Another post-pandemic renaissance is happening up in Felton. Humble Sea Tavern, filling out the cozy interior of the old Cremer House, is loaded with reasons to stop by and stay awhile. The taproom, with its signature copper hardware, has grown into a full bar and a restaurant, with popular weekend brunches and lots of dining space on the wrap-around porch (think designer rustic). So I took the short drive up to the center of the old logging town with Bev and Ellen to sample the new Humble Sea menu.
One look at the menu and we knew the Tavern had established itself beyond the pulsating beer garden ambience of its Swift Street cousin. There’s some serious food on this menu, including a Poached Pear salad ($11) we decided to share. After much debate, and lots of questions of our informative server, we made our move: three different beers, arriving in attractive five-ounce mini-goblets and three large-scale sandwiches, all of which pleased. The massive salad was so delicious that mostly we wished for more pear slices and a handful more of those crunchy delicious toasted quinoa grains strewn on the top of a hill of baby lettuces. Dotted with tangy Point Reyes blue cheese, the mixed greens were showcased by a distinctive hops vinaigrette and a few slices of fennel. My Bigfoot Burger ($16) was gorgeous to look at, with cheddar onion jam, a classic catsup/mayo/relish “Kook” sauce, bib lettuce, tomato and sliced red onion, all topping a hefty half-pound 80/20 beef patty atop an incredibly tasty toasted sesame brioche bun. It went down well with my lightly sour Penelope Pilsner ($3.50)
Ellen’s pulled pork special sandwich also arrived on the brioche bun, as well as a slaw and pickle accompaniment ($16). Rich, tender and generous, the pulled pork was one of those succulent sandwiches you can’t stop eating. She approved of her Liquid Horizon pale ale ($3.50). Both our sandwiches arrived surrounded by a panorama of excellent french fries and a little bowl of catsup.
Arguably the biggest hit among the terrific two-fisted sandwiches was Bev’s Mushroom Melt ($12). Essentially a Gruyere grilled cheese sandwich, embedded with fried wild mushrooms squished into thick slabs of toasted sourdough. The cheese melted beautifully and there was even a bowl of mushroom juice for dipping. A mildly flavored juice to be sure, but hey who doesn’t like to dip stuff? We did. Bev loved her Socks & Sandals Foggy IPA, a slightly sweet, fruity, pale yellow house specialty ($4).
The salad was a real surprise—an inspired combo of flavors and super-fresh baby greens. Almost a destination salad. Not every tavern can boast that.
Only the panna cotta dessert ($8) disappointed. The sweet mango topping was pleasant, but it overwhelmed the tasteless cream center.
Humble Sea Tavern, 6256 Hwy 9, Felton. Open Wednesday-Friday, 11am-9pm, 9am-9pm Saturday and Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. restaurantji.com/ca/felton/humble-sea-tavern.
Music at Gabriella
Virtuoso Irene Hermann and her virtuoso daughter Kaethe Hostetter are the Third Man Duo, playing mandolins at 6pm on April 21 (the birthday of Marie Waters and Elizabeth Windsor). On April 29, Bobby Markowitz plays acoustic flamenco to the cafe at 6pm. New spring menu items include local yellowtail, roast Cornish game hens, Miyagi oysters, Live Earth Farm strawberries.
This sounds great!! New to the area but sending your article to my son who is new to boulder creek home but sure will suggest a visit!! Especially when I visit!!!