Hawk's Tavern- Mill Valley-Soars to new Heights!
By
Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives
Hawk's
Tavern in Mill Valley is quickly approaching their one
year anniversary. They started out with a small plate menu but
found that their clientele preferred the traditional Starter Entrée
Dessert format and recently hired a new Executive Chef Safir
Rezzoug to make the change.
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Don't
let the name Tavern fool you, as this not a Bar but actually a
very comfortable and inviting Restaurant with a local neighborhood
feel. As you enter, you see that there are three rooms. In the
middle is the Bar and Counter Seating with an exhibition kitchen
view. There is a Private Dining Room which seats 16 to the right.
And the charming main Dining Room is to the left with booths and
tables which are nicely space. There is also an intimate heated
porch in the front for both dining and drinks. The pleasing décor
feature rustic barn wood walls, a two sided fireplace, banquettes,
brushed brass lamps, vintage framed maps and faux hawks
The
new cuisine created by ultra-talented Chef Safir Rezzoug, a native
of France who trained and worked at Michelin Star Restaurants
in Paris, features seasonally inspired dishes using locally sourced,
organic and sustainable ingredients. He told us how much he enjoys
going to the local farmers markets and dealing with local purveyors
and having the opportunity to add his flair to the menu.
We
were seated in the main dining room and soon had sparkling water
and were enjoying their Signature Pretzel with house
ground mustard. Our first course was the Vegan Soup of
the Day which was a delicious Broccoli Puree with truffle oil
topped with micro greens and cornbread sticks. This delicious
soup with a glass of wine could be a meal by itself!
The
Starters that we had were both magnificent! The Summer Bruschetta
made with tomato chutney, burrata, oven baked sweet cherry tomatoes
and salsa verde on top of garlic bread was the best and unlike
any we have ever had. The texture of the burratta was perfect
and the sweetness of both the caramelized and roasted tomatoes
was just luscious! The Warm Mushroom Salad with watercress
poached egg, salsa verde and crispy potatoes was unique and delicious
as well. The poached egg provided the dressing for the salad and
the flavors all melded together with perfection! We were already
full.... but knew we had more tasting to do.
The
Entrees were very generous portions. The Marinated Kurobuta
Pork Ribs with smashed potatoes and caramelized apples and
fabulous smoked balsamic reduction fell off the bone and had an
excellent taste.
The
Bistro Filet Steak with pommes frites, truffle shallot
puree, fresh herb jus and watercress was sliced and prepared medium
rare, just as ordered. We couldn't finish them, so we had them
boxed up and were pleased that they held up quite well for lunch
the next day. We were glad that we also had a Side Dish of "Fire
Roasted" Shisito Peppers with lemon, chili, smoked olive
oil, buttermilk aioli. Hawk's Tavern features locally crafted
lagers and ales on tap and this week's special was the Red Seal
North Coast Brewing Ft.
Bragg
Cask Ale. The Wine List is mostly California with bottles
starting at $20.00 and 20 wines by the glass. We enjoyed the lively
and fruity 2011 Long Meadow Ranch Napa Sauvignon Blanc
with our starters and the rich and bold 2009 Fisticuffs Napa
Cabernet Sauvignon with our entrees.
We ordered espressos and were ready for Desserts. We loved both
the Lavender Crème Brulee and the Sticky Ginger
Cake topped with dates.
We
were very impressed with the excellent reasonably priced cuisine,
the comfortable inclusive atmosphere and the friendly professional
staff. Restaurateur Tyler Florence has created a welcoming destination
restaurant where you can meet friends or bring the family and
enjoy both hearty and unique cuisine. The Private Dining Room
hosts special Tastings and Wine Maker Dinners regularly and would
be perfect for your Holiday dinner or party. Hawk's Tavern
is Open Daily 11:30 AM-10:00 PM, has Happy Hour 3-6 weekdays and
has Free Valet Parking on Fri & Sat nights.
We
look forward to returning for lunch!
Hawk's
Tavern
507 Miller Avenue
Mill Valley, CA 94941
415-388-3474
www.HawksTavern.com