lney, MD about 20 miles north of DC is not a
destination in itself, but it is indeed a nice suburban community with
one of the best local theaters. Last night prior to attending a
brilliant
performance of the musical AVENUE Q we chose to dine at TASTE GASTROPUB near the Olney Theater(http://www.tastegastropub.com/). It's a simple place with unremarkable décor, but
the service we received from Tatiana was superb and much of the food was quite good.
Malpeque
and Cape Cod Oysters were on the half shell, so we gobbled a 1/2 dozen
of those and enjoyed a basic OYSTER BAY 2013 Sauvignon Blanc from New
Zealand, a great wine for most of the excellent fish dishes they offer.
Will
headed for the AHI TUNA TARTARE with Ginger, Chili, White Soy and sadly
it was a very small portion with SIX, yes SIX huge slices of focaccia; I
guess they were trying to make up for the extremely small portion. On
the other hand my
Shaved American KOBE (Beef) SALAD was huge
and while not overdosed with the tender beef it packed a punch from
jalapenos and was loaded with greens, scallions, cucumber, tomatoes, red
onion, some peanuts a fabulous fennel slaw, carrots, and tasty dressing
with some fried onions; it was a superb combo and quite filling.
I
ordered the special of Pan Seared HALIBUT with Foie Gras (although I
tasted it, there was no apparent meat in the dish). Oyster/Horseradish
Emulsion, a super crunchy crust and Zucchini, Carrots and Arugula
underneath. It was an superb dish and I felt awful when Will's fish
arrived as it was the whole BRANZINO with Roasted Potatoes, and Arugula
& Orange Gremolata. He looked at the head and begged Tatiana to
fillet it, which she graciously did; they really need to say it's a
whole fish on the menu. It was tasty, but still had some bones, and
while a mayo dip was on the side, a simple squeeze of fresh lemon was
all the superb fish needed. BRUSSELS SPROUTS are a great side here which
come with bacon and are beautifully cooked as well.
Will
& I were both looking at the RHUBARB PIE with Strawberry Salad and
Violet Sorbet, so we decided to split that telling Tatiana we had not
had rhubarb in ages. She recommended the peach cobbler, but we did not
listen-DUMB US!
The pie had very little fruit filling and the
strawberry salad was barely one forkful, while the sorbet was nice, it
was the dud dessert for sure. The French Press coffee however is sublime
and woke us up for a superb performance at the nearby theater.
I
wouldn't rush back to Taste, especially since it's almost 40 minutes
from our fome, but I would go again pre or post-Olney Theater!
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