Revival in Berkeley with fruit jellies
Thank you, Kristen Sun, my dear friend who has shared many great meals with me in Berkeley and definitely many more in the future, for sharing a post here with us today đŸ™‚
Halfway through our meal, Mai and I turned to each other and we agreed, “I’m not that full yet” and “I can still eat more.” This was after a small plate of charcuterie (which wasn’t that small) and two small plates, which again, were not that small. It solved, however, the main question that had been bugging us since we arrived at the restaurant: which entrees should we get? And if we get more than one entree, could we still do dessert? Turns out indecision works very well at this restaurant; sampling the diverse offerings of the menu is definitely the way to go! Eating with Mai is always a treat – for the mind and for the stomach! Thank you Mai for the great honor of being a guest blogger for Flavor Bouvelard!
Simply put, Revival Bar & Kitchen, located right in the middle of Downtown Berkeley, is gorgeous. The tall ceiling, the rustic decor, the feeling of open space, and best of all, a bookshelf tucked away in the corner, give Revival a unique feel. The tables were just the appropriate width apart when it comes to having good conversation with two women who bonded with Mai over their travels to Vietnam, and perhaps a tad bit too close when we overheard a man speaking unkindly about his (absent) girlfriend to another friend. But let’s speak of the food…
When we received our menus, right away our eyes landed on the charcuterie section, which consisted of fresh ham, duck liver mousse, coppa di testa (headcheese), and smoked duck breast ($8 for an individual plate, $18 for a small plate of all charcuterie, and $26 for a large plate of all charcuterie). The fresh ham and the smoked duck, while delicious, were not particularly unique in any way. The coppa di testa… now this is something interesting. It was my first taste of headcheese, so I went in without any expectations. It’s sour and leaves a slight fizzy aftertaste like a soda. It also is very fragile; it is not quite a cold cut but not quite a pate either… it had a very weird “saucy” consistency, which Mai found to be weird as well compared to the headcheese that she is accustomed to! The duck liver mousse was our favorite meat on the plate; the texture is rich and smooth and the taste just strong enough without being overpowering. This plate was definitely fun, as we could combine all the different meats with the sides (raspberry jelly, pickles, and mustard) in as many different combinations as we wished, each bite yielding a new combination of flavors. We both agreed that the real standout on the plate, however, was the raspberry marmalade. In fact, as we would soon discover, the one thing that Revival really excels
at are its fruit jellies.
Next on our list are the two small plates: tempura fried squash blossoms ($13) and bone marrow ($11). The tempura fried squash blossoms, stuffed with ricotta and goat cheese, were delicious and light and the pieces of fried zucchini that garnish the plate were also good. Mai, however, found that the squash blossoms had a stronger goat cheese flavor than she would have liked. The sauce, a cilantro mint coulis, paired well with the fried vegetables, but was forgettable.
For me, the standout dish of the night is the bone marrow. Rich and fatty, this first taste of bone marrow was just perfect. Best of all, we were allowed to season the meat ourselves, as the dish comes with a side of sea salt. The crunchy baguette, the flavorful meat, the salt, and best of all, the kumquat marmalade worked perfectly together. This dish, for me, was one of the perfect bites of the night. And once again, we were blown away by the fruit – the kumquat marmalade, which really is a standout on its own, tied the flavors of the dish together perfectly.
Despite all of this food, it was at this point that Mai and I decided to go for it and ordered both of the larger plates that we were looking at, which our waitress recommended as the two best as well. The risotto cakes ($21), however, were just okay. The cakes themselves were a bit dry and bland. The porcini mushrooms, while not having the typical “musty” mushroom taste as Mai explains, really did not add any unique flavor to the dish. However, I loved the porcini jus and could not stop dipping into the sauce. I love thick almost puree-like textures and this was no exception. Mai and I both agreed that the vegetables that came on the side were delicious and outshone the risotto cakes.
The pork chop ($25) was good and very well-cooked – juicy, full of flavor, and not dry in the slightest. Both Mai and I found the bourbon butter to be a bit too strong and overpowering of the meat; we ended up scraping most of the butter off. The potatoes and artichokes were well-cooked and flavorful, but not particularly unique.
Overall, the smaller plates succeeded more than the larger plates and the size of the small plates comes at a overall better bargain, as there is not much difference in portion sizes.
Of course, our meal cannot end without dessert. And were we ever glad because the desserts here are amazing! We settled on an apricot mousse ($8), but after asking what the ice cream du jour ($7) was, we had to order that as well. The flavor is apricot pit, which we of course, had to try. Our waiter informed us that it has an almond-like taste, which we agreed on; the flavor is much lighter, however. The nuttiness and creaminess of the ice cream, along with the crunchiness of the pecans, were a perfect combination!
