# Grilled swordfish? Or roasted butternut squash ravioli? Or lobster risotto? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 5, 2012, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765 "2012-10-05T02:05:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![LavenderBlue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e95f7d/32.png) [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/21 "2012-10-05T18:36:48Z")
Swordfish is easy to cook at home. Risotto is hard to cook at home. I’d go for the risotto. ---
**Author:** ![Motorgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e36b37/32.png) [@Motorgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Motorgirl)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/22 "2012-10-05T18:38:44Z")
> [@Motorgirl](#): > > Is the menu online? Then we can tell you what you should really order. 😃 OK, if I found the right place, of the three things you’re interested, the ravioli and swordfish both sound really good, based on their accompaniments. There is one thing on the menu I’d favor over the ravioli and swordfish, but both of those appeal to me. The lobster risotto sounds meh. ---
**Author:** ![Death\_of\_Rats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a6a055/32.png) [@Death\_of\_Rats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Death_of_Rats)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/23 "2012-10-05T19:27:07Z")
The raviolli is the safe pick, it is not that hard to screw up. Swordfish is a good pick and I find it very tasty as long as it is prepared properly, which most kitchens that use it regularly can do. Anyone who has seen Hell’s Kitchen can tell you how easy it is for a kitchen to bork risotto. 🙂 If the place has a good reputation I would go for the swordfish. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/24 "2012-10-05T19:39:31Z")
Risotto, hands down. Never been all that impressed with swordfish. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/25 "2012-10-05T20:32:28Z")
I stopped ordering grilled swordfish decades ago, because it was dry as a bone every time. Restaurants have started paying attention to how they cook fish these days, but I still wouldn’t go for a simple grill over something that took actual talent. I’d pick the risotto. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/26 "2012-10-05T20:35:28Z")
> [@Motorgirl](#): > > OK, if I found the right place, of the three things you’re interested, the ravioli and swordfish both sound really good, based on their accompaniments. There is one thing on the menu I’d favor over the ravioli and swordfish, but both of those appeal to me. The lobster risotto sounds meh. Got a link for that? ---
**Author:** ![SpoilerVirgin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4491bb/32.png) [@SpoilerVirgin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoilerVirgin)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2012, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/27 "2012-10-05T21:40:15Z")
I always order risotto if it’s available, so the choice is easy for me. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2012, 10:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/28 "2012-10-06T10:49:37Z")
> [@Motorgirl](#): > > Is the menu online? Then we can tell you what you should really order. 😃 > [@TriPolar](#): > > Got a link for that? [Link to menu](http://detroitrestaurantweek.com/AngelinaItalianBistro.html) Go ahead and select my appetizer and dessert while you’re at it. 🙂 mmm ---
**Author:** ![gwendee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/35a633/32.png) [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2012, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/29 "2012-10-06T13:59:37Z")
If I were invited I’d order the antipasti and the braised pork… Of the selections you listed I’d choose the lobster risotto. My swordfish misgivings have already been posted, and the squash ravioli may be transcendent but I’d be wary that the amaretto sauce would be too sweet for my tastes. Enjoy your dinner and tell us all about it! ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2012, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/30 "2012-10-06T14:13:02Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > My consensus: write each name on a slip of paper, and pick out of a hat. Or if you’re going with people who you are comfortable sharing with, get something they didn’t get. That’s the go. If your response is, “great, decision made,” then you are finished. If however you feel a sense of disappointment play off the other two choices. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2012, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/31 "2012-10-06T14:40:29Z")
> [@gwendee](#): > > If I were invited I’d order the antipasti and the braised pork… I’d definitely go for the braised pork and probably go for the antipasti as well. I’d be seriously tempted by the chicken, but I suspect that I’d be happier with the pork. For dessert, if I had room, I’d go with the creme caramel, because I love creme brulee and flan and anything similar to them. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2012, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/32 "2012-10-06T14:41:11Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Go ahead and select my appetizer and dessert while you’re at it. 🙂 If it were me eating there, I’d have the antipasti, the pork shank and finish with the creme caramel, or more likely a grappa. But I must admit, the swordfish sounds good, what with the chimichurri and fried leeks. ---
**Author:** ![Drain\_Bead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e47774/32.png) [@Drain\_Bead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drain_Bead)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2012, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/33 "2012-10-06T19:01:39Z")
The preparation of the swordfish sounds awesome. I’d get the chicken if it were my choice, because the sides sound good. But try the swordfish–anything with chimichurri is yum. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2012, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/34 "2012-10-06T20:37:45Z")
Well they’re certainly not trying to sell the risotto. It may be very good, but it’s description is weak in comparison to the other dishes. I’d go with the pork shank or the swordfish myself, but I already know I like swordfish. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2012, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/35 "2012-10-06T20:54:51Z")
Looking at the menu, I’d still stick with the risotto, provided they know (and this is a big if) how to make a good risotto. It’s always a roll of the dice for me when it comes to risotto at a place I’ve never been to. I’m a little curious as to why an Italian restaurant is doing something with a chimichurri, but I’ve been surprised before with seemingly out-of-place items on a menu. Nothing really leaps out at me on that menu. I think the braised pork shank and the butternut squash ravioli are the safest bets. Hell, I’d even be interested in the Pappardelle Bolognese if they’re made well. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2012, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/36 "2012-10-06T21:06:24Z")
I’m always weary of menu items that take two really awesome things then combine them. It almost never manages the magical synergy I’m dreaming of. I’d go with swordfish. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2012, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/37 "2012-10-07T01:42:17Z")
Not that it really matters, 'cause I am interested in hearing what others might order, but my choice has to be vegetarian (which is why I listed just the three entrees in the OP). Otherwise, I’d probably go for the pork shank. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2012, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/38 "2012-10-07T01:53:23Z")
Since when is swordfish or lobster vegetarian? ---
**Author:** ![Motorgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e36b37/32.png) [@Motorgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Motorgirl)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2012, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/39 "2012-10-07T02:11:52Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > [Link to menu](http://detroitrestaurantweek.com/AngelinaItalianBistro.html) > > Go ahead and select my appetizer and dessert while you’re at it. 🙂 > mmm My Google Fu was amazing yesterday! Since you seem to be avoiding non-fish animals, I’d say start with the fresh mozzarella (unless they can swap out the salumi on the [Angelina](http://angelinadetroit.typepad.com/blog/menus.html) with more vegs or more fish) and finish with the red velvet cake. The garnish for the swordfish sounds really good, so I guess I will allow you to do that instead of the ravioli. The ravioli is not one of their regular menu items. Based on the fact that they have several vegetarian-friendly dishes on the regular menu they could have used for restaurant week, I am hazarding a guess they’re making it special and/or it will be on the fall menu as a regular item. In any case, probably not frozen or an after thought. I will be starting with the Angelina antipasto sampler, followed by the Amish chicken, and ending with the red velvet cake. When’s our reservation? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Suburban\_Plankton](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suburban_plankton/32/219_2.png) [@Suburban\_Plankton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Suburban_Plankton)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2012, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765/40 "2012-10-07T02:30:32Z")
I love butternut squash, so I’d go with the ravioli. I really like risotto and lobster as well, so that would be by second choice. For the first course, I’d personally get the meatballs, but if you want that to be vegetarian as well, get the mozzarella. And the creme caramel for dessert. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-swordfish-or-roasted-butternut-squash-ravioli-or-lobster-risotto/636765.md?page=3)