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I really wanted to love Farmer Brown - great name: we have a farmer brown in one of our children’s favorite books, ambitious intent: use organic, biodynamic, and/or sustainably raised foods, and beverages whenever possible, poignant interior images: life-size personalities and other subjects, good music: melodious, moving, and an all-around soulful vibe. And, with good company, you have a perfect evening. Farmer Brown has been open for a couple of years. Though, I don’t typically walk beyond Fish & Farm – which I love – so was unaware of this place until now.
We settled in with a few starters: plump shrimp cakes, Chesapeake Bay blue crab puffs, and BBQ Berkshire spare ribs. Shrimp cakes and crab puffs were nice but not as memorable as the spare ribs. The ribs had a good thick flavorful coating, which made eating them such a delight. Meat was tender, just slightly dry. I would order this again.
For my main, I had the Fulton Valley Fried Chicken with greens and macaroni & Tillamook cheddar cheese. I have to agree with Amy, the chicken was not as tender as I would have liked. The batter was light but a bit salty in spots. The mac&cheese was fair; I didn’t finish it. So a word about Tillamook cheese. My kids love sharp Tillamook grilled cheese sandwiches because of its mild cheddar flavor. However, as a stand-alone cheese in my mac&cheese, they surprisingly find it a bit bland and won’t eat it. My point is that I think you need partner this cheese with more intense cheddar to get a powerhouse mac&cheese, like nice aged Grafton cheddar – always a winner in our house. It’s not for everyone, but this is what my family and I like.
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Dennis commented, “My catfish breading and deep fried okra was dry… I didn't enjoy my meal like I did the first time ... the ribs and drinks were very good though and the vibe is cool of course.”
Amy had this to say, “I have to admit I wasn’t exactly thrilled with the food, either – my chicken was dry as well…. I loved the wine and the company, though!”
Lastly, for dessert, the rhubarb pie. It’s all about expectations, and I was expecting that same pie filling taste and consistency enjoyed in past establishments. The same sugary-tart flavor was there. The marmalade-like filling, that I enjoy so much, was not. Jennifer, who was just as disappointed as I was, aptly described the filling as, “gelatinous.” Not a fan.
Ending on a positive note, I’d come again but perhaps order a few different items. More importantly, we all had a fantastic time… but we usually do no matter where we are.
Farmer Brown
25 Mason St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
415.409.FARM
www.farmerbrownsf.com
