Zola - State College, PA

Date of dining experience: March 15, 2016

Place: Zola Kitchen & Wine Bar

Location: 324 W. College Ave. in State College, PA

Appetizer: Oysters! It was dollar oyster night, so Audry and I decided to partake. It was the first time either of us had eaten oysters, and we both loved them!

Wine with appetizer: A nice glass of 2014, Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Crest Sauvignon Blanc from Washington that went very well with the oysters. Slightly overpriced at $13, but still nice.

Entree: Arctic Char - served with nasturtium vinaigrette, pickled black radish, and parsnip puree. This was my first time having Arctic char and it is now my second favorite fish (next to sea bass). Arctic char is a cold-water fish related to salmon, but is white, flaky, and smooth like a sea bass. Audry and I split this as our entree because we both wanted to have room for dessert.

Wine with entree: A great bottle of 2013, Alsace, Pierre Sparr Pinot Blanc from France, which neither of us have ever had before. It was priced reasonably at $36 and was very good. On the wine spectrum, I would place it between a Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonnay. So, obviously, it went very well with a white fish dish.

Audry's Dessert: White Chocolate Mousse - with vanilla meringue crumbles, shaved bittersweet chocolate, and fresh berries. It was great. Just typing the description makes me want to try it again!

My Dessert: Creme Brulee - honey lavendar. Yes, honey lavendar. Close your eyes and imagine smelling fresh lavendar. Now, add that tantalizing smell to a creme brulee and brush a touch of honey into the mix. Yeah, you can almost taste it. It was wonderful!

If you're ever in the State College area, or staying the night on your way to somewhere else, you have to try this place! Be sure to call ahead and make some reservations, just in case they are busy. If you ever get a chance to try it, let me know what you think! Enjoy!