Year in review – so soon? But what a delectable year it’s been, filled with remarkable meals and countless calories as hungry readers explored the greater gayborhood’s culinary delights. Who can forget …
Brooklyn Girl (Mission Hills): Roasted Bone Marrow and Crab Rangoon Blossoms. The hollowed half bone is filled with rich beefy marrow and earthy mushrooms blended with bleu and goat cheese crumbles, then topped with fresh herbs and citrus zest. So primal, and so delicious. The squash blossoms are stuffed with blue crab meat, scallions, garlic and a velvety mix of ricotta and goat cheese, then lightly battered and fried to a delicate crunch.
lgbtweekly.jeffjungblut.com/2015/01/22/brooklyn-girl-confessions/
Sausage & Meat (University Heights): Whiskey Fennel and Bison Chipotle Sausage Board. Both selections are a medium-coarse sausage packed with smokey flavor and served perfectly grilled. House made pickled onions, sauerkraut and dills compliment the mild meats, and the whole grain mustard whiskey sauce adds a sweet note.
lgbtweekly.jeffjungblut.com/2015/02/05/sm-is-all-about-experimentation/
Buona Forchetta (South Park): Salmon Ravioli. House made triangle-shaped pasta filled with mild salmon, nutty arugula and satiny ricotta cheese, are nestled beneath a deftly crafted sauce of butter, cream and white wine blended with sautéed green onions and a pinch of tarragon. Hard parmesan cheese, grated to order at the table, completes the presentation.
lgbtweekly.jeffjungblut.com/2015/02/19/may-the-fork-be-with-you/
Circa (Adams Avenue): Green Bean Casserole and Fried Chicken Salad. Crisp beans are combined with organic brown Beech mushrooms in a smooth sauce of goat cheese, cream and fresh oregano, then topped with toasted panko crumbs and crunchy caramelized onions. Flavorful bites of fried chicken nest atop organic frisée greens, spoon leaf spinach and farmers cheese tossed in a green tomato dressing, then presented with pickled radish slices and a cold poached cage-free egg. The dressing’s vanilla yogurt base adds a sugary note to the savory selection.
lgbtweekly.jeffjungblut.com/2015/05/28/california-soul-food/
Amarin Thai (Hillcrest): Panang Curry with Salmon and Yellow Curry with Pork. A tender flakey six-ounce fillet is served with steamed rice and mild Panang curry, a mouthwatering blend of red chiles, lemongrass, garlic, shrimp paste, basil, bell peppers and rich coconut milk. The Yellow Curry really stands out. The masterful blend of cinnamon, star anise, cloves, cumin, nutmeg and mace is truly sublime and unforgettable.
lgbtweekly.jeffjungblut.com/2015/08/06/thai-me-up-thai-me-down/
Cucina Urbana (Bankers Hill): Pappardelle Pasta and Banzino. The large house made noodles have a firm bite and are served with tender cremini mushrooms, diced carrots and succulent short ribs braised in a Marsala and fig reduction, then topped with hand grated parmigiana cheese. The whole roasted deboned European seabass rests atop saffron couscous tossed with pine nuts, currants, capers, grilled lemon slices and caramelized leek vinaigrette. An exquisite balance of salty, sweet and sour.
Streetcar Merchants (North Park): The Big Ed Special and Wasabi BBQ K-town Wings. The Special includes three large meaty Southern-style wings and a crispy waffle where the flavors of savory chicken and real maple syrup join in perfect harmony. The succulent Korean-style wings are double fried which imbues them with a deep glaze, and the wasabi’s burn is tamped down by the rich molasses in the tangy BBQ sauce.
lgbtweekly.jeffjungblut.com/2015/10/01/streetcar-merchants-does-chicken-better/
Restaurants in our diverse gayborhood offer a rainbow of dining options. Whether noshing al fresco on a bustling street corner or seated at a quiet linen-covered table, you’re sure to find the perfect plate. Until next time, stay hungry and Eat This!
