The opening of a new restaurant is always an exciting experience—but the opening of a new Tierney-dynasty restaurant is an event in itself. Upon walking into the newly revamped space of what once was Sego and now dubbed boca, (131 Washington Avenue, Ketchum) we were greeted with delicious aromas of Latin American cuisine, the sound of a lively guitar and many smiling faces. Sean and Alyson Tierney have put a dramatic facelift on the space adding bright new upholstery and artwork. Fun details like a cool beaded curtain grace the entrance to the restrooms and adds charm and personality to Ketchum’s newest restaurant.
We checked in with the enthusiastic hostess and then elbowed our way up to the bar to await our table. The bar menu features an eclectic mix of cocktails and beers…even beer in a can! The bartenders were slinging booze as fast as they could and the place was vibrating with good energy. Everyone seemed happy (and probably a bit buzzed). While waiting, we spoke to several people who expressed how excited they were to be apart of this celebrated opening—all anxious to try out the newest culinary treat in town.
Once seated at our cozy two top, we immediately ordered the olive selection: Aberquina, Nicoise and Picholine olives with citrus and paprika, ($4). The couple seated next to us were excited to share their dining experience with us and praised the Avocado Ensalada, ($8) avocado and arugula salad with lime and jalapeno vinegarette, pepitas and manchego. Also recommended were the house-smoked baby back pork ribs ($12) with candied Serrano chiles. With everyone around us gushing about their delicious meals, we couldn’t help but be excited and jovial as well.
The olives were delectable and we followed them up with the flatbread of the evening ($9) a lovely, crisp chorizo-topped ensemble. While enjoying our tapas we had a chance to chat with co-owner Sean Tierney, who gave us a brief explanation of how they named their newest restaurant. "Boca" (mouth in Spanish) tied in nicely with their sister restaurant, il Naso (nose in Italian), and to them the word embodied the culinary experience and sensation of the mouth. It is also the name a favorite Central American surf spot! Owners Alyson and Sean expressed how happy they were with the new space and their excitement showed in the food and atmosphere—even being generous enough to offer a tasting before deciding on which house wine to select.
Next on our list to sample were the empanadas ($6) and what a treat! Crisp with perfectly seasoned pork. Yum! The couple seating next to us ordered the raw tartare grass fed tenderloin ($13) with capers, anchovies, shallots, cilantro and an ancho aioli which they soon devoured.
As our evening wrapped up and we made our way south, we decided that we would definitely be back to boca soon…our mouths are already watering for what we didn't try last night!
