Upland
It seems like everyone is talking about Chef Justin Smillie's Upland. The newest of the STARR restaurant's to hit the neighborhood was jam packed on a recent Tuesday evening. We barely squeezed our way onto the last bar stools just minutes before the bar area swelled to three people deep and it was only 5:00. I'm not exactly a big fan of crowds so I quickly ordered a glass of wine and the one dish I wanted to try most Beef Tartare. It's always cool to see the various tartare preparations in the city; here the beef is topped with puffed faro and black trumpet mushroom with egg yolk and anchovy powder on the side. The farro imparts a spongy texture to the meat while the anchovy brings a salty aquatic flavor that's strangely satisfying. Regardless of sitting in the main room or bar area, each diner receives a small loaf of warm, buttery potato bread that's so delicious on it's own there's no need for the small round of butter. I had t...