First Look at Ciao Baci's 2015 Winter Menu

Here’s your chance to get a glimpse of the new Winter Menu dreamed up by Chef Jeffrey Owen at Ciao Baci. The restaurant has long been a staple in the Hillcrest neighborhood, offering a perfect environment for groups looking to relax, talk around a table, and share a few plates between them or for couples looking for a special evening out, wanting to order the full succession of dishes from appetizers to dessert. The new Winter Menu will start running today.
Chef Owen says this menu brings a lot of changes to his winter entrees and shared plates. He’s also excited to be offering a nightly “Chef’s Tasting,” which includes five courses that will change daily…all for only $45. Perusing through the menu, the “Akaushi Beef Tri-Tip” with parmesan polenta cake looks particularly intriguing…and I imagine my next meal here is going to have to begin with some of those Mediterranean spiced, crispy garbanzo bean “Beer Nuts.” Check it out below:
Salads, Small Plates, and Sides
Green Salad: Field greens, pickled red onion, tomato, white balsamic vinaigrette ($5)
Caesar: Baby romaine, parmesan, garlic croutons, traditional dressing ($6)
Warm Spinach Salad:  Organic spinach, soft egg, goat cheese, torn ciabatta, warm bacon sherry dressing ($9)
Grilled Polenta: Shiitakes, soft egg, bleu fondue ($9)
Tomato Basil Couscous: Parmesan, bread crumbs ($7)
 
Winter Dinner Features
Pan Roasted Escolar: Celery root puree, pickled beet ribbons, pomegranate flavors ($24)
Akaushi Beef Tri-Tip: Celery seed slaw, parmesan polenta cake, mulled wine BBQ ($29)
BBQ Gulf Shrimp: Spicy lemon basil beurre blanc, gorgonzola grits, blackened walnuts gremolata ($27)
Vegan lentil loaf: Tofu whipped potatoes, tomato gravy, wilted greens, French fried onions ($21)
Tea Brined Pork Chop: Root vegetable hash, creamed onions, black apple cider gastrique ($24)
Chefs Tasting: 5 courses, changes nightly, ask for details ($45)
 
Pizzas and Sandwiches
The Home Alone: House sauce, fresh mozzarella, asiago, parmesan, fine herbs ($11)
The Breakfast Club: Petit Jean ham, maple butter, fried eggs, cheddar, sriracha, potato crisps ($13)
The Mighty Duck: Duck confit, shiitakes, gorgonzola, roasted garlic cream, kale ($13)
Dom’s BBQ Chicken: Grilled breast, American cheese, bacon, local bun, celery seed slaw ($10)
Umami Burger: 7 oz. patty, mushroom soy shiitakes, onion jam, provolone, field greens, truffle mayo ($13)
Americana burger: 7 oz. patty, fully dressed, “fancy sauce”, local bun ($9)
 
Great Fare to Share
 Prosciutto Crostini: Brie, fig jam, fried sage ($11)
Beer Battered Calamari: Old Bay aioli, grilled Lemon, parsley ($12)
Mussels with Bacon: Creamy pepper broth, spinach, tomato concasse, grilled ciabatta ($14)
Fried Pickle Spears: Dill, panko bread crumbs, garden ranch ($8)
Old School Tartare: Chopped beef, herbs, shallot, mustard egg yolk dressing, grilled bread ($13)
Potato Tots: Bacon, cheddar, scallion, ranch ($9)
Crawfish Cocktail: Tail meat tossed in creole remoulade, herbs, shaved lettuce ($13)
Garbanzo Beer-nuts: Crispy beans, Mediterranean spiced ($5)
Cheese Boards: Domestic and imported selections, nuts, fruits, pickles and baguette ($8/16/24)
Charcuterie Boards:  Cured meats, spreads, and pates, mustard, pickles, and baguette ($8/16/24)