I'd been wanting to check out Bivouac Ciderworks since they opened in January of last year. The Executive Chef is DJ Tangalin; originally from the Phillipines, with a stop in Hawaii, and at JRDN, the possible influences intrigued me. Even though I'm not a cider drinker; which would be a moot point.
So, when the Missus had Her hair appointment in North Park a bit later than usual, we were able to check out Bivouac. Love the sheet stone dividers and all the rope work that decorates the place.
It was just after 4pm; so the Happy Hour menu was in effect. The regular menu isn't available until 5. The young lady who did awesome duty behind the bar and waiting tables was fantastic.
We weren't super hungry, so this was the perfect way for us to check out how the food was prepared here.
But of course…..but first a couple of cocktails.
The Missus enjoyed the Bivouac Rambler.
And I thought the Old Fashioned, while a bit on the sweet side was pretty good as well.
First up was the Tongue and Cheek Nachos.
The Missus enjoyed the thick and crunchy chips and the very refreshing avocado crema. The beefiness of the beef tongue and cheek came through quiet nicely and we both enjoyed this.
The Herbed Fries was a bit overdone and on the dry side for us.
It was salted nicely; though I'd have preferred a bit more garlic and we both didn't care for that "ketchup".
The "Street Taco" was pork; basically carnitas, which had nice sweet and salty tones to it.
Strangely, the Missus liked the tortillas; which looked like white corn. Nice combination of textures and flavors.
We were looking at returning….and then came Super Bowl Sunday. We both thought that Bivouac wouldn't be too busy on this day…..but they were doing good business. And the 'doodles were out in force.
So, the menu was different from the normal dinner offerings. Still it had the one item I was told to try by a couple of acquaintances.
Tacos were on offer so we got one Chicharron and one Carnitas.
The Chicharron was nice and tender….think good tendon. The flavor was a tangy-sour with the crema to calm things down. Of course the Missus enjoyed the tortillas again.
The Carnitas were much too sweet for my liking.
Which just detracted from everything else. Again good contrasting textures.
And then; it was the item that several folks mentioned to me; the Adobo Fried Chicken, served with what looked like Bibingka topped with a flavored butter.
The batter and skin were on the mild side and not very crisp. And here's where it went off the rails; this was obviously reheated, and not very well as the meat wasn't even lukewarm. That breast was so dry and flavorless. The honey butter was fine though the bibingka was also cold.
We thought about mentioning this to our wonderful Server, but a couple of parties had just come in and we didn't want to create a scene. Perhaps because it was Super Bowl Sunday, the kitchen wasn't on….though I think that on a day like that, with a limited menu; you'd be on your game (no pun intended).
We decided to cut our losses and head home. Bummer, because we were really looking forward to our meal.
Now; I'd like to give this place another try, but the Missus isn't going to go for it. So, it'll probably be a while before or if I return.
Bivouac Ciderworks
3986 30th St.
San Diego, CA 92104
Hours:
Tuesday 4pm – 9pm
Wed – Thurs 4pm – 10pm
Friday 2pm – Midnight
Saturday Noon – Midnight
Sunday 10am – 9pm
Closed on Mondays