tables welcome all to stay for a moment and enjoy a taste of gelato, hot coffee, or tasty treats.
And don’t dismiss the cold case, where juice spritzers promise to refresh. And no, these are not drinks you’ll find at your local convenience stores or grocery stores. The bottom shelf features an assortment of take-home pastas and lasagnas, perfect for a homemade Italian dinner to be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.
And if you are able to go on Friday or Saturday morning, I am told that Ferrigno’s shelves are filled with authentic Italian bread. Sadly, I can’t tell you about it because they were sold out. And they have been sold out every time I visited since.
Now, one can argue that I gave a poor review because how can you write a review of a bakery without tasting the bread? Good point. But I can tell you in all honesty that I did try, and the fact that they are consistently sold out is an argument for the bakery having some mighty fine bread. If it were mediocre, they wouldn’t sell out as quickly, right? And having tasted their other baked goods, I can confidently say, I don’t think anything you try will disappoint, including their homemade breads.
But you be the judge on this one, and do tell me what you find out! I am dying to know the details! So here’s to the imperfect review of a perfectly wonderful experience. Cheers!
301 N Main St, Lakeport, CA 95453
Phone: (707) 283-7660
