New Albany dining news: bNA, Federal Hill Cafe, and La Rosita's.

As announced here previously, June 1 marked the start of Bistro New Albany's full evening dinner menu. Last night, we ventured downtown to explore it.

It was the perfect night for sitting outside, and bNA's patio was almost filled with diners, few of whom I knew. Fewer still were drinking beer, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It seems encouraging to me that the food is attracting a cross-section of the New Albanian public. We can work on the beer as we go, although it's worth noting that our NABC beers have sold well during the establishment's opening month.

Chef Dave Clancy whipped up a fine lactose-free veggie pasta dish for Mrs. Curmudgeon, while I opted for filet mignon (medium rare) with bearnaise sauce, roasted potatoes and zucchini.

My roasted veggie soup starter was excellent, too.

Believe it or not, I had a glass of Cabernet with the meal -- no beer. I was coming off two extensive sessions in three days, and found a glass of red wine to be the ideal accompaniment to the beef -- although Porter was tempting.

We split three great desserts, and I had coffee. Including my customary generous tip, the bill came to $95. To be sure, that's a splurge, but the important thing to me is that it did not require a long drive to enjoy it. Our home is eight blocks away, and we are within easy walking and biking distance.

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Here are two other bits of New Albany dining news.

I'm told that yet another of the downtown Daves -- the owner of Federal Hill Cafe -- is on the verge of receiving his Indiana alcohol permit, so very soon you'll be able to have a drink with your Italian fare.

Also, recalling that the original La Rosita's location on Charlestown Road is no more, and the restaurant continues to do good business at 1515 E. Market, it seems that Israel's projected second location on Blackiston Mill-Charlestown Road has fallen through, and for the time being, only the E. Market location is operational.
Full disclosure: I sell NABC beer to BNA, patronize all three establishments, and am eager for everyone to know there are good things happening in New Albany.