Tavern 58 At Gibbs

Jim and I are out and about Friday night running some errands out in Victor and were throwing around some dinner options:  Wegman’s Market Cafe?  A selection from Victor's finest chains?  Cook dinner at home?  Then Jim suggests, Tavern 58 at Gibbs.  We now head out of Victor for downtown.

We arrive at the restaurant and get the last parking spot out back and head in.  We enter in through the bar, which is a bit quiet and went to the host stand, anticipating a wait. We are pleasantly surprised to be shown into a table immediately.  We are seated at a table for two on a window overlooking the outdoor patio/seating area in the back of the restaurant.  The space was appropriately lit for the atmosphere and time. The decor is nothing exciting, the same ol’ Rochester story, told over and over again: Trompe l'oeil on the wall, however, instead of a Mediterranean theme, their version depicts the Rochester skyline.  Tables draped in white linen with white butcher paper overlay, brown linen napkin and votive candle centerpiece.  I will however, point out the tastefully done ceiling treatment.  Unlike traditional drop panel ceilings, the Tavern has suspended stained wooden slats, with the occasional ceiling fan and simple single-bulb strand lighting.

Sonya, our fun and playful waitress greeted us at the table and took our drink order.  I, a creature of habit, as you may have already guessed, ordered my pal, Stoli (on the rocks, a bit dirty and of course, olives). Jim ordered some fruity little drink (cuz he can't shoot whiskey -- and I digress...) – but a tasty fruity drink at that - a Tavern-tini called PamaPolitan: Stoli, triple sec, Pama liquer, Sprite, lime juice and cranberry juice with lime garnish. 

Sonya arrives with bread which consists of three smaller-than-slider-sized, house-made rolls on a plate with piped butter, rosemary, black pepper EVOO and balsamic reduction and a tasting of a tomato basil puree. Our drinks came soon after and we placed our orders.  We both opt for steak.  I ordered the 8oz. Filet Mignon medium rare and, torn between potato choices, I ask that Sonya surprise me.  Jim orders the Hanger Steak and we also order the Tavern House Salad.

Still not shooting whiskey, Jim orders another fruity drink, this time, the French Connection:  Chambord , Stoli, pineapple juice and Brut Champagne.

The Tavern House salad arrives, a mix of baby greens tossed with candied pecans, fresh berries (strawberry & blueberry) and gorgonzola cheese tossed with balsamic vinaigrette. The addition of the candied pecans and berries made it a refreshing change from the overplayed baby greens salad. 

Our dinners arrive soon after salad.  Mine, cooked a perfect medium rare, arrived with "Surprise!" bacon-horseradish mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach and tumbleweed onions (French fried onions). The potatoes were a perfect pairing... the horseradish flavor complemented the beef nicely and the bacon, well... what doesn't bacon make better?  Jim's Hanger Steak is cooked medium as per his request.  Also, upon his request is cocktail number three, but who's counting on a Friday evening?  Nope, still no whiskey, another French Connection. Jim's steak was basted with Sam Adams, grilled and served over cheesy polenta fries and charred vegetables.  The cheesy polenta fries were super duper yummy! 

After dinner, we order coffee and split a dessert of grilled pumpkin bread with cinnamon ice cream.  The dessert was let's say, interesting.  A couple of bites were enough for me, but Jim seemed to enjoy it. Not sure if the three cocktails helped, but he said he enjoyed it.

I would definitely recommend Tavern 58 at Gibbs and if you decide to go, ask if Sonya is working and request her station, she has a fun sense of humor. And don't forget to leave a big fat tip - Mr. French Connection did. 

Oh... by the way, I drove home in case anyone was wondering.