San Francisco
By
Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives
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Urban
Tavern near Union Square in San Francisco has been open
for over three years serving California Cuisine using seasonal,
fresh and local ingredients. We had heard that they had a new
menu and new Executive Chef and decided to get a CITY fix on a
Tuesday night. The restaurant looks just as "cool" as
when it opened. The "Gastropub" as it is known is stylish
but casual and draws from both locals and tourists and was packed
on the Tuesday night that we dined. The full sized Horse Sculpture
named Urban made by Arizona artist Doug Owen is still striking
as the centerpiece of the restaurant. We sat at one of the comfortable
booths but saw many other happy guests at the communal table,
as well as the marble bar.
We
ordered cocktails to start. The Cosmopolitan made with
Grey Goose Vodka and a Cucumber Mint Martini made with
Square One Organic Cucumber Vodka, mint, lime and fresh cucumber
were perfect to sip on while we looked at the new menu. The Cosmo
was ordered "strong" and it was ideal. We were pleased
to see that there were small plates, starters and entrees that
were all very reasonably priced. We try not to eat too much bread
but enjoyed the Acme Rolls that came with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
The
Appetizers that we tried were all delicious. We really loved the
Baked Oysters O'Farrell made with lacinato kale and parmesan
cheese. The oysters were warm, delicious and an original interpretation
of Oysters Rockefeller. Another excellent choice is the Potted
Egg soufflé made with Bellwether Farms ricotta cheese,
free range organic egg, topped with sautéed Chanterelle
mushrooms. This was amazing and very unusual! We also loved the
Fruits De Mer with calamari, shrimp, citrus, quinoa anchoiade,
fennel and pancetta crisp. It had great flavors and was perfect
to share. We had to try the Chili made with Painted Hills
Ranch grass fed all natural beef and Rancho Gordo Beans. It was
actually very light, spicy and delicious but should have had a
little more beef. Our next course was the Tavern Green Salad
which was made with local lettuce, golden beets, toasted walnuts
and a luscious green goddess dressing. They have a special talent
for salads so be sure and try them!
The
Entrees feature fresh fish, a variety of meats as well as unique
pasta dishes. We loved the Duck Confit which came with
Quinoa pilaf, cranberries, rose and frisee. The duck was very
tender and the quinoa was a delicious alternative to rice. The
Whiskey Roast Pork Shoulder which came with kabocha squash,
roasted Brussels sprouts and a molasses glaze was also a hearty
entrée and quite tasty.
The
Wine list features over 100 local California Wines with many available
by the glass. We chatted with Sommelier / General Manager Steven
Kleinfeld who helped us with our wine choices. Our favorite white
wine was the 2009 Gamble Family Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc.
It was a perfect Sauvignon Blanc for our taste as it had citrus
notes and was bright and effervescent and paired well with
our starters. Our favorite red wine was their Urban Tavern custom
bottled 2010 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel made by winemaker
Jeff Morgan which was bold and paired well with our entrees.
We
managed to save room for Desserts and were glad we did. Our favorite
dessert was the Butterbourbon Pudding which is made with
dark chocolate and black pepper Madeleine. If was so fantastic
that we got a dessert high! Can't wait to have it again! The Urban
Tavern Peanut Butter Cup which came with Sea Salt Brittle and
Peanut Ice Cream was also delicious. A 2010 EOS Tears and Dew
Late Harvest Paso Robles Mescato and a double espresso were the
perfect pairings and finish to our excellent dinner.
Urban
Tavern continues to be one of our favorites for Downtown
San Francisco Eating, Meeting and Drinking as it is close to shopping
and the Theater District and has 5 hour free validated parking
while dining. The menu has something for all tastes and the service
is friendly and professional. We are pleased to report that Executive
Chef Colin Duggan was recently promoted after working at Urban
Tavern for over four years. He brings a wealth of local and international
experience and has now been able to refresh the menu using his
own flair.
Urban
Tavern- San Francisco
333 O'Farrell Street
San Francisco, CA. 94102
415-923-4400
www.UrbanTavernSF.com