The Slidebar Rock-N-Roll Kitchen (Fullerton, CA)

Having lived all around the vast area that is Southern California, I like to consider myself familiar with the best eating spots around. However, if you saw my Food Maps section for Southern California, before visiting the Slidebar Rock-N-Roll Kitchen, you would have seen a gaping hole over Fullerton. Well shame on me!

I was invited to a media tasting featuring new dishes and craft beer pairings from new Chef Oge Dalken. It was such a treat, and we had a fantastic time with the delicious menu items.

Ahi Sliders

Seared sesame encrusted Ahi with asian slaw, pickled ginger and wasabi mayo
Paired with Clown Shoes – Tramp Stamp Belgian IPA

I was floored by these sliders. Sometimes I am skeptical about how well tuna is seared, especially in a smaller slider slaw, but it was perfect! The pickled ginger and wasabi mayo were an appropriate play on the traditional sushi accompaniments. One of our favorite dishes of the night!

Coney Dog

All beef hot dog topped with Coney island chili, tobacco onions and mustard
Paired with Ninkasi – Tricerahops Double IPA

I admit it. I’m a snob when it comes to sausages vs. hot dogs. So if I was reading on this menu, I would skip over it. However, I would be totally wrong for assuming this was a normal hot dog. The chili and onions were great!

Mac N’ Cheese

A rich blend of cheddar and fontina cheese and mixed bacon relish. Topped with truffle oil, and a toasted parmesan cheese-panko bread crumb gratin
Paired with Chimay-Trappist Ale

All I can say is that they dropped off an extra serving this at our table, and everyone’s eyes darted around to see who the lucky person with the second helping was going to be. Luckily, they were all civilized about it, and someone with a level head remembered we had a few more courses coming up. I won and thoroughly enjoyed my cheesy, gooey trophy. The panko bread crumb topping was exceptional and just how I like to enjoy my mac and cheese. Winner!

By the way, here are the beers in all their glory for the first three dishes 🙂

Clown Shoes – Tramp Stamp Belgian IPA
Ninkasi – Tricerahops Double IPA
Chimay – Trappist Ale

Chicken & Waffles

A stack of savory potato waffles served with a spicy herb panic crusted fried chicken breast, covered with chicken and mushroom gravy, topped with fried leeks
Paired with Noble – Pistol Whip’d Pilsner

I am a chicken and waffle aficionado, and this one had a twist! The mushroom gravy was a fun addition that reminded me of chicken fried steak. Oh, and the fried leeks were such a great addition to add a bit of crispy, salty goodness. Yum!

Coulotte Steak

Choice Top Sirloin Cap, coated in a coffee and unsweetened cocoa powder rub, wrapped in bacon and served with beef demi, sun-dried bing cherries and stilton cheese. Served on Dijon mashed potatoes.
Paired with Golden Road – Get Up Off That Brown Ale

I thought this was the prettiest of the dishes by far! I had to enjoy mine without the bacon, but the pork-eaters in the group admitted that it was better without.

Banana Bread Beer Float

Wells Banana Bread Beer served with a generous scoop of French Vanilla Ice Cream and topped with a fried plantain

After all that food and beer, I didn’t even need dessert, so I really didn’t have much to be honest. I’m not sure that it reminded me of banana bread very much, so we just admired our beer pyramid and enjoyed the rest of the night. 🙂

Overall, some really great classic dishes with modern updates and punched up flavors. I can’t wait to catch a show and be treated to some great food too next time I’m in town!

Which classic dish is your favorite? Burgers, hot dogs, mac & cheese, chicken & waffles, steak, or root beer floats?

The Slidebar Rock-N-Roll Kitchen
122 East Commonwealth Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92832
www.slidebarfullerton.com
(714) 871-2233

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