The Federal

CHICKPEAS: 5

Last weekend, we went to my favorite restaurant in the Springfield area: The Federal.  The Federal has a very creative menu, along with some traditional favorites for picky eaters or comfort food cravings, a nice seating arrangement and wonderful staff.

We arrived right on time for our 5:30pm reservation on what is apparently called Mistress Day, the day before Valentine's Day.  We pulled up front to complimentary valet parking and walked in to the hostess desk where our coats were checked.  We were seated in the room on the right, once you enter the restaurant.  A small, quaint room, with a non-working-but-still-mood-enhancing fireplace and 5 small tables.  Part of the beauty of The Federal is the way the seating is broken into a few small dining rooms.  Each room gives off a cozy vibe and because of this, the noise level stays down.

We ordered cocktails and a bucket of risotto balls to start.  Our cocktails arrived and we were treated to a plate of some extra risotto balls compliments of The Federal.  This has happened both times I have been to The Federal and it is very nice touch.  Our larger full serving of risotto balls followed.  The risotto balls are breaded and fried, making them slightly crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside.  A nice combination of textures.  I regret that we did not get a picture of these!

After our appetizers, our salads were served.  I ordered the caesar salad with dressing on the side.  I was forewarned, although I also read it on the menu, that the caesar salad comes with a fried egg on top.

Caesar Salad

My Fiance got the chopped salad that came with a unique presentation.

Chopped Salad

Right about here I accidentally spilled my drink.  I swear I was only about a third of the way into it and it was all due to the condensation on my glass.  Regardless of the how or why, or waitress responded right away and helped us clean of the table.  She was really nice about it and joked with us while doing so, really putting us at ease.

I was hesitating between two options for dinner: homemade risotto gnocchi with an XLG veal meatball, or the braised short ribs with mashed potatoes, mushroom salad and a gorgonzola cheese popover.  She suggested the short ribs and while I still have not had the gnocchi, the short ribs were amazing.  The short ribs fell apart easily, the mashed potatoes were creamy, the mushroom salad was interesting (in a good way) and the pop over was my absolute favorite part of our meal.  As I devoured it, I was trying to figure out ways that I could order it again, maybe as a side, or an appetizer or substitute it out for other side dishes, maybe even instead of dessert.  The short ribs were good enough to order again, but the pop over was wonderful enough that I don't think I can go back to the Federal without having it every time.

Braised Short Ribs

My Fiance ordered two half servings of pasta: truffled mac and cheese with short ribs, and chicken bolognese.  I tried a bit of both and they were quite good.  He says the truffled mac and cheese was his favorite, but I had a hard time picking between the two.

Truffled Mac and Cheese with Short Ribs

Chicken Bolognese

For dessert, we ordered white chocolate banana cream pie that came with chocolate gelato.  The banana cream pie was slightly charred on the top, warming the bananas in the process.  The gelato was perfect for dark chocolate fans, bittersweet and smooth.  An excellent end to a wonderful meal.

Banana Cream Pie with Chocolate Gelato

Overall, The Federal is a must for any special occasion (or even just because!)


(1) Risotto Balls
(2) Salads
(1) beer
(1) cocktail
(1) bottle of wine
(1) Short ribs
(2) 1/2 servings of pasta
(1) Dessert
Total = $160