Aida Bistro has been a Howard County hallmark for its Italian menu and for being a special occasions restaurant.
The Columbia restaurant sent an announcement to customers last week aiming to stay a special place, but to highlight changes to broaden their appeal. Their executive chef left and was replaced by their incumbent sous chef. Their menu has changed -- keeping the house-made pasta, but broadening from just Italian to a mix of small and large plates and a renewed emphasis on local products.
The email touted a chef's menu that appears to be a five-course meal served Thursdays to Saturday, paired with the wines that they have in their cool tap system.
It's a seasonal menu that changes, but you can get a flavor of the flavors from their Web page. Aida is on my list of places to return. Does anyone have thoughts on the new menu or the new arrangements?
We had dinner there Saturday. I think the new menu is a good idea. The Prix fixe menu was getting a bit expensive, and it was sometimes hard to put together the options to get what I wanted.
ReplyDeleteI was disappointed that the caprese salad has been changed. It was my favorite in the area, and I looked forward to tomato season to order it. Now it has lettuce, and pesto, and the perfect combination of tomato, basil, and mozzarella is lost.
Otherwise, the food was pretty much the same, and very good.
I'm torn about this, part of me really liked the fact that they were a high end/high quality italian place. But the other part of me is excited to see what their talented kitchen is going to put out.
ReplyDeleteJudging from the food I had a few weeks ago, I think they are going to be just fine. Their non-italian fare was really creative and tasted great.
We've been regulars since they opened in the original space. Our initial reaction was uncertain, because we loved the prix fixe so much as it fit our eating style. However, the selections on the menu were great, and ordering two appetizers and a small plate entree is basically a free form prix fixe for around the same price. So, something for everyone, more flexibility, and the food as good as ever. We're looking forward to new horizons at Aida.
ReplyDeleteI've eaten off the new "chef's menu" twice now. Both were very good; one was the best meal I've had in a long time! Always fresh and creative. Always delicious. Even the "regular" menu that people may be used to has undergone some changes, deletions and additions. Fresh ingredients and a fresh perspective. You won't be disappointed.
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