Arrived back from a terrific meal at Beckett's Table! Before I wax on, I would like to say kudos to the Becketts and Stephens' on their 2nd opening night! FOH was in fine form (from the immediate greeting at the hosts' stand; to server Cort's affable personality & eagerness to please, as well as server Travis' assistance throughout the evening; and yet another server's readiness to show me to the restroom, instead of pointing the way. (An example of four-diamond service, and I should know, since we're given the four-diamond spiel daily where I work!) When I inquired deeper into the Legend City cocktail's ingredients, Cort offered to have Scott Stephens, the drink's inventor and BT's co-owner, come out to greet and tell me about it himself!
As soon as I crossed the wide-open sliding-door glass panels and into the restaurant, I was in-love w/ the ambience! It's rustic St. Francis (and a little bit of The Parlor) meets laid-back, yet mysteriously sexy Olive & Ivy. (Think what you will about these venues' food and ambience, but I happen to love the spaces of all three!) Really liked how I could watch what was going on in the kitchen, bar, community tables, and the main dining room w/out being subjected to too much noise. Even the restroom door had a bit of novelty to it- go check it out and see what I mean.
Alright, so what about the food?? Where shall I start??
Let me preface by saying that I already knew what I wanted, having checked out the menu online after reading about Opening Night at BT (but I'd already eaten, darn it!), but I played along and had a look at the lovely watermarked printed menu Cort gave me. Didn't know if I felt like having cockails or wine yet, so I asked for the Bacon cheddar biscuits and the Mac 'n Cheese w/ pancetta, please. Wanted to try the Legend City cocktail, but wasn't sure what "ricard" was (and now know, thanks to Scott!). When Cort came back for my drink order, I asked "the short ribs (a fave of one of the hosts'), or the osso bucco?" W/out batting an eyelash, Cort said "get the osso bucco; it's my favorite on the entire menu!" Sold! As I waited for my biscuits and macaroni dish, I spied next table's inhabitants (Hi Karen and Elsa!) breaking into their table bread, so I asked Cort if I could have some, too, please! Looking all around me, at the hustle-bustle of the kitchen and everyone's smiling faces, I knew I was in for a treat!
The bacon cheddar biscuits were delightful! Loved the crusty cheese topping, and I enjoyed feeling the weight of the biscuit in my hands as I tore off a piece to peer inside-- it was like I was on slow-mo' breaking bread! (Cue in "Six Billion Dollar Man" bionic sound effect here.) You must order this and smell the aroma! It tasted heavenly, and while the apple-honey butter was tasty, its presence wasn't needed. The complimentary bread rolls were also delicious! Take away the biscuits and leave me the rolls, and I'd still be happy! Don't forget to mention the mac 'n cheese! They don't make the pastas in-house, but they are ordered in especially ("no ordinary pasta," said Cort). The tasty cream sauce consisted of a blend of some of my favorite cheeses, which included asiago, fontina, manchego, and white cheddar. Crispy pancetta on top sealed the deal. I may just have to order this side dish every time I visit!
Next came the pork osso bucco confit. I neglected to ask which local butcher shop the pork came from, so I can't say. However, I will say that this dish, on the whole, was a beauty! It came w/ butternut squash spaetzle (so pretty!) and crisp roasted veggies (golden beets, yellow squash, brussels sprouts, shallots, and perhaps leeks). The pork confit sat atop a lovely and piquant black pepper reduction. While I thought that the presentation could've been better (the pork itself didn't look quite finished, temp-wise, but I assure you it was!), the textures and flavor bouquets in this dish were very pleasing, indeed.
So what came next? Could anything else impress me after all I've tried? Ah, yes. I ordered the Death By Chocolate, which was chocolate ganache on top of dense chocolate cake filled w/ chocolate buttercream, w/ a dusting of finely-grated chocolate on top. Y'know, just for looks. Jeez-louise! Talk about killing me softly! I've achieved transcendence. For now.
I'll be back- thanks BT! read more