Wood Tavern

Before I get into this, you should know that I am basically just waiting for an opportunity to go back again.

The evening we went to Wood Tavern, we were celebrating an anniversary of sorts and in order to go on this specific date, I had made the reservation a few weeks in advance. Of course, that day, something horrific and unexpected took place with the potential to derail our plans. When we called Wood Tavern to let them know that we wouldn't be making our reservation because I wasn't able to get away from work, they simply let us know that we could come later that evening and would 9 PM be OK? Let's just say that their response wasn't what I had been expecting. Very very happily, we were able to enjoy our evening, albeit a little later than we had anticipated.

The feel of Wood Tavern is masculine with it's polished wood and copper accents, and yet warm at the same time. It is a small place, and can be pretty loud, but overall, it feels like a high quality neighborhood joint. Besides the response we had received over the phone, when we walked in, everyone was incredibly welcoming. We were seated almost immediately, and the server came over just as fast. He was great with recommendations through the whole meal, and pointed us toward some great dishes. Additionally, he kept our (my) cocktails flowing.

We intended to split two appetizers - the crispy pork belly and the yellowfin tartare. Sadly for Dan, as soon as I bit into the pork belly, there wasn't much chance that I was going to be doing any sharing. It was served perfectly - hot and crisp - set over frisee and egg, and made for an amazing start to the meal. The tartare was plated wonderfully, and was light and refreshing. I don't think his appetizer blew Dan away like mine did, but it was still well done.

I followed up my pork appetizer with a pork entree...which our server reassured me wouldn't be a problem, as the two dishes were not similar. I had my doubts, but he was right. I never got overwhelmed or tired of the taste, as they were very different preparations. The pork chop I ordered was absolutely huge, and I don't think I finished half of it. I attribute some of that to the fact that it was served with a sauce that I felt was a little too heavy and sweet for pork (it seemed like it would have been great on lamb chops). But, even so, it was a well prepared and I enjoyed the rest of it the next day.

Our waiter surprised Dan by recommending the roast chicken dish without hesitation, mentioning that he doesn't like to go out and order something that he could make at home, but that the chicken was good enough to have out. The dish came out with a half chicken, and was juicy and flavorful - definitely better than we would have made at home. We were impressed. It also came with some great potatoes and a sauce that only made everything taste better.

As dessert lovers, we always anticipate the end of a meal, but dessert that night was the low point of our meal. The chocolate cake with hazelnuts was...chocolate cake. Sadly, nothing particularly special or memorable.

That being said, as soon as I can get a reservation to go back (it's pretty tough right now) I will be. For well prepared meat dishes, good drinks and welcoming service, this is my new favorite place.