 Burger |  Tots |
I held off on writing this because I had yet to consume their infamous burger.
I have now had their infamous burger.
Despite my disappointment at the lack of, "Very Thin Pancakes" on the menu, RickyBobby - the newest project of the former Broken Record chefs James Moisey and Shane LaValley - had plenty of dishes that peaked my interest. Highlights included the beet salad with grapefruit and housemade "ranch," laden with heaps of dill, the lobster mac and cheese, the chicken parm sandwich, and a personal favorite: the lasagna layered with no shortage of braised short rib.
I have now had their infamous burger.
Despite my disappointment at the lack of, "Very Thin Pancakes" on the menu, RickyBobby - the newest project of the former Broken Record chefs James Moisey and Shane LaValley - had plenty of dishes that peaked my interest. Highlights included the beet salad with grapefruit and housemade "ranch," laden with heaps of dill, the lobster mac and cheese, the chicken parm sandwich, and a personal favorite: the lasagna layered with no shortage of braised short rib.
Beet and Grapefruit Salad, House Ranch
Of course, let's not forget the staples: RickyBobby's burger and tots.
Not just any ol' burger, mind you, but a double patty with bacon ground into the meat itself and topped with good old fashioned American cheese. So unassuming, so simple, so seemingly incongruous; but it just plain worked. And not just any ol' tots, but sweet potato tots with perfectly crisp exteriors and soft, fluffy interiors, allowing them to retain their unadulterated natural sweetness.
RickyBobby surprised me in a way that very few restaurants have. Though many places offer "comfort food," I rarely feel comforted. The fare too fussy, the ambiance too un-natural, the feeling that I am indeed out to eat.
Perhaps it's because it is in my neighborhood, and the familiar faces truly make me feel welcome.
Perhaps it's because the waiters and chefs are so down to earth and probably live right around the corner. Perhaps it's because the food simply comes with no frills and solid execution.
Perhaps it's all of the above.
Welcome to the Lower Haight, RickyBobby - we've been waiting for you.
Not just any ol' burger, mind you, but a double patty with bacon ground into the meat itself and topped with good old fashioned American cheese. So unassuming, so simple, so seemingly incongruous; but it just plain worked. And not just any ol' tots, but sweet potato tots with perfectly crisp exteriors and soft, fluffy interiors, allowing them to retain their unadulterated natural sweetness.
RickyBobby surprised me in a way that very few restaurants have. Though many places offer "comfort food," I rarely feel comforted. The fare too fussy, the ambiance too un-natural, the feeling that I am indeed out to eat.
Perhaps it's because it is in my neighborhood, and the familiar faces truly make me feel welcome.
Perhaps it's because the waiters and chefs are so down to earth and probably live right around the corner. Perhaps it's because the food simply comes with no frills and solid execution.
Perhaps it's all of the above.
Welcome to the Lower Haight, RickyBobby - we've been waiting for you.
Nosh on,
Josh
Josh
