Four rules for the Flying Fig

There are four rules to live by when going out.
1) Bring Friends
2) Everyone order something different
3) Share it all
4) Leave Happy

I put these rules to the test last Sunday at the Flying Fig, a small eatery & bar on the west side. It may be a small eatery, but do not be afraid to bring friends, family, acquaintances, or random people off the street, they have plenty of space for everyone. I love to try as many things as I can when I go out, to the displeasure of my bathroom scale (I would hate to deprive myself of the chance to try a dish). With an ever changing menu full of fresh locally grown delights, the same experience is never had twice. Unfortunately, that also means you had better try that mouthwatering special or seasonal favorite before it is gone.. which brings us to rule 2. The menu is not huge; it is large enough to have all the right things but still small enough to make the choices simple (well everything is good so it is not too simple). There is something for every taste. Basic steak or pork chop for the meat and potatoes type (which are closer to decadently mouthwatering than basic), scallops for those looking for a bit of seafood, or something more exotic.

The best thing about the Fig is the selection of small plates. They allow you to try a bit of everything without breaking your scale, or your wallet. Follow rule 2, and have everyone order a different selection of smalls, then proceed to rule 3. If something in particular jumps off your plate, or your friends, you can always order a second round.

My favorite of the smalls is the Medjool Dates-plump dates wrapped in smoked bacon and stuffed with chorizo (I almost had to break rule 3, well in fact I tried, but one was poached while I was distracted). These beauties fill your mouth with the sweetness of the date, smokiness of the bacon and the slight spice of the chorizo. It is a dish to be savored, allowing first one then another flavor spread over your tongue until you lose track of where you are where you came from; excited about where it will take you next. When you finally find yourself back to your seat, it is time for another bite.

The seared scallops with braised beef are also very good with a delightful contrast between the scallop and beef, although the spotlight of the dish is stolen by its side dish. If, you can really call the horseradish potato puree a side dish. It is simple yet packs a lot of flavor; I have even tried to remake it at home with varying degrees of success. It is not uncommon at the Fig for a side to steal the show.

The Sautéed Plum Creek Farm Chicken Livers, which were done to perfection, were served on a bed of spinach with caramelized onions, smoked bacon, and creamy goat cheese (which thankfully, I was able to escape without sharing, we will not tell rule 3).

The homemade Kim Chee, while a little less spicy than expected, offered a nice contrast to its main dish the crusted Tofu. Yes tofu, I know what many of you are thinking. "Tofu is bland and only fit for those health nuts on a calorie counting diet" ..well you would be wrong. This tofu has flavor, let me repeat that, it has flavor. It is good, trust me, and if you do not want to trust me go with someone who does and sneak a bit. I will not be looking, but remember, I told you so.

One down side to sampling a bit of everything is when the time for dessert comes around. You may be too full... do not let this happen to you. Pace yourself, and always remember there is more to come. It would be a shame to reach the final stretch and have to watch as your friends dig into their fig ice cream or molten chocolate cake.

If you follow rules 1 through 3 I promise number 4 will take care of itself.

Cheers,
Steve