My first visit to Tart was almost a year ago, and frankly I was less than impressed. In defense of the restaurant it was my first night out after a week in bed with the flu, and no one in the group was very daring with the menu options. My friend Molly, however, swore by their mac & cheese.

I had been meaning to go back and give it another whirl and got my opportunity this past week. The first thing I noticed was that their patio had been re-designed and was even cozier than before. As part of the Farmer’s Daughter Hotel, the Tart decor is very Americana; pitchforks mounted on the white washed walls, intimate and candle lit.

I was somewhat surprised to see the place nearly empty at 8 on a Thursday night; my group didn’t mind, we’d get plenty of attention from the wait staff. We were right about the service; our waitress was very sweet and accommodating, and she won me over soon after we sat down by describing their famous off-the-menu Cowboy steak, which is first grilled, then smoked in alfalafa hay, “giving it this,” she paused, “really incredible flavor.” Sold. I had to have it. I ordered mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach as my two sides.

Nothing was rushed, and eventually out came plate after plate of food. Finally, out walked the chef carrying a steaming skillet. “It smells like skiing,” quipped my girlfriend. Steak knife in hand I watched the Chef remove the lid. True carnivores seem to be a dying breed, but any red-blooded meat eater would have swooned at the sight of the 24-ounce bone-in steak that was presented to me. I wasted little time getting started, and the steak delivered. The flavor was like nothing I’d ever tasted, and I barely stopped eating it long enough to try a bite of Molly’s mac & cheese, which was creamy and fantastic. The moonshine sauce they served with the steak complimented it perfectly. If you love steak then Tart’s Cowboy is a must try.

We enjoyed our leisurely meal with some strawberry lemonades and iced teas. Other entrees on the table included a juicy Tart burger with crispy onion rings, a few of which I had to steal. Two orders of crab cakes went quick, as well as an Ahi Tuna Salad. All the side dishes were great; I was just preoccupied with my steak.

My second visit to Tart was an overwhelming success. The service was impeccable and I’ve been telling friends every day since, you must have dinner at Tart. It’s that simple.

Tart at the Farmer’s Daughter Hotel

115 South Fairfax Avenue

Across from the Grove

323 937 3930

(No Ratings Yet)

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