Robin P.
Yelp
What a beautiful experience. Stick with me here, I loved it so much so I have a lot to say. Before I even entered I immediately loved the patio area. It's such a sweet spot, the way it's nestled under the overhang of the structure. The interior space is a striking retro vibe, but done in more modern tones. As day becomes evening they lower the lights and it's cozy and soothing. For some reason I really felt like I was in an upscale lodge in New Mexico. I mean, understand I've never been to New Mexico so I have no idea where the feeling came from. lol
Trust me when I say my best friend and I are not wealthy, but sometimes you need to have a special experience, and we love food. Like... really love. This experience is not cheap and every add-on is additional, so I think our total before tax and tip was about $400 for the 8 course with eclectic pairing and two additional drinks. So anyway, cost aside, this experience was divine. My friend dressed nice, I wore a TCU t-shirt, jeans, and Vans. No one judged me, everyone was so warm from start to finish. The host helps serve the food and clear tables between courses (he was very attentive), the bartender offers tidbits on drinks and the glassware (which is beautiful, even the water glasses), everyone works together here to make this train run smoothly.
Warren, the bartender was so nice, very welcoming. I ordered a drink before our 8 course tasting started. He is amazing. Those drinks, alcoholic AND the mocktails, were done so well. Bartending at a place like this really does take experience and skill.
So the heart of this whole experience, the seasonal tasting menu. We did the 8 course menu and our... I'll call him a tour guide instead of server... our tour guide was Adam. He was such a lovely person. He was very clearly passionate about Vegan food, and he's also quite a fan of Chef Amy. Totally understandable, she's worthy of fandom. If you've ever been to Spiral Diner (shout out to the Mitch Tofu Club, I heart you), you understand Chef Amy gets vegan food. She knows how to flavor it, how to prepare it, and how to pair it. I learned during this experience that the comforting food I've grown accustomed to over the last almost 17 years since I discovered Spiral, can be elevated and not lose that comfort. I am not vegan or even vegetarian, but that's how special Chef Amy's food is, it breaks down barriers.
(Dang, she's still got more to say?! Yes! Don't leave yet, you've come this far!)
I'm not going to try to describe all 8 courses in this spring tasting menu. My mom is great at content descriptors and wordsmithing. I dabble but I wouldn't do them justice. I will list the courses (possibly out of order) and give my favorites:
-Consomme - broth (favorite, the clearest, deepest consomme I've ever had)
-Panko-crusted tofu patty (favorite) with cabbage (least favorite)
-Beet, kale, and "feta" salad
-Roasted parsnip with "marrow", toast, tomatillo jelly
-Smokey "Brisket" main course on bed of quinoa with the most ridiculous blue corn tortillas (the tortillas were a favorite)
-Palette cleanser, flavored ice
-"Cheese" course, three toasts with different toppings (oh my word, two of the "cheeses" were from a company in Austin called Rebel and they were so good we're taking a trip to Austin to buy some, lol, but the"salmon" was tied for least favorite)
-Dessert, an out of this world tart boat with duo of white chocolate cream and lemongrass lime curd and flash frozen blueberries and meringue (Favorite alert!!)
I will come back for a cheese plate and Old Fashioned on the patio, and to see Adam again. Delightful human. I'm thankful I had this experience and I was sad the moment it was over.