The gift of goat is one that keeps on giving—just ask The Astronomer. In celebration of his 29th birthday this past June, I planned a wood-fired goat supper at Chef Andrew Kirschner‘s Tar & Roses in Santa Monica.

I’d previously dined here when the restaurant first opened and had a splendid time grazing over small plates. I was excited to be back, with three scientists in tow, to partake in this festive family-style dinner.

Since we were celebrating something pretty special, our table shared a bottle of the Cascina Ca’ Rossa ($56), an Italian red made of Nebbiolo grapes. We thought it appropriate since the restaurant is named after the tasting notes characteristic of wines made from these grapes.

Supper, which was priced at $44 per person, began with a very delicious charred gem lettuce salad with crispy pancetta, dried dates, and pungent blue cheese. There were smiles all around with this starter.

The guest of honor arrived soon after we polished off the salad. To prepare the goat, Chef rubbed it with Moroccan spices, slowly cooked it overnight in the CVap (Controlled Vapor Technology), and then finished it in the wood-burning oven.

The results were absolutely stellar—the meat was moist, flavorful, and literally falling off the bone, while the exterior was caramelized and crisp. The texture was like no other goat we had ever eaten. We stuffed ourselves silly and kept going in for more. It was that good.

Served on the side was a trio of accoutrements—pickled tomatoes, banana raita, and harissa. While all three were tasty, it was the harissa that paired the most wondrously with the meat.

Filling the carbohydrate niche was a saffron-scented cous cous with fresh parsley. The mild cous cous went well with the gamey goat.

A platter of roasted baby carrots topped with currants and a chermoula creme fraiche completed the suite of savories. Sweet and snappy, the carrots were a delight.

Rounding out the supper was a duo of desserts. The chocolate “Tar Bar,” served with toasted hazelnuts and salted caramel ice cream, was super-rich. The two chocolate lovers at the table were quite pleased with this one.

The Astronomer and I were all over the strawberry crostata served with honey ice cream. From the golden crust to the lovely fruit and ice cream, every element was on point. It’s no wonder that this dessert has been on the menu since day one.

Happy 29th, Vern!

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Tar & Roses
602 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA
Phone: 310-587-0700 ‎

There’s more to eat in sunny Santa Monica:

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• Fatburger – Los Angeles (Santa Monica)
• FIG Restaurant – Los Angeles (Santa Monica)
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• Stella Rossa Pizza Bar – Los Angeles (Santa Monica)
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• Tar & Roses – Los Angeles (Santa Monica)
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