Address: 342 Howard St. b/t Fremont & Beale St., SOMA, SF
Phone Number: (415) 908-3900
Cuisine: New American, Southern
Date Last Visited: December 2, 2009
Dining Partner: The Foodinista Ladies
It is always a good thing to celebrate someone’s accomplishment of getting a new job, and that is what the Foodinistas and I did on this December evening. One of our girls, VirgoBlue, was hired for a new job (which I am so envious of) and Town Hall was her choice for dinner. I was sold at the mention of “butterscotch pot de crème” in the evite.
For starters, I had the “Dorothy Parker” which consisted of Tru Organic Lemon Vodka, Citronage, dash of Chambord, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and a float of sparling wine, served up in a cocktail glass. I loved it. So girly, sweet, and tangy. To share, we had the Cornmeal Fried Oysters, Spinach Herbsaint Puree, and Bacon. I apologize for my atrocious pictures. I was too shy to use the flash at the time and I had only owned my new DSLR for a few days, and I had no idea had to use it. The oysters were pretty good. Can’t say I was totally impressed; however, the coating was perfectly crispy and the green sauce inside the shell was delicious. Good way to start off dinner.
Johnston Family Country Ham, Butter, and Pepper Jelly
Another appetizer we shared were these lovely biscuits, while the biscuits were buttery and pleasing, it’s the pepper jelly that blew me away. I ordinarily do not like jellies, jams, conserves, etc., but I could eat this jelly all day long. You get the sweetness at first, but then you get this heat that is so wonderful when spread on the tender biscuit. The ham were also delightful, lending some saltiness to the bite. Awesome.
Pomegranate, Apple Butter, Cavelo Nero, and Delicata Squash
This was my entrée and it was humungous. I split it up so that I can share with everyone else, and I was still full off of the portion I had left. Apples and pork chops are classic combination, but I loved the pomegranate because they add a burst of sourness.
Squash Risotto, Porcini, and Black Truffle Sauce
Amy of Streaming Gourmet and Steph of Lick My Spoon ordered this plate of scallops and I was very very green with envy. I could only imagine each bite being velvety from the risotto and sweet from the scallops.
Collard Greens, Smashed Potatoes,
and Home Style Bacon Gravy
Fried chicken is always a crowd pleaser. I have read on almost every review on Town Hall that the fried chicken ordered. The coating on that chicken is money. I also had some of the potatoes and I need to get my hands on that gravy recipe. This is the epitome of comfort food. Fried chicken-y goodness. Good choice, Danielle (of Bon Vivant).
Fried Okra and Oyster Dirty Rice
Vera of My $10,000 Wedding, gave me a bite of her fish and again, I was JEALOUS. The fish was very tasty, but it was the dirty rice that impressed me. Pieces of oyster combined in a flavorful rice medley. You also gotta love the fried okra!
Poached Egg and Jalapeno Cream
The celebrant, Miss Elaine of VirgoBlue ordered this masterpiece. The bread toasted enough to have a slight crunch, only to be soaked by the gorgeous cream mixed with the warm, runny egg yolk…A bit salty, a bit spicy, extremely rich. The best.
As if the poached egg dish wasn’t decadent already, Elaine ordered the truffle mac-n-cheese. TDF. That’s all I need to be happy: starch and cheese. Add truffle? Over the top.
&
Butterscotch and Chocolate Pot de Crème
The grand finale! That butterscotch pot de crème must have been the best dessert I put in my mouth all Winter. Creamy, silky smooth, and not too sweet. Perfect. It had all of us dreaming at night…and day in my case. That chocolate mousse was a surprise. I am always afraid that a choco-centric dessert would be too rich, but this gold leafed ornamented dessert was just right. There would be no way that I would finish it on my own, but to share is ideal. Two fantastic desserts to share with fantastic ladies.
So what did I think of Town Hall? Atmosphere-wise, it was very warm with its sexy low lighting, but its high ceilings can make sound echo - causing hard-to-hear conversations. The food was great - delicious stick to your ribs, I think I might have to go to the gym, but I won’t fare. The food came out quickly and the other items on the menu make me want to pay another visit: tuna tartare, rib eye, jambalaya. Thank you to Danielle and Elaine for setting up this fun gathering. Ladies, I had a fabulous time with you, as always. Until the next dinner! I’m ready for more oysters!
