On Saturday evening we were in San Antonio (day trip) and ate at an absolutely delightful restaurant – “Cured” .  Central to the Pearl area on the near north side, along the River Walk, Cured is the brainchild of Steve McHugh.  I had seen a notification from my High School that Steve and his restaurant had been nominated for a James Beard Award (the “Oscars” for restaurants), for the 2nd year in a row.  While I had never met Steve or any of his family, he is from my tiny hometown of Walworth, Wisconsin (~1500 people)!

Michelle and I were very impressed with our experience.  The ambiance is casual, but the food is exquisite.  You can even sit at the “bar,” which encircles the chefs, similar to the Culinary Institute of America experience (where Steve got his training).

Walking in, you see the meats that are the namesake of the restaurant – a large display of the cured meats for the charcuterie choices on the menu.  Everything from pate’s up to 12-month aged shoulder, with lamb pepperoni, aged Wagyu beef, etc.

We started with the Happy Hour appetizer of Quail legs (50 cents each), which were fabulous!  We followed it up with a small charcuterie plate of Apple Jalapeno Pork Rillettes, aged Wagyu, and Vermont cheddar cheese.  I could have continued to eat the charcuterie meats all night!

For our main course, Michelle had the Roasted Beef Marrow,

with Escargot, Pickled Shallots, Hedgehog Mushrooms.  I had the Bison Tartare, with Huitlacoche Purée, Bourbon, Quail Egg, Brioche.  Both dishes were fantastic!  I’ve always been a huge fan of beef tartare, and this bison was beyond compare.

Steve McHugh told me that they have also done a lamb tartare before.  Michelle is a big fan of beef bone marrow, and this was delicious, also.

While the wine list was extensive and eclectic, since it was a warm (85 degree) day, and we had been walking in the art museum plus a 3 mile walk along the famed San Antonio River Walk, we decided on beer.  They have a fantastic beer selection, and when I saw the Deschutes (Bend, OR) Fresh Squeezed IPA, I could not resist.

Cured is a huge hit, and worthy of a James Beard Award.  This should be a mainstay on everyone’s list of restaurants in San Antonio.