Tapestry, a California Bistro: Weaving Diverse Offerings

Like a loom in the hands of a skilled weaver, Tapestry, a California Bistro, serves flavor-rich ingredients in a demonstration of the good life we lead in our local melting pot. Enjoy!

Overview:  weaves the eclectic and comprehensive flavors of our varied assortment of local cultural favorites. Bringing together specialties like samosas, chowmein and filet mignon, Californian eating never was so good. There are a few interesting features that Tapestry offers that are rather unique besides the diverse menu selection. There is a fixed-price lunch menu with a three-course meal worthy of serious diners. There's also a chef’s tasting menu where you can pick and choose. How is that for having it your way?

Décor: The dining room loves the light and is bright and friendly. Hues of green and brown are found throughout the room, and the furnishings speak of California farmsteads. On the walls, you will find original acrylic and oil artwork available for purchase depicting landscape scenes of California by Ed Lucey and Maralyn Miller. Ceramic sculptures by Lidija Tkalcezic are tucked into niches along the walls as well. There is also counter and open-air dining, so getting a bite should not be a problem.

Drinks: There is a cocktail menu that includes drinks like the Mojito, Cosmopolitan, Dirty Tuxedo, Hurricane, and martinis. Wine by the glass is available with choices like Segura Viudas Cava ($7), Man Chenin Blanc ($6), Penfolds Chardonnay ($8), Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc ($9), T. Fogarty Gewurztraminer ($7.50), Fat Bastard Shiraz ($9) Snoqualmie Cab Sauvignon ($12), Argyle Pinot Noir ($14), A. Dampierre Grande Cuvee ($12), BV Tapestry  ($24), Coltibuono Chianti  ($8), Beauchene Cotes du Rhone  8, Dehlinger Chardonnay  ($12) or you can order a bottle from $26 in a South African Man Vintners Chenin Blanc 2009 to a Antiqv’s Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah 2005 for $99. After dinner, you can treat yourself to a variety of fine liqueurs or order something from the bar that is specifically to your  liking.

Appetizers: Spooning up liquid comfort, the soups ($4 small and $6 large) are made fresh and change frequently to keep the menu interesting. The calamari ($9) is a staple, but other starters reflect the unique nature of the bistro, like the Spicy Chicken & Vegetables Spring Rolls ($9), samosas ($9) crispy Indian pastries filled with duck served with an Orange-Cilantro Yogurt Dip , and Tuna “Crudo” ($12) with Sriracha, soy sauce, ginger and green onions.

Entrees: The main dishes at Tapestry have a healthy respect for basics but play with flavorful ingredients to create blends of instinct and perception. The meat selections offer Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops served with Butternut Squash and Port sauce ($29), Grilled Skirt Steak accompanied with Watercress Salad, Pommes Frites, and Herb Oil ($27), Braised Veal Shank served with Carrots and Parsnips “Vichy” and Mashed Potatoes ($25), Roasted Half Chicken paired with Root Vegetables and tangy Mustard Sauce ($23), and Roasted Pork Tenderloin ($24) with Honey Roasted Pears, Spinach, and Poire William Sauce. For the ultimate burger, there is Kobe Beef filled with pungent Blue Cheese ($16). The fish friendly will find Grilled Shrimp served with Smoked Ham Grits and Tabasco Butter Sauce ($26) a variation of a Louisiana specialty, Roasted Mussels ($19) served with Tomato-Red Onion Broth and Grilled Bread for sopping, Roasted Salmon and Sweet Potato “Risotto” with Roasted Garlic Cream  ($28),  Seared Ahi ($30) prepared rare with Citrus Marinated Fennel and Orange Salad, Tapanade, and Tossed Linguine ($24.00) with Canadian Crabmeat, Shiitakes, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Corn. The Pan-Fried Chow Mein ($24) is another house specialty and highly sought after by patrons. It is served with Bacon, Spinach, Prawns and Lobster Cream.

Side: Tapestry’s sides are loaded with healthy vegetables in raw and cooked states. One can opt for Baby Green Salad ($6 small and $9 large), a plain Caesar Salad ($8), or add a protein with Chicken ($14), Shrimp ($16), or Skirt Steak ($16) Salads. There's also Salmon Salad ($15) on a crispy bed of baby greens; Israeli Couscous, Roasted Tomatoes & Tapanade, Chinese Chicken Salad ($14), Panzanella ($6) an Italian Bread Salad with tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, red onions and olive oil. Frisee ($10) is a Bistro classic with bacon, poached egg dressed with a sherry  vinaigrette. Also Bibb Salad ($9), sprinkled with spiced pecans dressed with a tangy mustard-herb vinaigrette; Haricots Vert ($10) with a red-wine vinaigrette, oven-roasted tomatoes and new potatoes; and Sweet Slow Roasted Beets ($8) served with savory goat-cheese ravioli and citrus oil.

Desserts: The sweet selections are inviting standouts on the menu, taking on old fashion favorites like Apple-Cranberry Crisp ($8), Chocolate Cake ($9) and Sorbet ($7.50), as well as bringing new tastes like Pumpkin Crème Caramel ($8), Maple Pecan Tart ($8) and Sticky Toffee Pudding ($9) reminiscent of our nation’s English beginnings in the New World. Although not on the dessert menu, chocolate mousse was offered with the prix fixe lunch, which was bowl-licking good.

Service: The dark-clad wait staff members double team you so that you are well attended. They are knowledgeable and can offer great recommendations of what wines to pair with your meal.

Signature Dish: Filet Mignon “Au Poivre” ($32) Pepper Steak is served with potato sauté and a mushroom-brandy sauce. This is a typically French dish; however, it is done with Californian flair. The mushroom brandy sauce gives it that something special that diners look forward to eating.

• 11 College Ave.
• Chefs: Gary and Vicky Massick
• Cost: $26-$90