by Marsha L. » Mon Jun 23, 2008 4:11 pm
John and I had dinner at Seviche in the Highlands early yesterday evening, and it was perfect from beginning to end, as usual. We did not run into Anthony, but were well taken care of regardless (I believe his sous-chef Eric was manning the controls in the kitchen).
I called about a half an hour in advance and made a reservation with Madi D. and there was no wait after we walked down there - got a great table in the window, too. Michael was our server and provided gold-standard service. We started with a Caipirinha (me) and an Ommegang Witte (him). We had already made up our mind to order the beef seviche appetizer again (especially since seviches are half-price on Sundays, excluding specials). Last time we asked for and received a mixed plate of empanadas, but this time we just went ahead and ordered the wild mush/goat cheese ones, since they were our absolute favorite.
But before either of the apps got there, Michael appeared (saying "somebody in the kitchen loves you!") from behind the kitchen door with a little bocadito for each of us - a perfectly grilled shrimp over a salsify puree. Great little bite. I dunno if they particularly love me or just sent it out because Madi let them know it was my birthday weekend. Either way, I'll take it! And it was very sweet of them to do.
I adore that beef seviche - it's just a simple beef tenderloin, almost completely rare, and served with the freshest pico de gallo you can get, gosh, anywhere. It's a perfect marriage of red and yellow tomatoes (GOOD tomatoes, too - not bland refrigerated hothouse tomatoes), onions, cilantro, chiles and lime juice. We ate every morsel, each tiny tomato cube. Empanadas were eye-rollingly good, just as before.
I ordered the Churrascos (skirt steak with chimichurri and mashed potatoes). I cannot seem to order anything else besides the Churrascos. I've tried, but just as my brain is saying "tilapia" or whatever, my mouth is saying "Churrascos". My mouth apparently has a mind of its own. John had Filete al Poblano, blood rare (black angus tenderloin with Pt. Reyes Bleu Cheese and roasted poblano demi-glace). Both entrees were perfectly cooked and beautifully plated. While we were waiting, I spied a seared duck breast special at the next table that looked incredible, and was a bit wistful that I hadn't ordered that, but... the mouth-mind had spoken, and it wanted Churrascos.
I abandoned the Caipirinha and asked Michael to ask the bartender to make me something with pomegranate juice and red grapefruit juice, "just ask him to surprise me" (a favorite hobby of mine wherever there's a well-stocked bar and a good bartender). The bartender, Chris, sent back a gorgeous pink drink in an up-glass, garnished with an orange wedge. One sip was enough to send me over to the bar to ask him what was in it. He said he'd used red grapefruit and pomegranate juices, Absolut Ruby Red....and sloe gin! It was the girly pink birthday drink of the year! I said "Chris, what are we gonna call this?" and he said we should think about it, but by the time I got back to the table, John had already dubbed it the "Pink Grenade", which was perfect. So, cool - a new drink is born!
Love, love, love Seviche. Madi, Anthony, Eric, Michael, Chris and everyone else at the Highlands store, thanks again for another perfect meal. Under $100, too, including alcohol- thanks to the special Sunday pricing!
Marsha Lynch
LEO columnist, free range cook/food writer/food stylist