Kristina K.
Yelp
Firehouse knows how to feed a party. Reminiscing about our 5-course meal, I can't help but be reminded of the light, yet rich Bittersweet Deep Chocolate Torte. Let's not rush to dessert quite so soon...
Our first course consisted of Warmed olives and Terre del Sole Aged Sheep's Milk Cheese on top Rosemary Crackers with Oregon Honey and Spanish Marcona Almonds. It was perfectly balanced; sweet, salty, crispy and crunch. Also arriving on the table was Roasted Beets with Walnuts and Bufala Ricotta Salata. The Bufala Ricotta was finely diced and mixed with the slightly sweet Roasted Beets. Firehouse did an excellent job in making this ordinary root vegetable shine. Tomato Braised Cannellini Beans and Toasted Bread Salsa rounded off the first course.
Our second course began with a bountiful pile of Fennel Fritto and a side of House Cured Sardines. The Fennel Fritto was unique and the sardines were quite fishy. However, the winner of those course went to the Wood Oven Iron Skillet Mussels with Drawn Butter. Seafood and butter, do I need to say more?
Our third course, pizza and more pizza, came in two forms, Spicy House Fennel Sausage, Onion and Fresh Mozzarella and Margherita. The tender sausage paired well with the slightly crunchy onion and melted fresh mozzarella. The sauce was very good and the crust was tangy. Unfortunately, both pizzas were soggy and difficult to hold. This might be circumvented in the future, if the pizzas were served on something other than a ceramic or porcelain plate. Romaine Hearts with Lemon-Anchovie Vinaigrette and Shaved Pecorino accompanied the pizzas. The Romaine salad was simple and enjoyed, as it was completely devoured.
The fourth course came with House made Meatballs Braised with Tomato, Rosemary and Lacinato Kale and Rotisserie Chicken with Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes and Arugula Salad. I preferred the Chicken, as it was juicy and very flavorful. The arugula on top the mashed potatoes were a nice touch.
Lastly, fifth course takes it us back to the beginning of this review. Arriving for the final course consisted of Bittersweet Deep Chocolate Torte and Warm Bartlett Pear Crostata. The chocolate torte was by far the winner. I tend to prefer the fruit choice whenever dessert comes around, but this time the Chocolate Torte was the winner. It came off as very light, but the flavor was very rich.
The service was very good for a party of 30. We were closely seated in a room upstairs that got to be very warm by the end of the night. Firehouse is in a beautiful building with a spacious patio for outdoor dining. I recommend the Rotisserie Chicken and Chocolate Torte. Avoid the pizza, unless it can be guaranteed soggy-less.