An hour on the porch at Farley Bar, the all-day al fresco dining opportunity adjacent to Murray Circle, offered a momentary escape from the every day routine. Spring and fall bring less fog to this oft-visited locale practically underneath the Golden Gate Bridge ~ today was 75F and sunny. The day called for white wine on the porch, preferably shoeless and in a chaise lounge for optimal relaxation (rocking chairs available on the upstairs porch). I took a half-shaded banquette.
The wine arrived first ~ Trenza Blanco (60% Albariño and 40% Grenache Blanc) from the Edna Valley ~ bright citrus flavors and enough acidity to pair with fish or fowl.
The yellowtail carpaccio was served with wafer-thin sliced crudité, celery juice vinaigrette (fresh-squeezed celery juice?), a dash of olive oil and a sprinkle of golden mustard seed flowers. The presentation was pure spring, the flavor was bright and fresh and the texture was an inter-play of crispy, creamy and crunchy. The celery juice, a soft flavor note, worked beautifully with the fish. You noticed the flavor but it did not overwhelm the protein. I did not want to leave a drop of that vinaigrette on the plate and wished I could build my own Bloody Mary with the leftovers.
The grass-fed hamburger satisfied but the texture felt a bit mushy. Chuck too finely ground?
My 2-hour escape ended with the arrival of the bill and I scooted home, sated and happy.Labels: al fresco dining, cavallo point, farley bar, sausalito