Acorn Squash
Game night at the Tip Tap Room has a whole new meaning. You certainly don’t see darts being thrown around, but what you do see is roomful of happy people indulging in an adventurous menu ranging from Kangaroo to Yak Burgers.
With his latest venture Chef Brian Poe of Rattlesnake and Poe’s Kitchen fame, certainly has people talking. The menu is eclectic and colorful. Our waiter, Peter, had the patience of a saint. As we continually asked questions regarding items on the menu he cheerfully answered them all. As he made his suggestions he hinted that bear would be on the menu later in the season.
The “Tap” list is extensive with over 60 choices. The standards are all represented but one must venture off and try offerings like Kona Fire Rock, Ipswich Oatmeal Stout, Young’s Double Chocolate Stout, Sixpoint Bengali Tiger or refreshing Crispin Cider. The libations are just as inviting. A gentleman next to us ordered a Blood Orange Caipirinha while his partner sipped a Hemingway Daiquiri.
As we enjoyed our drinks my bowl of Acorn Squash Soup with Cranberries arrived. As simple and seasonal as it sounds it tasted like a smaller version of a Thanksgiving dinner, less the Turkey. A healthy dose of cranberries were sprinkled atop of the soup making each bite a celebration of sweet and savory. Squash soup can be trick as consistency can make or break the deal. This soup maintained a velvety smooth consistency bursting with the sweetness of the squash and cranberries. A follow up tweet with Chef Poe confirmed my thoughts that nutmeg and cinnamon was added to top off the flavor. My 10 year old daughter asked for a spoonful and as if protocol, if the Chefs soup is delicious she will happily finish it off. She did. For entrees, our croo leaned on the conservative side and ordered traditional game. The Steak Burger, Turkey Burger (with optional Beer Cheese Sauce on the side), Rock Shrimp and Chicken Tips with Lemon, lime, yuzu and a herb marinade were all fantastic. The only stirring was that the fries were a little too salty for some of us. The couple next to us looked more than pleased with their Boar Meatballs and Lamb dish.
Fear not vegetarians, if you do venture in the menu also lists a Fall Squash Casserole , a Tofu dish and an array of wonderful salads to please palate.
We all agreed the entire experience was just plain fun. We felt a little bit like extra’s in an Indiana Jones movie with the all the “gaming’ going on around us.
