In researching our food choices, Blair stumbled across a former food-truck turned eatery called Barley Swine. As the name implies, the restaurant focuses on two of the greatest consumables in life: beer and pork. But what we found was a little different than what I expected.
From the moment we walked in I wanted to hate the place. It was full of hipsters and the beer list was pretentious. The menu consists of what in a nice restaurant would be called "tasting portions"... And that's it. We were seated at a four top with 2 people we didn't know. So I was less than impressed.
And then the food arrived.
--Poached duck egg with saffron foam, apple balls, mustard greens and sunchokes.
--Pork cheek with some small beer donut balls and squash based sauce with jalapeño and fried peanuts. (Fav)
--Sweet potato, yogurt, chipotle grilled bacon and roasted pecans.
--Pig ankle deep fried with foie gras, pinto beans, banana peppers and hot sauce.
--Lastly apple pie with 3 differently cooked apples, cheddar and sage crust and pork ice cream.
I have to say I was won over by the food. I started to get what they were about. It wasn't the look or feel of the place that mattered any more. It was the food. They kept that from their food truck days. And so we got it. And we're glad we did.
From the moment we walked in I wanted to hate the place. It was full of hipsters and the beer list was pretentious. The menu consists of what in a nice restaurant would be called "tasting portions"... And that's it. We were seated at a four top with 2 people we didn't know. So I was less than impressed.
And then the food arrived.
--Poached duck egg with saffron foam, apple balls, mustard greens and sunchokes.
--Pork cheek with some small beer donut balls and squash based sauce with jalapeño and fried peanuts. (Fav)
--Sweet potato, yogurt, chipotle grilled bacon and roasted pecans.
--Pig ankle deep fried with foie gras, pinto beans, banana peppers and hot sauce.
--Lastly apple pie with 3 differently cooked apples, cheddar and sage crust and pork ice cream.
I have to say I was won over by the food. I started to get what they were about. It wasn't the look or feel of the place that mattered any more. It was the food. They kept that from their food truck days. And so we got it. And we're glad we did.
Menu: ★★★★☆
Exciting and adventurous. Many selection including vegetarian options, but this place really is about the swine. The menu could probably be a little more descriptive of the dish since this isn't a Michelin star restaurant, and less is not necessarily more. A star off for an overly pretentious beer list.
Food: ★★★★★
Really the delight of the place, as it should be. The flavors work more often than not, and when they do it's a home run Really tantalizes the palate with combinations of tastes and textures. They are playful and sincere about the food. The plates are beautiful but restrained.
Atmosphere: ★★☆☆☆
Cramped and stuffy. Far too many tables in too small a space. That said, sharing your dinner table with strangers might be ok in a diner or a cafeteria setting, but for a romantic eatery with such elegant food, it's just plain annoying. I understand that there is trend to have "community seating," but in all honesty it makes it harder to have intimate conversations. And for those that have intimate conversations-- please refrain from having them at the community table.
Service: ★★★★☆
Knowledgeable and friendly wait staff. Can offer suggestions and descriptions very accurately. Actually had us change to a specific dish and we loved it.