The Rustic Fork: Farm Fresh and Urban Trendy 

Last night my wife, son and I finally made it into the Rustic Fork. The fact that this, "Farm to Fork" trendy eatery is not located in the typical gentrified, urban center, but instead, rests on the outskirts of  Riverside in a  not so distinct suburban area, was the first impression that this place was different. 

The simple earth-tone building stands out because of the stencil-cut iron signage and the agave planted wine barrel landscaping but upon entering the establishment, an unasuming, environment takes over. Many of the elements one would expect in a standard foodie oriented restaurant are present. Chalk board signs, minimal decor and an open seating plan are the standards here. The kitchen is center stage  in this establishment and all the guests can watch as 3 cooks work together to fill orders through a single window. The two male chefs, complete with tatoos and stretched lobes, and one female chef seemed to work together quite well and their system was smooth. Two servers covered approximately 10 or 12 tables and one friendly host worked the door quickly greeting and seating guests without a wait. 

                                   The Rustic Fork located at 1355 Alassandro Blvd, Riverside

    The Menu was diverse, but certainly not cheep. Filet and lobster was $99. My son had the Cajon Shrimp pasta. My wife had a greens salad with Blood Orange and Pomegranite vinegrate and a kids size Mac and Cheese. Im not a fan of sea food so I didnt taste the shrimp but my son enjoyed it. The salad was good though it was heavier on the baby leaf chard than I would have liked. The dressing was awesome and really brought the flavors together nicely. The Mac and Cheese was a creamy smokey joy.

I ordered the Drunken Goat Burger and at the first bite it became my new favorate burger. The 1/2 pound Santa Carlota beef patty, grass fed and carrot finished, was an imediate stand out and was cooked perfectly to order. The Drake family farm goat cheese was a delightful addition and the marinated onions were a perfect topper. 

                                                                                  The Drunken Goat Burger with house made fries

The burger came with housemade fries that were cut thick, with the skins on, and cooked to a hot and crispy finish then sprinkled with a sweet and savory spice mix. I completed my meal with a 16 ounce Societe Brewing IPA which I enjoyed almost as much as the burger. 

Over all I was pleasantly fulfilled at the RusticFork and look forward to going back.Their attention to  local and organic was a great selling point to get me in the door. Their food will get me coming back regularly. 

I highly recommend the Rustc Fork and appreciate their contribution to local agriculture and the food system.