Modern American cuisine seems to be one of the hottest new trends in dining. Some restaurants are moving away from fusion and focusing more on simple flavors. Modern American fits right up that alley as a new genre of cuisine.
There are several places around town that execute this vision well. One however, does it the best. Urban Solace has been on the dining scene for several years, and with a recent renovation, they have reinvented themselves into the go-to-place for American dishes.
Located at the ever-so-popular epicenter of North Park’s 30th and University at 3823 30th Street, their unique façade speaks to a New Orleans-style eatery. Inside, modern wood and concrete tables are surrounded by a new longer bar. Their outdoor side patio is still one of the best in town.
Chef and owner Matt Gordon has created an inspirational menu featuring hormone- and antibiotic-free meats and organic vegetables from local farms. The combination of such ingredients come together to create the unique dishes and style that is Urban Solace.
With so many great tasting items on the menu, it was hard for me to pick out my favorites to write about. So, I decided to choose menu items that represent what they do best. To start, the Grass-fed Beef Tartare ($10.75) is a classic version with a chilled poached Eben-Haezer egg, capers, pickled onions and parmesan. Creamy and delicious, you can really taste the quality of the beef.
The dish of Free Raised Strauss Sweetbreads ($11.50) is a great example of just what you can do with this tasty delicacy. Crusted with mustard and served with pickled chard and mustard seed, the combined tastes blend beautifully with the smooth texture of the sweetbreads.
Entrée choices are abundant and hard to choose. After being there several times over the last few months, I finally was able to make a dent in the menu and discover that there are many “don’t miss entrées.”
For the mac ’n’ cheese lover, the Duckaroni ($18.50) is to die for. Succulent duck confit is tossed with rich blue cheese, roasted garlic, arugula and scallions. It is decadent for sure, and definitely worth the extra trip to the gym the next day.
The barbecue glazed Duroc Pork Belly ($19.50) was crispy and melted in your mouth. Creamed corn and a pickled tomato salsa add a unique spin to this dish and brought just the right amount of acidity needed.
For vegetarians and lovers of vegetarian food, the Farro Sauté ($17.50) is one of the best I have had in a while. I love farro and get very excited when I see it on a menu. Here the chef prepares it in a creamy-style with vegetables and smoked tomatoes.
Urban Solace is not only good for lunch or dinner, but their brunch is still one of the best for Sunday morning dining. With live blue grass music, the menu is just as fun. For that Sunday morning hangover cure, the Kitchen Sink ($11.75) is the way to go. Fluffy biscuits are served with gravy, sausage, and thick slabs of bacon. To top it all, two fried eggs come to finish it off.
They have a great Benedicts menu with versions with pork belly, hanger steak, salmon and delicious sweetbreads.
Whatever meal period you choose to come for, you will be in for an American treat. With dishes and flavors hailing from all areas of the country, there is something for everyone at Urban Solace.
