TAG Raw Bar

If you haven't been to TAG, you should really do that, and if you want something else from the TAG family of restaurants, you should try Troy Guard's new concept: TAG raw bar.  Located below street level in a tiny space in larimer square, it has a surprisingly small interior with a dozen orange stools at the bar and 2 five tops.  The atmosphere was casual with music from an ipod mix(i believe TLC came up at one point).  We picked two seats at the bar where we could watch the only two chefs and the bartender/waiter command the line. The restaurant focuses on small plates with raw or almost raw preparation techniques.  They change their menu frequently, maybe even daily so chances are you won't find the same stuff if you plan on going soon.  In addition to a free spicy tuna roll (kitchen mistake!) below is a sampling of what we enjoyed last night

Fire and Ice Sushi with Hirasama (yellowtail), Ahi, cucumber, avocado with wasabi tofu foam

Heirloom tomato salad with mache, sesame leaves, shaved ricotta salata and apple balsamic glaze

Perhaps the best dish of the night.  Seared colorado lamb loin with whisky peach gastrique, shaved pecorino and microgreens.  The meat was tender and rare without being gamey.

Duo of Tuna (Ahi and Amberjack) with miso, seaweed and himalayan sea salt.  The fish was so fresh but the flavors infused within weren't necessarily my favorite

"Ceviche Imagination" - changes daily, today it was scallop and ahi tuna with pico de gallo, cilantro and lime.  Incredibly refreshing.

TAG Raw Bar Plate score:  8.5


We wanted little man ice cream for dessert but they closed at 9, so as we fought our way through the hurricane like gusts, we settled on a slice of the coffee kahlua cheesecake from the cheesecake factory.  Delicious!