Wayfare Tavern

Wayfare Tavern

San Francisco, CA

Chef: Tyler Florence

Wayfare Tavern was Tyler Florence's newest restaurant in the city and has been the talk of the town for awhile.  We made reservation about a month in advance and the only available time-slot available was at 6:15pm or 8:45pm on a Wednesday night.   Inside the tavern was dark and manly, like a man's club from back in the day.  We were guided up the steep staircase to the second floor dining area.

We started the evening with Tyler's famous fresh hot popovers which is probably a tribute to his southern roots. It was amazing. 

It was so difficult not to fill up on these fresh popovers as they continue offering these delicious flaky light goodness on your plate.  =)

STEAK TARTARE 

fresh chopped filet, French mustard dressing, egg yolk, garlic toasted popovers

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ESCARGOT 

Burgundian snails, roasted garlic, parsley butter, bacon

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ORGANIC FRIED CHICKEN 

- buttermilk brine, roasted garlic, crisp woody herbs, lemon

 There's a LOT of lightly battered fried chicken.  The buttermilk brining makes the meat under the fried breading really juicy and smooth.  All the extra fried herbs added to the dish produces an extra "zing".

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STEAK FRITES 

- Santa Maria tri-tip, truffle butter, watercress and French fried potatoes

My coat check tag - what a nice touch!

CHOCOLATE & HAZELNUTS

warm flourless Scharffen Berger cake, brown butter

Frangelico ice cream, hazelnut pavlova

A private dining room in the back that looks like a library. 

As we walked down the stairs after our satisfying meal, we see the bright subway-tiled open kitchen.  You could see everything in action, including Tyler himself ensuring each properly executed plate.

The fancy take-away boxes. 

Food: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★☆☆

Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

Presentation: ★★★☆☆