Flavor Boulevard

We Asians like to talk food.
Subscribe

Revival in Berkeley with fruit jellies

June 12, 2012 By: Mai Truong Category: American, California - The Bay Area

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 bruléed 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

0 Comments to “Revival in Berkeley with fruit jellies”


  1. 늑대닷컴을 검색하며 궁금했던 웹툰 정보와 작품 찾는 방법을 정리했습니다. 연재·완결 구분, 무료 회차와 미리보기 차이, 주소 정보 확인 기준, 모바일 이용 팁과 자주 묻는 질문을 확인하세요.

    1
  2. 구미오피를 검색하며 구미 지역 일반 마사지·스파를 알아보는 분들을 위한 안내입니다. 프로그램 선택, 관리 시간과 비용, 시설·위생, 주차, 예약 전 확인사항과 자주 묻는 질문을 정리했습니다.

    2
  3. 밤토끼가 어떤 사이트였는지, 과거 이력과 현재 검색 정보를 구분하는 방법을 정리했습니다. 예전에 보던 웹툰 찾기, 공식 연재처 확인, 무료 회차와 대여·소장 차이, 자주 묻는 질문까지 한 번에 확인하세요.

    3
  4. 밤토끼가 어떤 사이트였는지, 과거 이력과 현재 검색 정보를 구분하는 방법을 정리했습니다. 예전에 보던 웹툰 찾기, 공식 연재처 확인, 무료 회차와 대여·소장 차이, 자주 묻는 질문까지 한 번에 확인하세요.

    4
  5. 밤토끼가 어떤 사이트였는지, 과거 이력과 현재 검색 정보를 구분하는 방법을 정리했습니다. 예전에 보던 웹툰 찾기, 공식 연재처 확인, 무료 회차와 대여·소장 차이, 자주 묻는 질문까지 한 번에 확인하세요.

    5
  6. 포항오피 검색어의 맥락과 온라인 정보 확인 기준을 정리했습니다. 광고성 표현과 후기의 출처, 게시물의 최신성, 개인정보 보호 방법, 포항 공공정보와 자주 묻는 질문을 확인하세요.

    6
  7. Thank you for every other magnificent article. Where else may anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect manner of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the search for such info.

    7
  8. Регулярное техническое обслуживание двухколёсной техники принципиально важно так как от состояния ключевых деталей зависит безопасность во время движения. Качественный уход даёт возможность снизить риск отказа техники и продлить срок службы ходовой части. Интеграл Моторс Кроме того регулярное ТО повышает ликвидность мотоцикла и помогает сделать поездки экономичнее. Следовательно нельзя откладывать обслуживании иначе рисковать.

    8
  9. 포항오피 검색어의 맥락과 온라인 정보 확인 기준을 정리했습니다. 광고성 표현과 후기의 출처, 게시물의 최신성, 개인정보 보호 방법, 포항 공공정보와 자주 묻는 질문을 확인하세요.

    9
  10. Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

    10
  11. Normally I don’t read article on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, very nice article.

    11
  12. Very interesting subject , appreciate it for posting.

    12
  13. Hi there, You have done a fantastic job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this site.

    13
  14. Thank you a lot for sharing this with all people you actually recognise what you’re talking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly also talk over with my site =). We could have a link trade agreement between us!

    14
  15. Thank you for sharing excellent informations. Your web site is so cool. I am impressed by the details that you’ve on this site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found simply the information I already searched all over the place and just could not come across. What a great web-site.

    15
  16. A formidable share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing slightly evaluation on this. And he in actual fact bought me breakfast as a result of I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! However yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I really feel strongly about it and love reading extra on this topic. If doable, as you turn into experience, would you thoughts updating your weblog with more details? It’s highly useful for me. Massive thumb up for this weblog post!

    16
  17. Hello are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you need any html coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    17
  18. I have learn a few good stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you place to make any such excellent informative website.

