Salad Dressing

[Sharkster]

We have been to a few restaurants and they all seem to serve a dark brown/black sauce/dressing with their starters which have salad on the side.  It is a little sweet in taste and quite thick (looks a little like chocolate sauce).  Anybody know what it is?

[TWINKLE]

Could be just normal salad dressing but made with Balsamic vinegar - which is dark and sweet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balsamic_vinegar

[Sharkster]

That is what I thought, but most of the balsamic vinegar available in the local supermarket seems to resemble the consistency of normal vinegar.  Do you think restaurants use the more expensive vinegars that have been aged in wood?

I have seen a similar product to this in the local Italian pizza shop, I think this may be similar to what they use.  I think I will give it a try.

http://www.earthy.com/Crema_di_Balsamico_Balsamic_Cream__500_mlA_NAMEBalsamic_P125.cfm

[Innocents Abroad]

You can just buy regular balsamic vinegar and reduce it down by simmering it in a small pan until it becomes the syrupy consistency you're looking for.  You get a really good concentrated taste too. 

L