Friday, October 30, 2020

Miller Union Takeout

Now, more than ever, it's crucial to support our local businesses. We've sadly already seen too many small businesses and restaurants close, many of them permanently. Let's keep our dollars here in our city, as much as possible, and enjoy some delicious food in the meantime!

I and a few friends recently enjoyed an alfresco dinner, socially distanced, and masked when not eating, on a friend's driveway. The weather was perfect and the company was delightful! Most of us had not seen each other in-person since the pandemic shutdown in March, so it was a joyous occasion.

We ordered (takeout) from Miller Union, where James Beard Award-winner Steven Satterfield is the executive chef and co-owner, and Neal McCarthy is general manager, certified sommelier, and co-owner.

Chocolate-Pistachio Cream Pie | Miller Union | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Chocolate-Pistachio Cream Pie | Miller Union | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

When we arrived at Miller Union, Chef Steven even helped bring our takeout to the car. That's not something you see every day and we appreciated the special attention.

There were only glowing accolades for the food at our dinner. Our host prepared a delicious dessert for us, so I didn't try my Miller Union Chocolate-Pistachio Cream Pie until I got home. This isn't their presentation — remember, it was takeout  — but I tried, hurriedly, to make it pretty. It was bedtime, but I couldn't resist having a taste. OMG! The chocolate, the candied pistachios...this was beyond delicious! 

I had leftovers from every course, but lunch the next day started with this pie. I kept eating until it was completely and totally devoured. My chocolate cravings are delightfully satiated for a while.

Roast Chicken | Miller Union | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Roast Chicken | Miller Union | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Chef Steven is a seasonal chef, his menus based on what's available from local farms. Our small group is appreciative that his dedication to seasonal cooking and his unwavering support for local farmers is the driving philosophy behind his restaurant. That he's a nice guy is icing on the cake.

For my entrée, I enjoyed the Roast Chicken (a half a chicken!), with pecan, butternut squash, shiitakes, peppers, and plum. Delicious! I never order chicken breast when dining out because if not prepared properly it's just plain dry, but this was one of the most tender, juiciest chicken breasts I've ever had! A couple of people had the Duck Breast and gave high marks for it, too.

Whipped Feta | Miller Union | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Whipped Feta | Miller Union | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I had never tried feta cheese until I lived in Greece. I fell in love with it! While I was there, I had not had it whipped, so this was a new experience. I don't know what Chef Steven put in his Whipped Feta, but it's AMAZING! The housemade lavash and crisp crudité were wonderful accompaniments. This, for me, is one of those dishes that I'll order every single time I visit, when it's on the menu.

Speaking of visit, the restaurant is open for safely distanced outdoor and indoor dining, as well as takeout and family meals to go. And they've instituted impressive, thorough safety guidelines.   

Table Flowers | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Table Flowers | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Our doting hostess make beautiful centerpieces using flowers from her yard. Dining from Miller Union made our group's socially distanced reunion all the more special. What a great evening and fabulous meal!

Remember...please support your local, locally-owned restaurants!

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