We got to Townhall a bit early for our 8:00 reservation, enough time to appreciate the decor, order a drink and see what Townhall had to offer in the Sidecar category. Conclusion: Unusual in that it was made with Calvados and a bit of apple juice, generally good but a bit too sweet. Chris’s Sazerac (whiskey, sugar and two types of bitters) was very tasty, like a spicy fruit cake but not sweet. Once my sister Erin and brother-in-law Gary got there, they generously treated us to a delicious bottle of Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut, which was beautiful and dry and with some strawberry fruitiness.
There was no special Valentines Menu, which was just fine by me, I'd rather order off the regular menu to get a feel for a place. For dinner I decided to go with a series of appetizers. I have been finding lately that I just want to try a few small things rather than one large. First, the four of us just HAD to share the Dungeness Crab and Cheddar Fondue with Broccoli, Potatoes and Andouille Sausage for dipping. So rich and delicious, I think we all could have eaten about 4 more of those.
Cream of Celery Root garnished with Duck Confit was creamy and smooth and perfectly salted which I find is always a problem with soups. I swear I have eaten more duck confit in the last month than in my whole life. Duck confit is the new black.
Beet and Goat Cheese Napoleon - One of my all time favorite combinations, this version was ruined for me by the fact that it rested on a mustardy mayonnaise sauce. Two things I DO NOT EAT, mustard and mayonnaise, ruined an otherwise good dish. I am sure others would find it more appealing than I.
Roasted Veal Meatballs with Potato Puree and Green Peppercorn Sauce - can you say WOW? I am on a hunt for the best meatballs ever, and these are definitely in the top 5. Rich and moist but not greasy and heavy. I almost never eat veal but this seemed like a good time to do it.
My people had the Lamb with Nicoise Olive Sauce, a Peanut and Tasso Encrusted Pork Chop, and the Ribeye with Crispy Potatoes. All looked and tasty yummy, though the lamb was really outstanding and I would even think about ordering that if I go back and they have it again. Again the lesson here is: ALWAYS ORDER THE SPECIAL.
Wine was a delicious bottle of Etude Pinot Noir, Carneros, which had rave reviews from my sister and she was absolutely right. Ripe raspberry and a tad smokey, it paired well with practically everyone's food, and I savored every sip.
The highlight came at dessert. This thing should be illegal: Butterscotch and Chocolate Pot De Crème with a Layer of Buttercrunch. Trying to kill me much? I'm still dreaming about that dessert, and I am sure that they have other great desserts but I will never know.
The Rosenthals have really created a beautifully lit, modern, arts and crafts warmspace to gather, and at pretty reasonable prices; the meal cost us about what Chris and I usually pay alone for this type of meal (not including the champagne). We also had good service and really just enjoyed the space and the environment, never found the noise or service distracting and felt well taken care of. Check it out.
Townhall
342 Howard Street at Fremont
San Francisco, 94105
(415) 908-3900
Reservations can be made on OpenTable
Too damn funny! Couldn't agree with you more about the dessert, I'm never ordering anything else. Next time we go together.
Posted by: Amy | February 16, 2005 at 03:42 PM
I swear it's like the Psychic Blogging Network around here!
Posted by: Molly | February 16, 2005 at 05:14 PM
sadly,i am a fan of both mustard and mayonnaise, but together it's like chalk and cheese for me. and why would you ruin perfectly good beets and goat cheese with that?!
Posted by: santos | February 16, 2005 at 09:22 PM
I found your excellent blog today. Great pictures!
Posted by: Nichelle | February 17, 2005 at 09:33 AM
Where did you get that picture? It's perfect.
Posted by: Chris | February 17, 2005 at 11:40 AM
i am pretty crazy about the Etude Pinot too
Posted by: Sam | February 17, 2005 at 05:18 PM
I am back to give you grief:) Well, I know you scorned me for not liking my brussel sprouts. But I was at Townhall on Saturday blowing a weeks wages on a bottle of the Etude you reminded me about, when I notice that the Beet and Goat Cheese Napoleon was served with Remoulade. Now remoulade, by definition, is celery root in a mustard mayonnaise sauce, so it's not like they didnt warn you. Next time go with me - I'll eat the remoulade and you can have beets.
I need to tell you about Butterscotch Angel Delight one day. Remind me!
Sam
Posted by: Sam | February 21, 2005 at 09:56 AM
I swear I have no memory of any mention of remoulade or else I would not have ordered it. I may have missed it after the Sidecar and champagne, however, I admit that is possible.
Mmmmm...butterscotch.
Posted by: Molly | February 22, 2005 at 09:24 AM
About this dessert, which I thought I invented...is the buttercrunch in the middle or on top...
Posted by: Red | March 11, 2005 at 06:39 PM