    18
  19. Hey there! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when browsing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this problem. If you have any recommendations, please share. Appreciate it!

    19
  20. Some really interesting info , well written and broadly user pleasant.

    20
  21. fantastic points altogether, you just received a logo new reader. What might you suggest in regards to your submit that you just made a few days ago? Any certain?

    21
  22. Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

    22
  23. I’m curious to find out what blog system you have been utilizing? I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest website and I’d like to find something more safe. Do you have any solutions?

    23
  24. I used to be more than happy to find this internet-site.I wished to thanks in your time for this excellent learn!! I undoubtedly enjoying each little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to check out new stuff you weblog post.

    24
  25. Can I just say what a relief to seek out someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know the best way to carry an issue to mild and make it important. More people have to learn this and perceive this aspect of the story. I cant consider youre not more widespread since you undoubtedly have the gift.

    25
  26. Usually I do not read post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, very nice post.

    26
  27. Hmm it appears like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any suggestions for rookie blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

    27
  28. 소액결제현금화의 의미와 수수료 계산, 실제 부담액을 확인하세요. 휴대폰 결제 한도와 통신요금 청구, 관련 법령, 취소·환불 및 피해 대응까지 공식 자료를 바탕으로 정리했습니다.

    28
  29. 소액결제현금화의 의미와 수수료 계산, 실제 부담액을 확인하세요. 휴대폰 결제 한도와 통신요금 청구, 관련 법령, 취소·환불 및 피해 대응까지 공식 자료를 바탕으로 정리했습니다.

    29
  30. 부산여성전용마사지 부산토닥이 드디어 부산 상륙 NO.1 부산 최대 규모 관리사들 항시 대기중 24시 연중무휴

    30
  31. 부산여성전용마사지 부산토닥이 드디어 부산 상륙 NO.1 부산 최대 규모 관리사들 항시 대기중 24시 연중무휴

    31
  32. 부산여성전용마사지 부산토닥이 드디어 부산 상륙 NO.1 부산 최대 규모 관리사들 항시 대기중 24시 연중무휴

    32
  33. Thank you for all your valuable effort on this site. My mum delights in going through research and it’s easy to see why. Many of us notice all of the lively method you offer useful things on your web blog and even foster participation from some other people about this area and our favorite princess is always becoming educated a whole lot. Enjoy the remaining portion of the year. You are always carrying out a very good job.

    33
  34. I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great. I don’t know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!

    34
  35. You have noted very interesting details! ps decent site. “Hares can gamble over the body of a dead lion.” by Publilius Syrus.

    35
  36. I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one today..

    36
  37. 부산여성전용마사지 부산토닥이 드디어 부산 상륙 NO.1 부산 최대 규모 관리사들 항시 대기중 24시 연중무휴

    37
  38. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this excellent blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this blog with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

    38
  39. Right now it appears like Drupal is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

    39
  40. I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or weblog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this web site. Reading this information So i am satisfied to show that I have an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I such a lot without a doubt will make certain to don’t forget this web site and give it a glance on a constant basis.

    40
  41. Hello. remarkable job. I did not imagine this. This is a excellent story. Thanks!

    41
  42. Way cool, some valid points! I appreciate you making this article available, the rest of the site is also high quality. Have a fun.

    42
  43. Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information. Your website is very useful. Thanks for sharing.

    43
  44. you have an important blog here! would you prefer to make some invite posts on my blog?

    44
  45. Hello there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one? Thanks a lot!

    45
  46. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this website. I am hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own site now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a great example of it.

    46
  47. Good web site! I truly love how it is easy 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 have subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!

    47
  48. Thank you for sharing excellent informations. Your web-site is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you’ve on this website. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched all over the place and just couldn’t come across. What a great web site.

    48
  49. This really answered my problem, thanks!

    49
  50. Hello very cool blog!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I will bookmark your website and take the feeds additionally…I’m glad to seek out a lot of helpful information right here within the post, we need work out extra strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

    50


Leave a Reply