Hard Water
Oregon Pink Shrimp Hushpuppies – Lemon and Herb Mayonnaise
Stoneground Grits – Cabot Cheddar, Cultured Butter
Almond Flour Fried Chicken, Buttermilk Waffles, Pepper Jelly
Whiskey Kiss – Caramel Covered Marshmallow
Again pulling double duty to give due diligence to an ever expanding culinary ‘to-do’ list it was nearly two-hours after exiting Stone’s Throw that I cozied up to the center island of the wharf’s “Hard Water” and although more celebrated for the impressive bar than the tiny kitchen I must say the N’awlins inspired cuisine was ‘none too shabby’ neither. Undoubtedly a swanky spot for booze amongst the Bay area’s elite but a bit empty In the waning hours of Father’s Day 2014 it was with wide eyes followed by wide-angle lens that I gazed on the wall of whiskey and although not my spirit of choice the collection deserves credit, as did the low pressure bartenders who seemed just as happy chat while I sipped water as they were to pour a $100+ shot. Somewhat limited, or perhaps more so ‘well-culled,’ in its culinary offerings it was with much debate that I perused the menu of sustenance and bearing in mind the long day past it was in a quartet of items I partook – six ping-pong balls of fried cornmeal dense with sweet shrimp and a shallow bowl of exceeding creamy grits kicking things off. At this point happily sated but still with room to spare it was only after a thirty minute delay due to several late arrivals that my final course was delivered and as much as I’d have preferred the re-toasted waffle fresh from an iron the salt-cured fried bird left little room to quibble as crispy seasoned skin shattered to tooth giving way to supple flesh dripping with juices I greedily mopped up with waffles slathered in surprising subtle jam…an adjective in no way applicable to the tiny two-dollar and fifty cent feather-light caramel tinged with booze.
RECOMMENDED: Fried Chicken, Grits.
AVOID: With only one dessert and the pricey ‘kiss’ dessert is better sought elsewhere while the waffle could be improved if prepped to order.
TIP: One of the few spots open in the area and unfortunately sharing a commode with others in the building there were several panhandlers in the area that night and although largely innocuous one is best to be mindful when walking in isolated areas en route to the restroom where several were camped out.
http://hardwaterbar.com/
