Friday, September 23, 2011

American-French Bistro: Chef Tyler Florence's Wayfare Tavern






Tucked in San Francisco's financial district is famed Chef Tyler Florence's Wayfare Tavern. It's timeless exterior and interior ambiance is inviting as it does stick out like a sore thumb, a memory-burning one at that. My sister (right) and I are pictured in front of the restaurant before we went in with my mom for lunch. 


This is the view from our table, all of us hoping to catch a glimpse of Chef Tyler Florence. The waiter informed us that he's mostly active in the kitchen on nights, but occasionally would pop in during the afternoon. Unfortunately, no sight of him this time around. I'll be back for more. 


The Monterey Bay Sardines ($14) are drenched in heavenly parsley butter, roasted garlic, and herb roasted crumbs, all upon which you would squeeze some lemon juice for vibrancy. If only there was some nice French baguette to sop up the remaining sauce...







Instead, Wayfare Tavern serves complimentary Popovers, which are eggy hollowed-out brioches. There is a designated person with a stainless steel basket of popovers who'll replenish your small plate if you wish. It's fresh out of the oven, to the point that it instantly absorbs the olive oil butter that you can't help but lather on.
















Inviting, no?











The Lobster Cobb ($24), my sister's main dish, is a freshly tossed mix of romaine lettuce, soft boiled Jidori eggs, tomato, smoked bacon, avocado, corn, beets, radishes, and succulent pieces of lobster. A massive, hearty melody.






The Smoked Sonoma Pork Ribs ($26) with Florence's BBQ sauce, roasted plums, and corn on the cob is what my mom ordered. Its meat falls right off the bone and pairs superbly well with the bitter, tangy plums. 


Now, this is what I ordered. The quintessentially French bistro fare, Steak Frites ($27). This heaping serving showcases perfectly cooked Santa Maria tri-tip, truffle butter, watercress, and French fried potatoes. The fries are drizzled with a bit of the truffle butter, which gives them a nice  flavor, like a strong olive oil. I think this could easily be shared with another person, as are the other main dishes above, unless of course you are really that ravenous. 





To top it all off, we decided to dig into the Chocolate Cream Pie ($9). Was it necessary? Knowing that I had reached my limits, it probably wasn't. But why not. Who could resist caramel ganache, devil's food cake, Scharffenberger chocolate pudding, and whipped cream? It's surprisingly not as sweet as you would think, and a perfect dessert following my main meal. 








I walked out of there feeling like an anvil, but it was worth it. 

Location: 558 Sacramento Street, San Francisco 
Open Monday through Saturday 11am-11pm
Open Sunday 5pm-11pm 

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