Don’t get confused if you set your GPS to Dublin’s Market Tavern and think you walked into a wine country eatery. The new restaurant that took over the former Mimi’s Cafe location in the Hacienda Shopping Center is reminiscent of a Napa restaurant. It includes a small grocery where you can buy a bottle of wine, gourmet cheese, snacks as well as select grab and go items from their menu. I’m keeping this spot on my radar for our upcoming summer concerts in the park series for those evenings when I don’t have time to pack a picnic dinner.
My table started with the honey chipotle grilled prawns, which were quite flavorful. We loved the crunch of the accompanying chayote slaw.
Several menu items are available in two sizes. The small wedge salad was just enough for the two of us. It featured savory chunks of oven-roasted tomato, bleu cheese crumbles, bacon and olives. It was one of the most “gourmet” wedge salads I’ve enjoyed – and I’ve eaten lots of them!
The large rigatoni and sausage pasta provided a great warm up to our selected entrée. They prepare the al dente noodles with mushrooms, broccoli rabe (pronounced “rob“ in case you have been wondering) and toss it in a silky tomato cream sauce. Crumbled sausage provides just a hint of spice to brighten up this dish.
Our hands-down favorite of the evening was the red wine braised short ribs entrée. The ribs were melt-in-your-mouth tender and exploding with flavor. Instead of the usual potatoes, they served the short ribs alongside a hearty serving of spätzle, with red cabbage completing the dish perfectly.
Entrees start at $16. Full bar. Open Monday-Friday from 11am and Saturday-Sunday from 10am. 4775 Hacienda Drive, Dublin. http://www.markettaverndub.com.
