So Steve, Vee and I were finally able to dedicate an evening to eating at the Black Hoof. It takes a full evening because getting a table there usually means spending about an hour in their holding tank, the Hoof Cafe to wait for your table and then another few hours eating everything on the menu.
Luckily, the Hoof Cafe makes some darn good cocktails and have their own finger lickin good menu so obviously we had a pre-meal there too. We started with the amuse bouche, a neat little fried cube of pork hoc terrine sitting on a truffle oil reduction topped with diced green apple.
Luckily, the Hoof Cafe makes some darn good cocktails and have their own finger lickin good menu so obviously we had a pre-meal there too. We started with the amuse bouche, a neat little fried cube of pork hoc terrine sitting on a truffle oil reduction topped with diced green apple.
Following that, we ordered five more dishes, trying to be mindful of our stomach space since we still planned on dining at the Black Hoof. The best dish that came out of the night was the buttermilk fried chicken. Juicy and tender on the insider, crispy and perfectly seasoned on the outside. The slaw it came with was also fantastic. A close second was the pork belly cooked sous vide, with champagne mustard and perfectly crispy brussel sprouts. In addition, we also tried the bone marrow served with bread (very fatty) and very fresh and tasty tuna crudo with diced cuccumber in a grapefruit jelly topped with candied peanuts.
Finally, over at the Black Hoof main event of the evening was the RAW horse meat sandwich. As if cold, red horse meat on bread wasn't enough rawness, it was served with a raw egg cracked on top and sprinkled with red onions. A bit overwhelming so the three of us split it for our first time. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The meat was tasty and tender without being too gamey. The onions and spicy sauce topped it off perfectly, I could have done without the egg, though. I could see how eating the whole sandwich would be a bit too much, but in small doses, it was delicious.
The Black Hoof and Hoof Cafe would be a great place to bring a small group of the very adventurous. Join us next time, won't you?
UPDATE: Since our visit to the Hoof Cafe, it was reported that the restaurant will close at the end of February and will turn into the Black Hoof & Co. Read about the changes HERE
So first off...
ReplyDeleteI apologize to my dear friend who could not make it. I hear you were in Hawaii or some place warm like that.
Hoof Cafe was a pleasant surprise. Deep Fried Buttermilk Chicken with gravy and biscuits was music to my heart. I believe it was a special and not sure if it's on the menu every night.
The Marrow (Cow Femur) was too much for me. Being a lover of deep fried foods and fast foods, the bone marrow was like eating spoon full of butter topped with butter. Definitely, worth the try but I don't know if I would repeat.
The Pork Belly... Wow! I remember only two little pieces were on the plate. Annie kindly cut the two squares into 4 pieces. Being a gentleman, I waited my turn to take a piece and would dare to have a second piece. Annie took the first piece and started a conversation with Vee regarding the deep fried green stuff. I sampled the Pork Belly and quickly ate a second piece before Vee got to try hers. I think I could have eaten 10 of those easily.
So we got a phone call from Black Hoof to inform us that our table was ready. After a group conference, these three little piggies decided that a full second meal was required.
Black Hoof was all about Raw Horse Sammy. I've only been starting to eat sushi since the summer, so anything raw is an adventure for me. I had to psych myself up for this one. After almost backing out, I took a bite. Taste like pizza! Annie is so right, the onion and spicy sauce is an excellent combination. The rest of the food was alright but not amazing.
Hoof Cafe - ***First Date approved***
A very small cafe. I loved the decor and the many jugs full of weird stuff. A little quieter than Black Hoof and the food was more enjoyable. A good place for a casual fun date.
4/5 stars which means guys you can take a girl here for a casual first date. Have fun, a few drink, great food, and the rest is up to you ;)
Black Hoof
Very packed and more for the adventurer. Great for a small group looking to experiment and have food conversations.
3/5 stars which means guys you can take a girl here prove you got kahunas by eating Raw Horse Sammy. Only problem is you'll have onion breath and won't be getting any after.