20 March 2014

Birch and Barley - a 2014 James Beard Semifinalist

Birch and Barley was next on my list of  DC area restaurants that are 2014 James Beard Award semifinalists.

Birch and Barley called to confirm my reservation. When I returned the call I spoke to Darren who suggested I arrive early if I planned to drive to the restaurant because street parking was hard to find and the closest parking lot charged $20. I took Darren's advice and  I am glad I did.

I ordered the tasting menu and the beer pairings. On the menu (beer pairings are in bold, italic font):
 
Crudo of Mackerel
Crème Fraîche, Mizuna, Pine Nuts, Parmesan, Preserved Lemon
Leipziger Gose / Bayerischer Bahnhof / Germany
 
Radicchio-Stuffed Skate
Castelvetrano Olive Relish, Salsify, Spinach Purée
Broadside / Adnams / England
 
Chowder Soup Dumplings
Virginia Littleneck Clams, Smoky Prosciutto Crumbs, Micro Celery
Edmund Fitzgerald / Great Lakes Brewing Company / Ohio
 
Seared Beef Skirt Steak
Creamed Oats, Toasted Apple, Roasted Parsnips
Gouden Carolus Classic / Brouwerij Het Anker / Belgium
 
Creamsicle Cheesecake
Blood Orange Sorbet, itrus, Lemon Curd, Candiesd Kumquats; Blood Orange Chip
Palo Santo Marron/Dogfhish Head Craft Brewery/Delaware

 After eating mackerel at Birch and Barley I am going to rethink adding mackerel to my list of preferred fish. The beer paired with it highlighted the citrus elements in the dish The skate was delicious, moist and tender. The puree spinach and olive added contrasting sweet and saltiness to the dish. The beer paired with the skate was complemented the dish's flavors.  The dumplings reminded me of having a warm creamy soup and hearty beer with it. I'm not a fan of clams ( I know I may have to give up my New Englander card for saying that), but these clams were minced and combined with the minced micro celery it was delicious. I found the beef skirt steak dish disappointing. The skirt steak did not impress me like the other dishes did. The cream oats accompanying the skirt steak was unappealing to me although I like parsnips and apples. Fortunately, the creamsicle cheesecake made my dining experience end on a high night. The blood orange crisp is a lovely garnish The candied kumquats and orange slices when combined with the smooth, creamy cheesecake taste just like the creamsicle of my childhood.

The lighting in the section I was seated was so dim it was not possible to take photos without a flash, read the menu without from the candle on my table or see my dishes without the help of the light on my Android. In the interest of full disclosure, I did ask Becky if I was moved to a nearby table whether she would be still be my server. When she told me she wouldn't I chose to stay where I was  as I felt I had already established 'rapport' with Becky. On future visits, I will ask the host/hostess to seat me in a better lit area.

I recommend reservations for Birch and Barley. My reservation was at 6:15pm and as I prepared to leave there was a queue of people waiting for tables. In fact, I had to dodge one angry would be diner who was grilling the host about why he couldn't have a seat now (no, he didn't have a reservation).

Birch and Barley is located in the Logan Circle area of DC. The closest metro stops and McPherson square and U Street/Cardozo - about a 12 to 15 minute walk away. There are metro buses that run along 14th street as well. Metered and zoned parking is available on streets near Birch and Barley, be  prepared to arrive a little early and circle the area to secure a parking spot.

The finalists will be announced on 18 March. Good luck Birch and Barley!

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