photo: Christina Mitchell
Bourbon & Beef opened a couple weeks ago in the former Water Bar space, and I was invited to check it out. Born in El Salvador to Jordanian parents and raised in San Francisco, Executive Chef and co-owner Munther Massarweh has created a meat-focused menu prepared with seasonal, organic ingredients. My friend and I love bourbon so we started with boozy but smooth Bourbon Negroni (Barrel-Aged White Whiskey, $9). From the small plate side of the menu, we chose the smoky Angus Beef Stuffed Chile Relleno ($15) bathed in a complex mole sauce and the crunchy Torta de Camarones (Marcona Crusted Shrimp Cakes with Creamy Coconut Mango Chutney, $14). The small plates were tasty, but expensive – only venture to that side of the menu if you have an expense account. My friend is pescatarian, so we ordered the slightly spicy Seafood Paella (Giant Tasmanian Prawns, Assorted Crustaceans, Sausages & Saffron Rice, $28) without sausage, and the chef graciously loaded the plate with more shellfish. This dish was a much better value, but I think the dessert was my favorite. The beautifully plated Bourbon & Bing Cherry Rice Pudding ($8) was an interesting combination of flavors and textures.
5634 College Ave, Oakland
Christina Mitchell
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Bourbon Negroni — now that sounds interesting! Thanks for being our scout — I was wondering what it’s like!
It’s my pleasure. Thanks for reading – and let me know if you try it!