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 🙂
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
Whats up very nice site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds alsoKI am satisfied to find so many helpful information right here within the put up, we need develop extra strategies on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
1whoah this weblog is wonderful i like reading your posts. Keep up the good work! You understand, a lot of persons are looking round for this information, you could aid them greatly.
2Good info and straight to the point. I don’t know if this is actually the best place to ask but do you guys have any ideea where to hire some professional writers? Thanks 🙂
3But a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw outstanding style.
4It’s really a great and helpful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this useful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
5Rattling instructive and wonderful bodily structure of articles, now that’s user genial (:.
6Hi my friend! I want to say that this article is amazing, nice written and come with almost all vital infos. I’d like to look extra posts like this .
7Thanks for the good writeup. It in fact was a enjoyment account it. Glance complex to far delivered agreeable from you! However, how could we be in contact?
8I think this web site has got some rattling great information for everyone :D. “The test of every religious, political, or educational system is the man that it forms.” by Henri Frdric Amiel.
9Great site you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics talked about here? I’d really like to be a part of community where I can get responses from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Many thanks!
10Hi there! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the excellent work!
11you are truly a excellent webmaster. The web site loading pace is amazing. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a magnificent process on this matter!
12Hi, i think that i saw you visited my weblog so i came to “return the favor”.I’m attempting to find things to improve my website!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
13This really answered my problem, thank you!
14Outstanding post, you have pointed out some great details , I as well think this s a very fantastic website.
15Some really nice stuff on this site, I like it.
16Exactly what I was looking for, regards for posting.
17I cling on to listening to the news lecture about getting boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the finest site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i acquire some?
18F*ckin’ awesome things here. I’m very glad to see your post. Thanks a lot and i’m looking forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
19Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem with your website in web explorer, would check thisK IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a large section of other folks will miss your excellent writing due to this problem.
20This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!
21Aw, this was a really nice post. In thought I would like to put in writing like this moreover – taking time and actual effort to make an excellent article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no means seem to get one thing done.
22Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.
23I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!
24Attractive component of content. I simply stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to say that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your feeds or even I achievement you get entry to persistently quickly.
25I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website 🙂
26A person essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular publish amazing. Excellent job!
27Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any recommendations for newbie blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
28Betrupi official giriĹź platformu ve resmi adresi
29Some really nice and useful info on this internet site, as well I believe the layout contains fantastic features.
30My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was totally right. This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
31I believe you have mentioned some very interesting points, thanks for the post.
32I was recommended this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You are incredible! Thanks!
33I likewise think thus, perfectly indited post! .
34Great site! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am taking your feeds also.
35Real superb information can be found on weblog.
36Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your website in internet explorer, would check this… IE still is the market leader and a good portion of people will miss your wonderful writing due to this problem.
37Some really nice stuff on this internet site, I like it.
38Respect to author, some excellent selective information.
39Great work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)
40Its like you learn my thoughts! You appear to understand a lot approximately this, like you wrote the e book in it or something. I believe that you simply can do with a few percent to drive the message home a little bit, however instead of that, that is great blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.
41Regards for this wonderful post, I am glad I detected this internet site on yahoo.
42I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my web site 🙂
43I genuinely enjoy reading on this internet site, it has great blog posts. “You should pray for a sound mind in a sound body.” by Juvenal.
44Good web site! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I might be notified when a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!
45I consider something really interesting about your weblog so I saved to favorites.
46Thank you for any other fantastic article. The place else could anybody get that type of information in such a perfect way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am at the search for such information.
47Loving the information on this web site, you have done great job on the blog posts.
48certainly like your web-site but you need to check the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to tell the truth nevertheless I will certainly come back again.
49My developer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on several websites for about a year and am worried about switching to another platform. I have heard excellent things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into it? Any kind of help would be really appreciated!
50