Ta6le 6
When it comes to Italian dining in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, your options aren’t exactly overflowing. And out of the choices you do have, most of them are marinara and alfredo sauce joints with a variety of noodles.
And then there is Table 6, a stellar Italian restaurant that blows the competition right out of the water. The reason is two-fold, really. First and foremost, the restaurant isn’t based on the misconception of what Italian food is supposed to be. Instead, it blends rustic cooking with fresh food and ideas, bringing forth the simple, yet deep, flavors that have made Italian cooking so wonderful. Second, owner/executive chef,Vincent Baron, was trained to the highest levels in some of New York City’s top restaurants–he didn’t just pick up some cooking tips and old family recipes from mom and try to turn it into a career.
In fact, he’s not only a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, he then cut his teeth at a Mario Batali-owned restaurant.
“It was a great way to get immersed in Italian cuisine,” said Baron.
An unexpectedly amazing beginning
When Baron suggested that our opening dish be bacon-wrapped pears stuffed with goat cheese, there wasn’t a reaction from the table that resembled excitement.
“Trust me,” Baron said. “You’ll love it.”
It’s like Baron knew us better than we knew ourselves. The pears were downright delicious, balancing the smoky crispness of the bacon with the slightly sweet, softness of the pear. Just as those flavors finish sliding across your taste buds, you are treated to the creamy and smooth goat cheese. It may sound strange, but it’s the kind of appetizer you will find yourself craving after you’ve had it.
In addition to the pears, we also sampled Table 6′s trio platter, which included an assortment of fried mozzarella, calamari, and arancini– risotto that has been rolled and stuffed with mozzarella cheese, breaded with panko and deep-fried. It’s delicious, especially the surprising arancini, which basically melts into your mouth after an initial crunch.
A steak like none other
What foodie doesn’t love a great bite of steak? At Table 6, it’s a whole new experience.
A ribeye steak, breaded and cooked to medium-rare perfection, served up with a tomato-infused, fresh-tasting red sauce that compliments each and every bite.
The steak is so high quality that it feels as though it is melting in your mouth as you dine upon it.
Not being a fan of typical marinara, it was a surprise how outstanding Table 6′s red sauce actually is. Unlike so many other Italian cuisines, Baron’s sauce is designed to compliment and enhance, not overpower and drown out any accompanying tastes. It honestly tastes as though it was prepared from fresh ingredients just prior to being served on your plate.
God’s gift to mac and cheese
The first time I had the pleasure of meeting Baron, I didn’t know if his ability in the kitchen was worth a pinch of salt, let alone fine dining prices. So, I decided to find out the easy way. Instead of ordering off menu, I simply told the waitress to have the chef prepare me anything–absolutely anything–he wanted.
The result? Macaroni and cheese.
Yup, you read that right.
And I hate mac and cheese.
But I’ll be outright honest when I say that the dish that was set before me was anything but macaroni and cheese. It was happiness on a plate. It was as though foodie angels stepped from the heaven and guided this recipe.
This dish was not only smothered in tasty, creamy cheese served over al dente pasta. The dish was simply divine. Of course, for those of you who don’t like lobster (or are allergic), simply let the chef know and he’ll turn that plate into something else that is equally wonderful–I have no doubt about it.
Forever, my views of macaroni and cheese have been changed. Baron has made me into a believer.
Last but not least
What Table 6 also does well is serve up a beautiful array of desserts, all available to be seen on the dessert tray the waitress brings out to you upon request. You can’t really go wrong with any of it (we had the Italian donuts and the canole and would recommend either).
A dining experience for everyone
You don’t have to be celebrating a special occasion or out on a date night to enjoy what Table 6 has to offer. Sure, there is a place for that–in the established dining room–but there is also the bar area that has full menu service, tables and music and is welcome to anyone from the guy who just wants a quick bite to eat to the friends who are grabbing dinner before heading out to the movies.
No matter what occasion or reason you’re looking for a place to eat when you are in Menominee, Table 6 restaurant is the best choice in town and the best Italian restaurant the Upper Peninsula has to offer.
Table 6
525 First Street, Menominee
Phone:906-863-8460
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