5 /5 Leah Winfrey: We absolutely loved our dinner at Poppy’s tonight. Donny, our server, might be my new best friend… I’m not entirely sure since I’m old enough to be his mom. Maybe I’ll just adopt him.
Boo got water to drink and I got a “Helen’s Spritzer,” which is basically an Aperol Spritz,. Regardless, it was very good and served promptly.
We don’t usually get appetizers, but Donny recommended the bruschetta and it was so fresh and delicious. I am 100% NOT a fresh tomato person, but the tomatoes weren’t overwhelming. The olive oil and balsamic were both flavorful, while the ciabatta bread was surprisingly light while still having that amazing crust that makes it so appealing. The mozzarella was fresh and creamy, while the Boursin cheese was an unexpected, and delightful, addition. After it was all said and done, this is Boo’s favorite part of the meal and next time he may get it as his main course.
One thing that I do want to mention is that you can order one main dish and have the kitchen split it for you for $5.00. I don’t eat a lot so we typically do split. Whats’s nice about Poppy’s is everything that $5.00 actually gets you. Its’s not just one portion split onto two plates; each diner gets their choice of plain or garlic bread, soup or salad AND the “half” portions are actually larger. Abso-positively-lutely worth the minimal extra charge.
Now, that being said, next came the soup and salad course. I opted for the Caesar Salad and Boo chose Italian Wedding soup. The salad was rather unremarkable and pretty typical. I cannot stand it when my salad is overdressed and this one was perfectly acceptable, but nothing special (Boo actually thought that the dressing needed more garlic and less Parmesan. I thought it was fine). Boo’s soup was much better! I mean, it’s starting to warm up around here and we do live in Florida… so soup wasn’t really on my mind. The fullness of flavor in the broth was a nice surprise. The meatballs were perfect, and not too large. Overall, we were both happy.
For a main we chose to split the veal parmigiana. Full disclosure, it is not what I wanted or felt like ordering but it’s still Boo’s birthday week so I let him choose with no objection. Honest to goodness I am SO happy he did! It was easily the best prepared veal I’ve ever had. It was tender and mild flavored that was the perfect vessel for all the sauce I wanted to scoop up with each bite. The spaghetti was an afterthought for me. I honestly didn’t even try the pasta until my last bite - just to say I did it. The veal was the star of this dish.
Finally, just as we were getting ready to ask someone to kindly roll our overstuffed bodies out, we opted for dessert!!! I know that the canola cream is made in house, because Donny said so. I don’t know, however, how it tastes. It’s Boo’s and he ordered it to go so he hasn’t let me try it yet!! The spumoni was spot on. Obviously the pistachio is the best part, but the cherry was bright and the chocolate was decadent. Yes, I ate the WHOLE thing (I was nice though and shared with Boo).
We’re new to this part of town and have been pleased with all the dining options available in Saint John’s & St. Augustine. Poppy’s Italiano has definitely just earned a top spot in our rotation. If you go, make sure to ask for Donny, he’s adorable and has a wonderful understanding of the menu.
