SF: Tyler Florence's Wayfare Tavern
Along with
, my dinner at Wayfare Tavern was one of the best meals I had during my trip home for the 2010 holidays.
Maybe it was all the
hype my friend Judy generated about the place
, or the feeling of being with childhood friends again, OR maybe it was the two cocktails I had at very cool speakeasy style
right before dinner.
Nope -- I think it was just delicious food, great service and a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy it all in!
Also, I know I am late to the game since
550+ people on Yelp already gave Wayfare Tavern 4 stars
, but hey -- I'm from out of town!
Anyway, onto the restaurant!
The restaurant is in the financial district of San Francisco, but once you walk in you feel like you've stepped back in time.
The entire restaurant was covered in a combination of exposed brick walls and dark paneled wood walls (it reminded me of Dick Fuld's office back at the Lehman Brothers office -- oh memories!). Eating takes place in booths with with comfortable (and very bouncey) rich chocolate leather seats. All the waiters are dressed in classic white starch and black ties and the bartenders donned lab coat type jackets. It felt like I was at a very classy but modern rustic lodge -- or what I'd imagine it would be like anyway since I've never been in one!
Service from the hostess, bartenders, waiters and bus boys was extremely friendly. I was surprised at HOW friendly they were --
was it because I've lived in New York for too long?
Fortunately, I think not since my friends also noted the welcoming, unpretentious attitude from everyone. I would highly recommend our waiter, Lane, who made it an awesome and fun night.
So onto the food -- with four girls, we ordered 1 side as an appetizer, 3 entrees and another side with our entree. Although we ate more delicious POPOVERS than we'd like to admit, we were extremely full and satisfied after that, so I'd say order lighter for girls or it'd be just right for those ravenous guys.
My friends and I were disciplined enough to ask for a photo before devouring our food!
Thanks for the great company <3 L to R: Judy, Jessica (me), Amabelle and Lily
** Just to note, when we ate there we chose from the FALL menu. They are now on the WINTER menu so unfortunately some of the food I loved isn't available anymore! But please do still go and just ask the waiters what they'd recommend.
Onto the food...
ROASTED LIBERTY DUCK HUNTER'S STYLE
prepared with a red wine sauce and topped with bacon lardon, prunes, onions and parsnip puree
This duck dish was one of my FAVORITE dishes of the night. It was so juicy and tender -- who cares if it was topped with (probably unhealthy)
? =P
This was the first time I had popovers before and they were AMAZING here. For those of you that don't know what they are (I didn't before this!), popovers are light and hollow rolls made out of egg batter -- the taste reminded me of Chinese sponge cakes. These were perfectly crispy on the outside and spongey and light on the inside. These were so delicious that we asked for 3 orders and even brought some home for our boyfriends =P
I found the
chef's "secret" recipe on 7x7 SF
and am going to try making them this weekend (will update you guys if successful). Of course, I don't expect them to be half as amazing as these, but one can hope!
ORGANIC BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN
buttermilk brine, roasted garlic, crisp woody herbs, lemon
Ah and onto the much talked about organic buttermilk fried chicken! I must say that I am lucky enough to have been not so impressed by Tyler Florence's version of one of my favorite foods. It was well flavored -- salty with hint of herbs and all that, but I do prefer my chicken to be marinated in Korean sauces and double fried =P I thought it was a great dish to share though since each of us got about a piece and a half.
SEARED WILD ALASKAN SALMON
mustard braised brussels sprouts, chanterelle mushrooms, ham hock, smoked honey
Lastly, we also ordered the salmon, which I usually don't enjoy at restaurants because of the tendency for it to be dry and overcooked, I really liked this very nicely cooked version of the dish. Also, I forgot to take a picture, but we ordered a side of brussel sprouts -- one of my favorite vegetables -- and it was delicious. It came cooked with bacon and ham hock -- YUM!
BAKED MAC & CHEESE
Lastly, the mac and cheese might have been the most normal (but still delicious) dish -- I think I prefer the
mac and cheese from my neighborhood Eatery
in New York =P
Anyway, there is my recap of a DELICIOUS dinner at Wayfare Tavern. Make reservations early! My friend tried a month in advance for a Tuesday night and we could only get 9pm!
Have any of you been to Wayfare Tavern before? Let me know what you thought or please go try it!
---
Wayfare Tavern
558 Sacramento St
(between Leidesdorff St & Montgomery St)
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 772-9060
Website:
Yelp: