Myriad Restaurant Review: An Around-the-World Flavor Trip
Myriad Restaurant Review recommended by Culinary Guide, Corinne Sykes
Myriad is the delicious epitome of all it purports to be. A menu offering something for everyone, with inspirations from around the world in San Francisco’s Mission District. Accessible and exquisite at the same time.
The Place: Chef and owner Trish Tracey has swooped in to take over the old Nombe space on Mission. Myriad still offers a split interior, with separate space for bar seating and high tops, and dining seating on the other side. Pleasing checkered floor and images of roosters on the wall bring back something of a “my mother’s kitchen” vibe — not surprising since my mother’s kitchen is in New Jersey – home state of Chef Trish!
The experience began with absolutely excellent service. The host was delightful and my waiter was so attentive as to be endearingly comical. Even Chef Trish herself stopped by the table more than once to check in, lending some recommendations and ensuring we had a splendid time – without pretension, just like in mom’s kitchen, too.
The Dishes: The menu is an eater’s dream, with a mix of snacks, small plates, and large plates enabling plenty of tasting without running out of room or budget. Spanish style deviled eggs are a must to start, at an easy 2 bucks each. Perfectly balanced and flavorful, I could have easily downed 5 or 6!
The farm toast must take the cake from the snacks menu, though. Fromage Blanc, Sage-Roasted Plums, and Toasted Pistachios sounds like an easy win, but Tracey hits it way beyond out of the park. What promised to be simply delicious turned out to be mind-blowingly delicious. Don’t not miss this dish – get it while the gettin’s good on stone fruit!
The most delightful of the small plates is surely the Fried Chicken Sammies. Another classic crowd pleaser gone way above and beyond. Imagine subtlety and balance brought to your favorite fried, delicious bar snack and you might start to get close to Trish Tracey’s sammies. The honey chipotle mayo could be the secret magic, but there’s something in that chicken itself that puts it above and beyond your standard fried chicken. (This may cause be to cheat on my exclusive relationship with the Sycamore fried chicken sammies…)
Rounding it out from the large plates, I decided to go with Chef Trish’s own recommendation – the Pappardelle with Pork Cheeks. Despite the peas and kale (both spring/summer seasonal) this dish definitely felt like a turn toward winter. Heavy and stew-like, the thick, chewy noodles with rich, flavorful pork could cure anybody’s SF “summer” blues. Mushrooms and tarragon round out a savory feast that is enough to satisfy all on it’s own. Be prepared to share – portions are generous!
Key Ingredients: Fried Chicken, Pork Cheeks, Sage, Plums
Other Menu Musts: The cocktail list is not to be ignored. Despite limitations to low proof alcohols, Myriad’s cocktails still hit that craft cocktail sweet spot. The Mission Statement (fermented whiskey, grapefruit, lime, elderflower) is a real winner with fermented kick and citrusy floral notes. The Forbidden Lowball is also a nice follow up (cardamaro, lime, ginger beer, bitters).
Little Know Facts: Chef Trish Tracey recently returned to home state New Jersey to share her culinary savvy, opening Mixx Bistro to much local enthusiasm
Insider Secrets: This is going to be your new favorite brunch spot. Get in before the word gets out! Pro-tip: the mind blowing Farm Toast is also on the brunch menu…
The Details: Deviled Eggs ($2 each), Farm Toast ($7), Fried Chicken Sammies ($11), Pappardelle with Pork Cheeks ($22)
Restaurant Name: Myriad Gastro Pub
Address: 2491 Mission St
Phone: 415-525-4335
Hours: Sun-Thurs 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 10am-3pm and 5pm-10pm
http://www.myriadsf.com/
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