Loveland
December 23, 2010

Apple tarte tatin with maple cinnamon ice cream

A holiday office party brought iSPY to Tano Bistro, a relatively new restaurant (year old) in downtown historic Loveland. Chef/owner Gaetano Williams has found his niche here offering a fine dining experience in a casual yet upscale setting.

The menu offers a nice selection of creative choices from Croquette de Pollo (pulled chicken, poblano, masa, chorizo, salsa verde) to the blackened tilapia (black beans, wilted greens). I began my dining experience with a little liquid courage in the form of a festive peppermint martini. Aww, so nice.

However, the courage it supplied may have skewed my judgment. I ordered the vegetarian pad thai. Sounded delicious and the presentation on the plate was impeccable but instead of a spicy asian feast, the flavoring was not quite what I expected. One of those experiences when the taste does not match the image in one’s head. Nevertheless, another party goer ordered the chicken pad thai enjoying its sweetness.

Fresh pick of the day: The fish tacos, a mix of blackened tilapia and salmon. It was divine. The tacos came with guacamole salad, feta, sour cream, and mexican slaw.

Fish Tacos with Blackbean soup and side of fresh cornbread

Another one of the tasty menu items is the vegetable napoleon (grilled eggplant, cheddar polenta, fresh mozzarella, portabella mushrooms, squash, and roasted red peppers. I have had it before and would gladly have it again.

Vegetable Napoleon

For those undecided and looking for a lighter fare, Tano offers soup n’ salad. The salad was filled with fresh field greens and topped with gorgonzola cheese, dried cranberries, almonds, and a white balsamic dressing. The soup – blackbean and side of cornbread.

Soup n’ salad

As any foodie knows, we must save room for dessert. We tried the flourless chocolate torte, vanilla creme brulee, and an apple tarte tatin with apple cinnamon ice cream. My vote goes to the chocolate. Overpowering in its richness, all I can say is pretty darn good.

Vanilla creme brulee                                                         Flourless chocolate torte

Conclusion… while Loveland may not have been expecting Tano, the bistro is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

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