My Meal at Bix - In Honor of Heirloom Tomato Week...

Speaking of heirloom tomatoes, and also in keeping with this week's theme, I had the most extraordinary experience with the Summer Tomato Cart at Bix that I just had to share with you.  It truly blew me away...

I had been wanting to try Bix for quite some time now on several recommendations from trusted Foodie friends and various write-ups by fellow food writers.  The Menu alone is rather extensive, featuring many different Dishes prepared with seasonal items, which is sure to suit anyone's palate.  Not to mention, the warm, stylish Deco-esque decor along with the nightly live jazz, serves as a perfect backdrop to make your dining experience even more special.  The restaurant is both elegant and lively, and reminiscent of the glamour of the glorious Jazz Era of the 30's and 40's.  Tucked in an alley in San Francisco's Financial District, Bix describes itself as a world class supperclub and I am inclined to agree.

So in case you haven't been out in the dining scene lately, the latest trend literally 'going around' in restaurants these days is the Heirloom Tomato Cart.  We've seen cheese carts at places like Gary Danko and prime rib carts at the House of Prime Rib, but the current fad is this Tomato Cart.  To be honest, I was a little skeptical at first, but as I sat down to dine at Bix, I was compelled to try it and see what the excitement was all about.

As my dining companion and I sat down for dinner and we were given a nice little surprise to accompany the Veuve Clicquot that we were drinking.  The server presented us with one of Bix's signature dishes, that went perfectly with the Veuve - the Potato Pillows with Creme Fraiche and American Sturgeon Caviar.  I could not have described it better, because Potato Pillows they certainly were.  Light and fluffy little bundles topped with just the right amount of Creme Fraiche and Caviar that together with Champagne, make quite the convivial cameraderie.  A perfect start...

Our next foray was into the world of Roasted Bone Marrow.  I like to think of Marrow as 'Meat Butter'.  I know that may sound a little strange, if not outright bizarre for those that have never tried it.  I know that it is not for everyone, but for yours truly, carnivorous Raptor and Food Maven that I am, it is just as heavenly as a perfectly pan-seared Foie Gras that just melts in your mouth.  I had read that their Marrow was exceptional, and I will tell you that it certainly lived up to that expectation.  On the menu it was called Marrow Bones “St. John” and it was served with a Parsley, Caper and Shallot Salad and slices of Grilled Durum Bread.  A great second course, and at this point, I have to say that I was not expecting it to get better.  But better it surely became...

We then decided to try Bix's Summer Tomato Cart which was brought over to our table and prepared tableside.  As I mentioned earlier, I was a bit skeptical.  I mean, only San Francisco would even attempt to showcase Heirloom Tomatoes as if they were fine, aged Cheese... 
But to my astonishment, once I tasted these perfectly ripe Heirloom Tomatoes and paired with the deliciously, creamy House-Pulled Mozzarella and Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Basil, I was made to believe.  The Tomatoes were so perfectly ripe and delicious that I had one of my SF Food Maven 'experiences'...  I just never knew that Tomatoes could even taste that good!
All I can say is, 'Amen!'...

And now on to the Entrees...

Classic Dishes, Reinterpreted and Refined. 

 

My companion opted for the Fish of the day special, which was Pan-Seared Scallops on top of Tuscan Black Bean Puree and Padron Peppers (alliteration unintended) and finished with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  It was accompanied by a trio of Mariquita Farms cauliflower sauteed with Pancetta.  A beautiful Dish...

I went for the American Kobe “Bavette” Steak with Pommes Puree, Roasted Cipollini Onions and Natural Jus which was pure 'Meat Buttery' perfection. 

The Meal at Bix was one of the best meals that I have had in quite some time where the Service was refined, the Food exceptional and consistently good throughout the entire meal and the Atmosphere enchanting...

Cannot wait to go back...