Homestead, Local and Seasonal Comfort Food Served in a 1922 Farmouse in Petworth

[Genevieve]

I went to a get-together with a large group at Homestead last night (my first time eating in Petworth).  We were on the top floor of 3, where there was a bar and some tables, and they handled us well (large group of various people showing up anywhere between 6 and 9 p.m.).  I like the space and the host was friendly and welcoming.

I only had a small taste of the menu, but it was excellent.  The things I ordered aren't on the online menu at http://homesteaddc.com/starters/ because their menu changes daily, although a number of items on the online menu were on the menu last night (quail, raclette, catfish, buttermilk hot chicken, half roasted chicken, Homestead burger).

A salad of berries (blueberries and strawberries), goat cheese, hazelnuts and greens was great - very fresh, interesting greens that weren't the typical "mixed greens," though I can't tell you what they were. Good goat cheese and fresh, tasty berries. Large serving, too.

Grilled squid was tiny tiny whole squid (baby squid, but much smaller than baby squid I've had before, about the size of a thumbnail), with drizzles of a delicious yellow sauce that tasted of Spain (I don't recall what was in it, maybe saffron?), and bits of diced fruit (pineapple? don't recall), on top of salad greens. Not what I expected, but very good.

There was a saffron soup on the menu and I was very curious but didn't end up getting it. My husband got the half roasted chicken with vegetables and he was happy with it; someone else got the burger, and I snagged a few fries, which were good.  Someone else was very happy with her tuna tartare over avocado, which looked appealing.

There were many interesting cocktails on the menu (drinks menu isn't online). No mocktails, but I got a nonalcoholic version of a drink that had blackberries (or maybe blueberries, can't recall), cardamom syrup, and lemon. Very nice. Followed it with a ginger beer.

There's outdoor seating on the second level (maybe 8 tables) and lots of space throughout the building. I'd definitely go back. 

[saf]

No longer Homestead - this is now Commonwealth Cantina. Yes, another tex-mex place. Overpriced and over-cilantroed.