Tuesday, June 7, 2011

City Tavern (Culver City, CA)

The newly opened City Tavern in Culver City may be known for having self-serve taps on the tables, but that is certainly not what they are all about. With more than 20 craft beers on tap, I'm glad they serve taster-size portions. Telegrahp, Lost Abbey, Eagle Rock Brewery, and many more. My friend and I shared tasters along the way, "pairing" them with our food with the help of our knowledgeable waitress.

The dinner started strong with some fresh Carlsbad Luna Oysters with vodka mignonette and fresh horseradish ($15)

Fresh Oysters

Instead of champagne, we had the oysters along with some crisp Julian Hard Cider!
Julian Hard Cider

City Tavern also has a full liquor license with some pretty interesting cocktails. I really enjoyed the creamy Carthusian Flip ($13) made with green Chartreuse, Carpano Antica, fresh lime, 1 whole egg, Laphroaig 10 year islay, fresh nutmeg sprinkle. It's like a boozy Christmas in a glass.
Carthusian Flip
Next came the tomato tarte tatin with caramelized shallots ($11)
Tomato Tart Tatin
I thought it a little strange at first, but it grew on me with the flaky pastry and the juicy tomatoes.

The pan-seared scallops with country ham and mustard butter ($15) were perfectly cooked.
Scallops

Turns out scallops and thinly sliced ham are wonderful together.

A friend had recommended the NY strip steak, olive oil-poached with stout, fingerlings ($17) but alas, when we had it we thought it was tough and dry. It didn't look overcooked but tasted like it, seems like we got a bad cut.
Steak

DO get the grilled romaine with parmesan as your side dish.
Grilled Romaine

Forget salad. Slightly charred with the saltiness of parmesan is the only way to eat Romaine.

The pear galette ($7) was forgettable. Instead be sure to order some Carmela ice cream as your dessert! We had the Guinness flavor and I could not stop eating it!
Pear Galette
There were hits and misses at City Tavern, but overall we quite enjoyed our meal here. They have a larger and better selection than most gastropubs in the area and with a draught beer and cocktail list to back it up. You don't have to have burger and fries with your beer, you can have fresh oysters and perfectly seared scallops and grilled romaine instead!

City Tavern
9739 Culver Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 838-3739
www.citytavernculvercity.com
City Tavern on Urbanspoon

Disclosure: this meal was hosted.

2 comments:

MsFoodie
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MsFoodie
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