Stage - really sets the stage for tapa-style food!

Home Page of Stage Restaurant

Having not had tapa-style cuisine in a long time Mrs. Violet and Mr. Blue scowered the internet in search of a tapa style restaurant in town outside of the usual tapa bar and veneto tapas. We were recommended to the restaurant named "Stage" by a couple friends of ours. Stage restaurant, being situated in the old theatre district of Fernwood is a place we do not regularly visit. It is a beautiful place with a lot of history behind it. Buildings are over 100 years old and are laid with brick. Stage restaurant brings this to a whole other level by modernizing some of the interior within yet keeping a balance with architectures of previous. The atmosphere is buzzing so do not think of bringing a date here for a nice 'quiet' dinner. It is a very social atmosphere that is always packed to the doors on weekends (even in the cold winter weather).

We ordered a number of items to share amongst one-another. The first being a seared scallop held lightly over a mound of mushroom risotto. The risotto was possibly one of the best risottos we've ever tasted. It was firm yet fluffy and definitely not overly soggy. We would not call it the best risotto ever though, but it is definitely up there in the top 5. The scallop on top was seared so perfectly that it is well done on the outside yet moist and tender on the inside. Next came the sliced potatoes which were a tad on the salty side but still tasty and filling.

The pork shoulder fried crisp with olive tapenade tasted very much like the bbq pork you get from a chinese bakery or deli. Very moist on the inside while staying crispy on the outer. The next plate that arrived was the Duck confit with potato gratin over a grape vinaigrette. This by far was one of the best dishes we experienced all night. The duck was seared so perfectly and when combined with the vinaigrette and the potatoes was not only filling but also very satisfying for our palettes. Last but not least was the house made sausage. One of the best tasting sausages we've ever had for sure. Being handmade makes it taste all that much better somehow.

Unlike other tapa locations the dishes that came out of the Stage restaurant and wine bar were similar in size to a regular dish at non-tapa like restaurants. It was pleasantly surprising to feel stuffed after a tapa meal without having to hit a fast food restaurant or a dessert place afterwards. Would we do Stage again? Yes, but do be prepared to pay a little more than you would at other places or for your average meal out. This is the only limiting factor for us whether we'll decide to dine out at the Stage, everything else was great. Oh, and if you happen to like expensive wines, this place has got a fairly sizeable and delicious selection.

Mr. Blue and Mrs. Pink