Rebecca Horrigan
By Rebecca Horrigan
Starting the morning with brunch at Scarlett Begonia is always a fabulous idea. Now they’re taking on the night shift with the same meticulous attention to detail and delicious farm-to-table fare in their “Scarlett After Dark” program.
When owner Crista Fooks opened their new location on Victoria Street across from the public market, the decidedly different vibe called for a reimagining of what the restaurant could be.
“Right when we moved into our new location, we knew it had the potential to be a Speakeasy,” manager Hilary Ortiz said. “The restaurant is an old house and along with Crista’s (the owner’s) vintage aesthetic and the fact that we just entered the 20s again made ‘After Dark’ really come together.”
With that idea in mind, the go-to brunch and lunch destination created a new menu and entertainment program with a sophisticated and sultry prohibition-era style.
“We thought, why not have live music nights and create a menu that is fun and worthy of a good cocktail?” Ortiz said.
Friend of the restaurant, Raul Cano-Rogers from Live Notes SB is now booking musicians to perform at their Scarlett After Dark series every Thursday night.
“We’re working towards having consistent live music on Friday and Saturday nights as well, and we recommend checking our Instagram for music updates,” Ortiz said.
I checked out their new space and menu on a Friday night, and even without the music, I felt serenaded by the charming atmosphere and delectable cuisine. From the vibrant art on the walls and sweet little high-top tables for two, the craft cocktails, and upscale yet satisfying eats, everything played in perfect harmony.
Photo by Rebecca Horrigan
“The menu is a combination of classic bar food along with some specialty hors d’oeuvres and of course all of our signature cocktails,” Ortiz said.
As far as cocktails go, don’t miss their Mizzolino, a zippy interplay of Mulholland gin, grapefruit, lemon, chamomile syrup, and orange bitters topped with a pretty purple flower, of course. Scarlett Begonia works the garden charm from every angle, as we enjoyed their cheese plate as well. Garnished with beautiful petals, the generous plating of brie, manchego, marcona almonds, honey, apples and more, was almost too pretty to eat, but we cleared the plate nonetheless. Those same florals decorated our farm-fresh crudite plate featuring a wealth of veggies and a flavorful caramelized onion dip.
Their complimentary housemade potato chips make great hors d’oeuvre in and of themselves and pair perfectly with a cocktail or a wine from their delightful list, which features local favorites such as Brander’s Sauvignon Blanc or the Pape Star Rhone Blend from Kunin.
“What sets our After Dark menu apart from other late-night menus is the same thing that sets our brunch menu apart from other brunch menus. We make really delicious, thoughtful food with quality ingredients,” Oritz said.
For heartier fare, their gourmet take on bar food classics range from a Chicago wagyu beef dog with the works including mustard, pickles, white onion, tomato, pepperoncini, sweet relish, brioche bun; to comforting chili, to the ever-popular smashburger. Be sure not to miss their fried chicken sandwich. Perfectly fried Mary’s organic chicken breast is nestled in a brioche bun and topped with honey mustard slaw, sliced tomato, Beemster Gouda, shaved red onion, and jalapeno aioli. Wash it down with Captain Fatty’s Pilsner for a high-brow take on the casual comfort food.
Whether you’re there for the consistently tasty fare, live music, or ultra-friendly service, Scarlett Begonia provides a delightful sensory escape at any hour.
Scarlett Begonia is open for weekday breakfast & lunch and weekend brunch from 9:00am to 2:00pm every day. Scarlett After Dark takes place every Thursday through Saturday from 5:00pm to close. Learn more at https://scarlettbegonia.net
