Sunday, April 26, 2009

Adams Morgan's BLACK SQUIRREL Bar has brass

Our old buddy Gene who had been one of the owners and chefs years back at SAVEUR in Upper Georgetown opened THE BALCK SQUIRREL in Adams Morgan last year (2427 18th Street NW - www.blacksquirrel.com) and while it is more of a bar than a dining destination, the food is quite good. The tables are all bar type with high chairs or stools, so it's not for the elderly or handicapped, especially since the bar is a up a flight of steps. The decor is eclectic with everything from lots of squirrel photos and drawings to posters of Farah Fawcett; the music is 80's softer disco, at least it was Sunday from 6-8pm.

Beer is the specialty here and the beer menu is indeed astounding; the wine menu gets little thought and I was wishing I could get something better that an FAT BASTARD Rose 2006, but I was barking up the wrong tree (at the squirrel, I guess!). The food is well prepared and portions are huge with prices quite reasonable. Samuel ordered the kid's portion of FISH & CHIPS (while there is not children's menu, the staff is most friendly and accommodating) whic was moist tilapia in BLACK SQUIRREL's AMBER BOCK BEER Batter and served with a remoulade that packs a huge kick. Beware the generous dipping portion as you might be tempted to go for a BIG dip and end up with a bit too much spice; I loved it though. Gene added some battered carrots which were divine, but Samuel was interested only in the tasty fish and spiced fries, which he declared needed no ketchup (he got a small taste of the remoulade and asked us to remove it from his plate!).

Will and I both started with the creamy rich CHILLED BEET SOUP which had pickled veggies (I think it was cabbage?) which added a crunch and flavor; it was perfect in the 90+ degree heat we had yesterday! Will's diet led him to the BALSAMIC POACHED BEET SALAD with Thyme Garlic Vinaigrette and subbed some Grilled Chicken for the Bacon Toast & Goat Cheese. My Prince Edward Island MUSSELS in AMBER BOCK CURRY CREAM with Thyme, Bacon and Garlic were divine and enough for two folks to split! They were accompanied by a cup of traditional BOARDWALK FRIES which were slightly spicy, very yummy and did indeed have a little crunch
vs. that Boardwalk Fries limpness as well. Samuel helped me devour the cup, again with not a single tad of ketchup!

We went home very full, knowing that while Black Squirrel may not be a family spot and is indeed more of a bar, the food we saw going by from the burgers, to mac&cheese and more all looked so tempting that we must go back again!