The Chronicle Finds the Midwestern Details at Native Family

The Chronicle’s Brandon Watson headed over to the Firehouse Lounge to check out fare from the Native Family Co. Though the cuisine wasn’t the typical Midwestern food he expected, he was impressed with the touches he did find. The dark confines of the bar, however, doesn't fit the the vibe of their food. Watson said of the dishes:

The Cubicano ($11), their take on the Cuban sandwich, uses all the classic components but with ballpark Bertman's mustard and "Detroit Pickles" – both showcasing an agility with pork. The cheese and charcuterie boards ($23 big, $15 small) use salami from Iowa (La Quercia) and cured sausage from Indiana (Smoking Goose). The clothbound cheese is from Vermont, but it's heartland Cheddar. Sardines on toast ($7) relies on the classic Italian pairing of tomato, but here it is served as a zesty compote.

THE BLOGS: Burger Mary calls Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ the "perfect fusion cuisine," Fed Man Walking Mike Sutter’s taco project takes him to El Meson, Forks Up is wowed by most of the food at St. Philip, but the pizza didn't work its magic.