4.5 STARS
COVID-19 OUTDOOR DINING
I'm in the minority here but TORC had me at beef tongue AND fernet! You know, cuz I'll eat anything with four legs except a chair.
(I'm being sarcastic here).
I don't think any other upscale restaurant in wine country serves beef tongue so props for this.
TORC is open for takeout, limited indoor dining, and outdoor dining (front and back patio). Outdoor patio is dog-friendly. Most outdoor tables were shaded.
First things first, make those reservations! Even for Friday lunch, they were busy.
Second, the seasonal New American lunch AND dinner menu are the pretty identical so you're not stuck with just a basic salad/sandwich for lunch like other places. Happy Hour menu is only available at the front patio (Tuesday - Saturday from 12 pm - 6 pm).
Lastly, yes there's a COVID surcharge of $4 pp which is mentioned upon sitting down and stated on the menu.
C O V I D - 1 9 S A F E T Y P R E C A U T I O N S
* Staff wore masks properly.
* Gloves worn and staff regularly changed them.
* Single use menu including a thiiccccc wine list.
* Contact tracing form.
* Baggie provided for your mask.
* Tables were spaced out more 8+ feet.
* Dirty plates, utensils, napkins, etc. from each table were individually boxed up.
* Tables and chairs were thoroughly sanitized between guests.
* BioSilk hand sanitizer everywhere.
As you can see, the staff is going above and beyond. Plus, PPE is expensive! If you can afford to eat out in a $$$ restaurant, $4 pp shouldn't be an issue IMO.
D R I N K S / F O O D
* Mezcali Booze w/ tequila blanco, tamarelo, lime, ginger, jarritos tamarind ($12): https://bit.ly/3iiGu1m
Well-balanced with a sweet and sour tartness.
* Fernet Neat ($10 x2)
* Hamachi Crudo w/ schletewitz family farm citrus, yuzu, forbidden rice, hibiscus-chile kosho ($18): https://bit.ly/351c1xj
Refreshing light starter with fresh slices of hamachi, buttery avocado, and crunchy rice chips.
* Crispy Beef Tongue w/ tenbrick farm kimchi, chili sambal, savory herbs ($16): https://bit.ly/3pjQPfb
This is what I came for and it didn't disappoint! The beef tongue was meltingly tender with a delicious, crunchy exterior. The acid from the kimchi balanced the beefy goodness.
* Maine Diver Scallops w/ cloud ear mushrooms, burdock root, pea tendrils, spicy coconut broth ($36): https://bit.ly/3gpmXtV
Nice seared crust on the scallops but a touch overcooked for my liking. The Thai-inspired broth was too sour.
* Milk Fed Veal Agnolotti w/ green asparagus, sylvetta, shiitake mushrooms, borage ($28): https://bit.ly/3z20Xxo
***Black Périgord Truffles, 5 grams Supplement ($21)
As soon as the plate hit our table, the smell of truffles smacked me in the face! This was the second dish that I was most looking forward to but it was a disappointment. Both the housemade agnolotti and green asparagus were overcooked so they didn't have an al-dente bite to them.
* Coconut Panna Cotta w/ tropical fruit tartare, banana, rum caramel ($11): https://bit.ly/3ciaXJa
Satisfying and not overly sweet. I really enjoyed the brittle for texture.
* Sourdough Chocolate Waffle w/ malt ice cream, cocoa nib-peanut croquant ($11): https://bit.ly/3fVOrbz
Loved the presentation with the warm chocolate sauce poured tableside. Chocolately (slightly bitter), lightly sweet (malt ice cream), and a touch savory from the warm, chewy sourdough chocolate waffle. If you're a fan of texture and temperature contrasts, get this!
S E R V I C E
Fantastic service from ALL the staff - professional, knowledgeable, and approachable. Food service was prompt; no long lag between courses.
The table next to us inquired about GF options and our server, Catherin knew every ingredient on the menu. Impressive.
As soon as we were seated and without even asking, a young man (blonde hair) quickly brought Tater Tot a bowl of water: https://bit.ly/3ifbP55. He was on-point with whisking away plates (always asking before taking them away), sanitizing, and he was at the back patio exit to say, goodbye to us as we were leaving. I wish I got his name because with EVERY interaction, you can see the smile behind his mask. He deserves a promotion!
A M B I A N C E
Modern and classy yet casual. High ceilings in the indoor dining room.
P A R K I N G
Shared private parking lot in the back.
Overall, solid New American restaurant with great service and excellent COVID safety precautions. TORC was close to 5 stars so I'm bummed that I have to round down for the overcooked items. read more