Origin Kitchen + Bar recently opened yesterday at 4438 McKinney Ave, next to Sushi on McKinney.  I had the privilege to taste some of their menu items for a media tasting. First thing you noticed when you walk in is the clean, fresh design of the restaurant, where you can sit at a table, booth or dine at the bar. You also have the option to sit at the Chef’s Table, where you can watch Executive Chef Jeff Smith and his team create menu items.

Origin features rustic California-inspired cuisine that will serve dinner, with a bistro-style breakfast, lunch and coffee bar. For starters, I ordered the Grass Fed Beef Tartare, which I thoroughly enjoyed. There is lots of flavor, and I like the sweeter tasting mustard to complement this dish.Next, I enjoyed Roasted Duck Breast that is soaked in Maine Root Orange Soda paired with coconut yam puree and artichokes. If there is one thing Origins does well, it is their purees. They make me wants to ask for an extra serving. 😉Lastly, I finished this meal with their Vanilla Orange Ice Cream. Now this dessert, I really loved. I have to admit that I would just call it Vanilla Ice Cream, as I didn’t taste any orange. This dessert is the perfect way to end your meal, as it cleans your palate and is not too large. It comes with candied pecans and Cultivar Coffee reduction.Like Portland, OR and Seattle, WA restaurants, Origins tell you where they purchase their meat and vegetables, so you really see how local your meal is. Origin will offer counter service breakfast, lunch and craft coffee seven days a week, 7:30AM thru lunch at 2PM. Dinner will be served Tuesday through Sunday, 5PM – 10PM.   No reservations, complimentary valet available for dinner service.