Cougar’s Corner: Tavern on 2

A new gastropub just opened up on 2nd Street in Belmont Shore, and as this cougar is all about the new and the happening I felt duly compelled to check it out.

Gastropubs are popping up all over these days, boasting menu items made entirely from local organic and sustainable meats, breads, dairy and produce, and featuring unique wine and craft beer choices. We have a few such places here in Long Beach, including The Factory on Atlantic Ave. in Bixby Knolls, and now Tavern on 2, new here in Belmont Shore. Keep an eye out at one of our local farmer’s markets as you might catch a glimpse of one of these chefs.

My daughter and I went out again on one of our evening walks and made our way over to the Tavern, choosing a table just outside on their patio.

I ordered a glass of their Tempranillo and was not disappointed with the nice bold flavor of this red wine. The waitress was quite friendly as she took our order and very attentive throughout our meal. Alyssa ordered the Pommes Frites and their Spicy Shrimp Salad and I ordered the Ahi Tuna Tartare to accompany my wine.

The Pommes Frites at Tavern on 2 are skinny fries seasoned with sea salt and truffle oil and sprinkled with pecorino cheese, then served with 2 dipping sauces: honey Asian mustard and harissa sauce. The harissa sauce was my favorite as it had a bit of chipotle taste to it. The Spicy Shrimp Salad came with Sea of Cortez grilled shrimp, market greens, citrus and pineapple salsa chile vinaigrette. Though not very spicy and actually rather sweet, the shrimp but were quite tasty and well seasoned. My Ahi Tuna Tartare was noted as a Vietnamese wild-caught ahi tuna with ginger wasabi, cilantro, and black sesame seeds. It came served with crispy wonton chips and sliced cucumbers, and it was really good. I loved this.

Thumbs up all around and I look forward to coming back again. Next time I think I will try one of their burgers or sandwiches as they looked very tempting and everyone around us seemed to be enjoying theirs. But perhaps my next visit should be with someone who is not a vegetarian; sorry, Alyssa. Any takers?

This place is small and offers no live music to speak of, but 2nd Street is a lively area and you can probably hear the cowboy hat-wearing accordion player down the street anyway, so come check it out you and won’t be disappointed. Bon Appetit!