On January 15th Alessandro Heights residents came together to enjoy a night of good food, lots of laughs, and getting to know their neighbors. As many of you were aware, our first Stroll Alessandro Heights event was slated to be at Mario’s Place near The Mission Inn. The management had a family situation abroad and had to postpone hosting the event. As I called around to inform neighbors that we may have a venue change, I ended up on a call with one of our amazing residents, Natalie Jacobsen. Natalie let me know that she, and her husband Tommy, own The Rustik Fork on Alessandro Blvd. When one door closes, many times a blessing appears. What better way to celebrate our inaugural event than at a restaurant owned by two of our very own residents? With a desire to help, and love for the neighborhood, Natalie and Tommy worked quickly to get staff and their chef in place so they could host a special night just for their Alessandro Heights neighbors. What a great night it was.

Residents began to arrive at 6 pm with both smiles and curiosity on their faces. For some, it was their first time at The Rustik Fork. For others, it has long been one of their favorite local restaurants. The attention to detail throughout the restaurant is fantastic. Tommy and his team handcrafted much of the décor, metal signage, and even the tables. Even the ice cubes in their Old Fashioneds donned their logo. Excitement and conversations quickly filled the room as neighbors got to meet with one another, tell stories of their time in Alessandro Heights, and commonalities with each other were shared. It is quite amazing how tight-knit the Alessandro Heights neighborhood is as a whole, and yet, there could be neighbors a couple of streets over whom some had never had the pleasure of meeting until that night.

Neighbors shared what each other did for a living, how long they’d been in the neighborhood, the funny and great things their kids were into, and what hobbies they were passionate about. Some chatted about the history and growth of the neighborhood. Some discussed who they thought was building the giant lazy river in their backyard off Overlook. So many connections were being made and laughs were already being had. Everyone was so immersed in conversation that we almost forgot there was an amazing meal on the way.

Eventually, the focus was brought to the front of the room where Natalie and Tommy shared the history and ongoing vision for The Rustik Fork. The Rustik Fork is a restaurant dedicated to thinking fresh and supporting local. They strive to source all of their ingredients from local farms and seasonal ingredients. It is their dedication to fresh handcrafted food that has really set them apart. There is a true family atmosphere between all of the staff. In fact, a special marriage came to be within the four walls of The Rustik Fork. Their Executive Chef, Bret Bendixen, and front-of-the-house Manager, Kellsey, met while working here. That’s a love story we’ll share another time. As the appetizer course was ready to make its way out, Executive Chef, Bret, shared the details of the menu for the night.

The beauty and aroma of this dish were delightful. Locally sourced Brussels sprouts topped with wine-infused cranberries, and creamy goat cheese were drizzled with a sweet balsamic vinegar. The crisp initial bite of the Brussels sprouts, followed by the combination of savory and sweet was expertly balanced. There was no surprise the cranberries were infused with wine right there at the restaurant, as the Jacobsens are quite the connoisseurs. They have a fantastic selection of wines to choose from, and many of our residents enjoyed a glass with their meal.

I wish I had the words to fully describe the tenderness of the short rib and the silkiness of the organic polenta it sat upon. This is a must-order when you come to The Rustik Fork. It is a 100% grass-fed Santa Carota braised beef. Joining it on the polenta you’ll find seasonal vegetables and crispy potatoes to round out the textures. All of this is married with a delicious demi-glace poured around the side. I will be coming back for this again.

Sticking with the focus on local and organic, the chef and staff presented us with their organic dark chocolate brownie. It was everything you’d hope a brownie would be. A light crust on the outside, and a warm inviting hug throughout. They top this with vanilla ice cream, bourbon caramel, and a light coconut dust for good measure. I caught a photo of one of our neighbors sneaking the last bite of his wife’s desert. We won’t say any names, and the photo evidence has conveniently been misplaced. You have to look out for your neighbors.

 

Our first Alessandro Heights resident event was an absolute success. Our deepest gratitude to Tommy and Natalie Jacobsen, proprietors of The Rustik Fork, who helped pull this amazing event together. Neighbors had the chance to connect with one another, stories were shared and laughs continued throughout the evening. This is truly what your Stroll Alessandro Heights publication is about. Uplifting neighborhood values and making great friends. Thank you to all the residents who came and shared this special night. There will be many more to come.