"Pork Belly SKEWERS!!"

MyLastBite's Rating

Laurel Tavern. I love the name. It sounds like it's been on Ventura boulevard for years, but it's only been open for a few days. Last night we went for drinks and dinner. Walking in and taking a seat near the back felt so comfortable. Like we'd been going there for years.

I was expecting the usual American bar food... burgers, maybe a grilled fish taco. There were burgers (delicious) but Pork Belly Skewers and Marrowbones on the menu? Woa. I think I've found my kind of pub! Casual? Yes. Inviting? Yes. Delicious? YES. And to top it all.... it was inexpensive!

We started with the Heirloom Tomatoes and Burrata ($10) then had the Grilled Artichoke filled with Lemon Garlic Walnut Pesto ($10). The Hickory Burger with Caramelized Onions, Tillamook Cheddar and Hickory Sauce ($9). Everything was terrific but my two favorites were the Crispy Pork Belly Skewers served with Lime Wedges and Cilantro ($6 we ordered TWO) and wait for it.... Hand-cut Fries cooked in HOT PORK FAT ($6). I've had fries cooked in duck fat (Citrus at Social) but not PORK FAT! Brilliant! Those were so good and filling that I wasn't able to order the Roasted Marrowbones... or the Chorizo Fondue... or the Pork Belly Sandwich. I'll be trying those on my next visit. Yummy Photos on http://www.MyLastBite.com