The apricot mousse, likewise, was also delicious. While we couldn’t make out the flavor of the green tea cake at the bottom, the light fluffiness of the apricot mixed with the sourness of the blood orange reduction and the crunch of the brulĂ©ed bottom was quite pleasing texturally. As for that blood orange reduction…it had a marmalade texture but it was chilled so it was almost like a sorbet. A clear stand-out!
Overall, Revival made for a great dinner and we had lovely neighbors to chat with as well near the end of our meal. The real standouts here – the raspberry jelly, the kumquat marmalade, and the blood orange reduction – were unexpected but elevated what could have been ordinary or boring dishes into something special. When I think of a perfect dining experience, eating at Revival definitely ranks high: great friends, new acquaintances, and delicious food at a relaxed and leisurely pace.
Address: Revival
2102 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 549-9950
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how could we communicate?
1Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your article seem to be running off the screen in Chrome. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The design look great though! Hope you get the issue fixed soon. Thanks
2Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something informative to read?
3Real fantastic information can be found on blog. “I am not merry but I do beguile The thing I am, by seeming otherwise.” by William Shakespeare.
4It’s best to participate in a contest for the most effective blogs on the web. I’ll advocate this site!
5I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the structure of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?
6Would love to forever get updated outstanding web site! .
7This is a topic close to my heart cheers, where are your contact details though?
8Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say great blog!
9I savor, cause I discovered exactly what I was looking for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
10I must convey my admiration for your kindness giving support to individuals that must have help on this field. Your very own dedication to passing the message all over came to be pretty insightful and has regularly helped somebody much like me to reach their desired goals. Your personal interesting report implies a whole lot a person like me and still more to my office workers. Thanks a ton; from each one of us.
11I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.
12Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in truth was a entertainment account it. Glance advanced to more introduced agreeable from you! By the way, how could we keep in touch?
13You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
14I’d forever want to be update on new articles on this web site, saved to my bookmarks! .
15Sweet internet site, super design, very clean and utilize pleasant.
16Enjoyed looking through this, very good stuff, thanks.
17Awsome website! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am taking your feeds also.
18I like the efforts you have put in this, thanks for all the great content.
19I envy your piece of work, thankyou for all the useful posts.
20Hi! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
21I am glad to be one of several visitants on this outstanding internet site (:, thanks for putting up.
22Perfectly pent content, Really enjoyed examining.
23Hello my family member! I wish to say that this article is amazing, great written and come with approximately all important infos. I’d like to look more posts like this.
24Wohh just what I was searching for, thanks for posting.
25Some truly select content on this internet site, saved to my bookmarks.
26Hey, you used to write excellent, but the last few posts have been kinda boringK I miss your great writings. Past several posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
27Really good information can be found on blog.
28We stumbled over here by a different page and thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to exploring your web page again.
29hey there and thank you for your information – I’ve certainly picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise several technical points using this website, since I experienced to reload the web site lots of times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK? Not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and could damage your quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for much more of your respective intriguing content. Ensure that you update this again soon..
30It’s really a nice and useful piece of info. I am satisfied that you simply shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
31I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thanks , I’ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your site?
32Thank you a lot for providing individuals with such a nice possiblity to read in detail from this website. It is often so beneficial and jam-packed with fun for me and my office friends to search your website at the least 3 times per week to study the new secrets you have. And of course, I am just actually astounded with all the stunning knowledge you give. Certain two points on this page are absolutely the most impressive we have all had.
33There’s noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made sure nice factors in options also.
34I’ve read a few excellent stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much effort you place to create this sort of fantastic informative site.
35It’s onerous to find knowledgeable individuals on this subject, but you sound like you recognize what you’re talking about! Thanks
36I just couldn’t leave your website before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the usual info a person supply for your guests? Is gonna be back regularly in order to inspect new posts.
37Howdy would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re using? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good hosting provider at a honest price? Thank you, I appreciate it!
38Hello, you used to write magnificent, but the last several posts have been kinda boringK I miss your super writings. Past few posts are just a little out of track! come on!
39I beloved as much as you will receive performed right here. The cartoon is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. however, you command get got an shakiness over that you want be turning in the following. sick definitely come more before once more since exactly the same just about a lot frequently inside case you shield this hike.
40I like what you guys are up too. Such smart work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my web site :).
41Enjoyed reading this, very good stuff, appreciate it. “We swallow greedily any lie that flatters us, but we sip little by little at a truth we find bitter.” by Denis Diderot.
42Hello! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Thank you
43My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find a lot of your post’s to be exactly I’m looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write content available for you? I wouldn’t mind composing a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write in relation to here. Again, awesome site!
44Good website! I really love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!
45Just a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw great pattern.
46It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this superb blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will talk about this blog with my Facebook group. Chat soon!
47wonderful points altogether, you just gained a brand new reader. What would you suggest in regards to your post that you made a few days ago? Any positive?
48I adore examining and I conceive this website got some truly useful stuff on it! .
49This website is my intake, real good design and perfect articles.
50