Our latest visit to The Barrio was to their new location in Lakewood. Dare I say, it is even cooler than the Tremont restaurant, or at least larger and much easier to get seated. The decor is very fun with Day of the Dead murals on all walls, a bicycling skeleton suspended above head, festive lights, and a unique chandelier made out of liquor bottles.
The menu is the same with build-your-own custom tacos, which were delicious, although we agreed they were a little spicier than Tremont's version. Then again, one person at our table ordered the Ghost-Pepper sauce, so... caliente doesn't cover it. First he began turning red and sweating, and finally admitted he was on fire.
Read our earlier post from June 1, 2012 for more details, and be sure to check out either Barrio location, with their cool and interesting twist on the taco experience.
Unity Design is a print and online design firm that specializes in the restaurant and culinary industry.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
The Oak Barrel
After reading an article about The Oak Barrel and learning that a previous chef from Deagan's had opened this new restaurant in Valley View, we had to check it out. We had never visited the space, which was previously Hoggy's. As usual, we took a quick look online. The website seemed to be still under construction, but the menu was very promising. We decided to check it out on Taco Tuesday and are really glad we did!
The first thing we noticed was the awesome patio with an open-pit fireplace and oak barrels all around. Very inviting, and I suspect we will find ourselves there often this summer. The interior entrance is expansive and surprising. Straight ahead is a two-level dining room with both intimate tables and long tables suitable for community dining and large parties. We were told the upstairs is mostly for events and large parties as well as overflow for the busy weekends.
We opted for the large bar area because it seemed lively. We immediately noticed the intriguing, rare craft beers set along the bar, and the incredibly extensive craft beer list. We learned that they rotate this list monthly and the beers are all-craft, no-crap. Cheers to that!
The menu has something for everyone, with many local ingredients, and I was thrilled with the multitude of vegetarian options. Since it was Taco Tuesday, we felt compelled to go with that menu. I had the Vegan Unicorn Tacos, made with crispy seitan, a local radish slaw, arugula, and a sweet chili sauce to finish. They were so bright and flavorful – a great blend of sweet with a little kick of spice. The husband had a Spicy Shrimp Taco – perfectly cooked shrimp that popped, with well-balanced flavors and a fresh cilantro finish, and an Asian Chicken Taco which he did not like as much – it may have just been his order, but the orange-soy glaze overpowered everything else. He had also been eyeballing the free-range turkey burger on the menu, and decided to try that as well. It came on a brioche bun and he subbed in some garlicky green beans rather than fries. He said it was really good and he'd get it again.
Our bartender, Caspian, took good care of us, and answered all of our many questions, offering up additional information on nightly specials, music and brunch. The Oak Barrel is a truly welcome addition to the neighborhood. Everything impressed, from the expansive-yet-cozy atmosphere, to the fresh, tasty food and local ingredients, to the adventurous drink list. Check it out!
Unity Design is a print and online design firm that specializes in the restaurant and culinary industry.
The first thing we noticed was the awesome patio with an open-pit fireplace and oak barrels all around. Very inviting, and I suspect we will find ourselves there often this summer. The interior entrance is expansive and surprising. Straight ahead is a two-level dining room with both intimate tables and long tables suitable for community dining and large parties. We were told the upstairs is mostly for events and large parties as well as overflow for the busy weekends.
We opted for the large bar area because it seemed lively. We immediately noticed the intriguing, rare craft beers set along the bar, and the incredibly extensive craft beer list. We learned that they rotate this list monthly and the beers are all-craft, no-crap. Cheers to that!
The menu has something for everyone, with many local ingredients, and I was thrilled with the multitude of vegetarian options. Since it was Taco Tuesday, we felt compelled to go with that menu. I had the Vegan Unicorn Tacos, made with crispy seitan, a local radish slaw, arugula, and a sweet chili sauce to finish. They were so bright and flavorful – a great blend of sweet with a little kick of spice. The husband had a Spicy Shrimp Taco – perfectly cooked shrimp that popped, with well-balanced flavors and a fresh cilantro finish, and an Asian Chicken Taco which he did not like as much – it may have just been his order, but the orange-soy glaze overpowered everything else. He had also been eyeballing the free-range turkey burger on the menu, and decided to try that as well. It came on a brioche bun and he subbed in some garlicky green beans rather than fries. He said it was really good and he'd get it again.
Our bartender, Caspian, took good care of us, and answered all of our many questions, offering up additional information on nightly specials, music and brunch. The Oak Barrel is a truly welcome addition to the neighborhood. Everything impressed, from the expansive-yet-cozy atmosphere, to the fresh, tasty food and local ingredients, to the adventurous drink list. Check it out!
Unity Design is a print and online design firm that specializes in the restaurant and culinary industry.
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