Favorite dishes 3/15/2013
After the four fixed price menus last week — including Saison and Sons & Daughters — I must have subconsciously been in the mood for something rustic or homey. The five dishes that comprise my favorites this week are all in that vein. Sometimes you just need a good hit of pimiento cheese, I guess.
Photo #1: A great cocktail makes the pimiento cheese spread ($5) at Trick Dog go down. Chef Chester Watson knows what he’s doing. In addition to the expected croutons, he adds celery, carrot coins and endive, just perfect for the spread made with cheddar cheese, cherry peppers, garlic and sweet vermouth.
#2: Next door at Central Kitchen I loved the chicken liver mousse ($6) served in a glass jar with a variety of breads.
#3: At Belcampo Meat Co., comfort comes in the form of meatballs in a creamy tomato sauce ($12) has become a staple on the menu for good reason. The meat is firm, but not rubbery, and the tomato sauce would be perfect with a little penne.
#4: I can never pass up the chicken breast cooked in butter ($14) at Corso Trattoria in Berkeley.
#5: What makes El Paseo in Mill Valley so compelling is not only the steaks but the dishes that precede them, including the oyster pan roast ($16), where Tyler Florence dresses up the warmed oysters with fennel confit, garlic and parsley butter and toasted bread crumbs.
