By Have you ever gone to a restaurant and NOT order what they’re known for? Well, that was me. I don’t believe in doing as the Romans do if you choose not to. It took me a while to understand why people ordered the chicken at Ruth Chris. But, then I realized, it’s the best thing on their menu. (Don’t debate me) My experience at this place was similar. When you think of a Brewing company, you think of beer. Unfortunately, that was not ordered. Maybe it was because I went during brunch? But then again, it’s five o’clock somewhere, right?
Caboose, which is a Farm-to-table and specializes in house-brewed beer, is located in Vienna, VA. It is the first of its kind in the area. All of their products are used from locally sourced farmers and they make their own beer. The beer part doesn’t interest me as much, because I’m not a drinker, but it’s still a fun fact. The interior has a loft feel to it. There’s an upstairs where you can dine or order drinks, if downstairs is packed.
During my visit I was able to order three dishes. The plates are small, so if you decide to come here, keep that in mind. A Fine Herb Omelette, French Toast, and Shrimp and Grits were ordered. I’ll start with the review of the Omelette. It consisted of Fines Herbs, Whipped Goat Cheese, and a Side Salad With House Vinaigrette. Maybe I should start questioning why restaurants think it’s okay to put a bunch of mixed greens next to an omelette. It makes no sense. Stop. I beg of you. This Omelette however was nothing to boast about. The Fine Herbs, I didn’t taste any, but I did taste Whipped Goat Cheese. This Omelette was buttery and light, but an Omelette that’s described with Fine Herbs should have those Herbs incorporated.
The next dish was the Bourbon French Toast. It consisted of Feuilletine Coated Challah Bread, Whipped Mascarpone, and Maple Syrup. Did your elementary school ever serve you French Toast Sticks? Well, this is your opportunity to have them again. These French Toast sticks were Frozen then put on the Griddle. I’m convinced. They were bland, unappetizing, and out right nasty. Was I expecting more from a place that specializes in beer? I’m not sure, but this was unacceptable.
The last dish that was ordered were the Shrimp and Grits. It consisted of Texas Head on Gulf Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, Lancinato Kale, Garlic Shallot, Shrimp Fumet, Anson Mill’s Antebellum Stone Ground Grits, and Toasted Panko. All of those ingredients just to describe a simple Shrimp and Grits dish with greens and sausage is a bit much. I asked for the Toasted Panko to not be included, because Bread Crumbs on Grits isn’t thought through well. You don’t want a crunch taste on Grits because they are supposed to have a creamy texture. You don’t want Panko bread crumbs on Shrimp because it’ll take away from the Ocean Flavor and or the buttery flavor of the Shrimp. The Flavors were okay, but I wasn’t impressed with this dish. Shrimp and Grits is a dish that you can’t mess up, so this dish wasn’t good nor bad.
Overall, this place is a hard-pass. I had a waiter named Bob, who talked the whole time I was eating. That’s not a good thing. A waiter is NOT supposed to talk with their guest as they eat, because it takes away from the enjoyable moment of the dishes presented. In this case, he could’ve talked all he wanted because this place wasn’t good, AT ALL.
SavoryTravels 