Tilth Restaurant

I had read a few very good reviews and was excited to try a new place especially since we don’t get to get out as often as we used to. The food was very good although we noticed that we could taste the salt in each dish. Not that each dish was salty necessarily just that one could noticably taste the salt. That said, the duck burgers were too salty.

The service was great, had great recommendations for dishes to try and wine to pair. We had a very enjoyable night out and would go back again.

Tilth is in an old house and you feel the age of the building in the painted wood panels and creaky floor. The rooms are a cheery yellow accented by creamy green chairs and large abstract paintings. The menu was short but with many appetizing offerings such as Mini Duck Burgers, Wild Mushroom Cheddar Omelet, and Pancakes with Cherry Compote. We decided on the Truffle Scrabbled Eggs and Sockeye Smoked Salmon Hash.

Both dishes arrived beautifully on the plate, and were very good. I was not blown away but I was also not disappointed. The Truffle Eggs had a light, subtle flavor to them that could have been best accompanied with a small side; perhaps a salad with shaved Parmigiano to carry the airiness of the dish and guarantee that there is enough substance of flavor on the plate. The Smoked Salmon Hash was strong and sharp with the salty capers, smoked fish and red onion. While it was tasty, it was a dish that could be too easily reproduced at home, and I found not too terribly stirring. I should point out that my dining companion loved, and thoroughly enjoyed, it.

All in all I was impressed with the offerings and will go back for dinner, where I think they will really shine. I’m interested to see how Tilth grows into itself and am pleased to have it as a dining-out option.

That being said, I must comment on the service. Upon arrival we were immediately asked if we were both over 21, before even seating us. It is frustrating to be asked this, 12 years past the legal mark, but doubly so when you simply want a table for brunch. This young man turned out to be our server and proved to be frustrating again and again. He brought the wrong toast, and then rushed the new toast so that it was cold and un-toasted. He also served me the heel of the bread. On the butter and jam plate was what can only be described as essence of butter and we had to ask twice for more, as he also kept forgetting to bring it. We had to ask for more cream and in a small space it seemed impossible to get his attention. When our bill finally arrived he had failed to charge us for several items. I suppose I should have kept this to myself, rather than point it out, but Tilth is a lovely restaurant and I saw no reason to punish them. The only thing he did wrong that didn’t annoy me was when he poured my wine he filled the glass to the rim. While I appreciate the extra half a glass, it really pointed out that he didn’t have any idea what he was doing.

My only real complaint was the service and I would suggest that the owners put some attention on their wait staff, as it is a shame to have the enjoyment of beautiful creations ruined by poor service.