State Bird Provisions

State Bird Provisions

San Francisco — fillmore, food, hype, kabuki, new american, no reservations, provisions

We happened to mosey on by State Bird Provisions one afternoon after a movie at the Kabuki Theater. My geeky explanation of why I didn’t like Captain America was cut short. We came across State Bird Provisions, where I had to reboot my story telling of impossibilities to that of getting a reservations at this place. For months, I’ve checked online and never saw an opening. As the duties of geek, a food and computer geek in this case, I had to surface the rumors of some auto reserving script running against the site. A bot. One that caught new openings within seconds and booked. A conspiracy theory. An absurdity that the place was booked beyond three months. Then I noticed the blank stare. I was rambling again. Who cared really about the back story of the reservation system. With a little shrug, I decided, since we’re here, let’s see if they had a seat.

You guessed it, they had a seat available… at 10:30pm.

But you know what? I talked this place up so much, we decided to go for it. Have a snack and have a go at one of my most anticipated restaurants.

A few hours later, we were seated, a bit early. 10:00pm to be exact.The place served food dim sum style with the regular main courses served off the menu. The provisions (the dim sum dishes) changed maybe monthly, I couldn’t remember. All I remember doing was picking things left and right as they brought them out. A little too quickly at the beginning. But soon I caught my breath and really listened to the wait staff on their explanations. New American would be the categorization on paper. I’d, however, categorize it as wonderful. The prices weren’t too bad either. We finished the meal stuffed with only one dish half empty while another we decided to scarf down. This was not meant to take home in my opinion. You will want the whole experience. From the courteous and informative staff, to the live food porn, to the endless variations of taste adventures you’ll have with each dish. My belly was in Disneyland.

State Bird Provisions

1529 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
+1 (415) 795-1272
statebirdsf.com

Verdict: It delivered. With the ever changing provisions, I’ll be back to try out their creativity. Dee-lish.

The Kitchen of State Bird Provisions
State Bird Provisions

Sitting at the chef’s counter, you can get a direct glimpse of the magic. Not like I could replicate any of it. But this was court side seats for all you food lovers out there. It’s also a good idea to sit here because you can pace your meal if you spot something worthwhile in the making. Should have spotted that pork belly sooner.

Tabouleh @State Bird Provisions
State Bird Provisions

I needed a little roughage to balance the proteins of our meal. We saw this artichoke, quinoa, and snap pea dish and gave it a try. Can’t say I liked it even though the snap peas were great. Crisp and refreshing, but the quinoa, not there for me. Do know I’m not a fan of the stuff. I was just hoping they did something special to it. Oh well, can’t win them all. $7.00USD

Roasted Bone Marrow @State Bird Provisions
State Bird Provisions

A surprise given they added some of my favorite ingredients, mushrooms and peppercorns. This gave the fatty buttery marrow a little tangy kick and a chewy texture, while not taking away from the heartiness and taste of the marrow. Well done SBP. $14.00USD

State Bird @State Bird Provisions
State Bird Provisions

The signature dish for the restaurant. Eaten the bird alone really didn’t do the dish justice. You’d end up comparing it to fried chicken if you’re not a fan of quail. Otherwise, I’d recommend biting into it together with the sauteed onions and cheese. The light pickle’ness of the onions really compliment the bird while the cheese smooths out the delivery. It’s one unique delectable offering. $15.00USD (large)

Guanciale Chawanmushi @State Bird Provisions
State Bird Provisions

Tiny but good. It’s a Japanese egg custard topped with guanciale, Italian cured pork cheek. A bit similar to bacon, crisped up here. It works well. Another unassuming dish that delivered a rich fullness. I had this at the end of the meal and it still made an impact. $5.00USD

Pork Riblets @State Bird Provisions
State Bird Provisions

Pretty nice ribs. A little on the oily side, but the seasoning wasn’t too salty. Enough for you to nibble on in between your carnivorous courses. Couldn’t help but to wish for some starches with this. $12.00USD

Cast Iron Quail Eggs @State Bird Provisions
State Bird Provisions

My favorite dish of the night! Sounds simple right? Eggs, some sunchokes, and from I hear, Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt Tam signature cheese. Was that the secret ingredient? I don’t know, but it all works. Works really well. Get this! $12.00USD

Rabbit Pate @State Bird Provisions
State Bird Provisions

Part of the first few courses. Very interesting pate matched with a black butter cherry vinaigrette. Definitely a good starter course and some interesting tastes. It was a good start to the meal. $5.00USD

Duck Liver Mousse @State Bird Provisions
State Bird Provisions

Like pate, mousse was more refine, smoother. Odd to have this as a mousse rather than the pate. The taste though was as rich as my favorite pate’s. My only complaint was the choice of bread. Not a sweet almond biscuit, but enough for me to feel that it didn’t go well together. Don’t worry, I finished that pate. $6.00USD