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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories Ashland may restrict outdoor pot growing Second suspect pleads guilty in cartel grow case Trail man allegedly hit mother with hatchet Child molester sentenced to five years prison Brown's inauguration brings hope to local lawmakers Crime, Courts and Emergency Services Second suspect pleads guilty in cartel grow case Trail man allegedly hit mother with hatchet Child molester sentenced to five years prison Man jailed on sex abuse charges Clash with officers lands Medford man in jail on multiple charges Politics and Elections Kate Brown sworn in as Oregon's 38th governor Gov. Kitzhaber steps down, federal investigation begins Gov. 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Brown's inauguration brings hope to local lawmakers ... Ashland may restrict outdoor pot growing ... Jackson County Commissioners take pro-gun stance ... Brown's inauguration brings hope to local lawmakers ... Ashland may restrict outdoor pot growing ... DINING Stylish shareables are the feature at Brickroom In a town dripping with culinary talent, it can be a challenge for newcomers to carve out their own niche. The Brickroom is earning its own place at Ashland's metaphorical table with an easy, accessible yet adventurous style. Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Feb. 6, 2015 @ 2:00 am Updated Feb 6, 2015 at 7:05 PM Posted Feb. 6, 2015 @ 2:00 am Updated Feb 6, 2015 at 7:05 PM » Social News In a town dripping with culinary talent, it can be a challenge for newcomers to carve out their own niche. The Brickroom is earning its own place at Ashland's metaphorical table with an easy, accessible yet adventurous style. The Brickroom makes the space of the former Alex's Plaza Restaurant its own. Located at 35 N. Main St., the spot comes across as fashionable and inviting as soon as you enter, with geometric patterns painted all the way up the stairs. My friend and I were seated next to the fireplace at a table that boasted a view of the Plaza. A patio area opens along the creek in the summer. Teal blue accent walls, exposed brick, a large chalkboard cafe menu and unique chandeliers blend well to create an environment that's on top of trends, yet relaxed and comfortable. Shortly after the restaurant opened last August, an Ashland friend claimed it as one of his favorite spots. Palates are personal, so I tend to take such recommendations with a grain of salt, but he'd pointed me toward some notable Ashland dining spots before, such as the affordable and chef-prepared lunches at Omar's. My gut trusted him, so I let him guide the selections. Although there are sandwiches, salads and entrees on the menu, all served from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily, small plates and shareables seem to be the menu's focus. We started with Pretzel Bread Fondue ($7.25 plus meals tax), Baked Bean Brulee ($4 plus tax), and Slow-Roasted Pork Belly ($11 plus tax). We also split one of the entrees, Brick Chicken ($16.50 plus tax), which took longer to prepare and arrived after the other items. The fondue came in a miniature cast iron skillet next to diagonally sliced pretzel bread pieces. It had the rich, slightly grainy texture of my favorite roux-based macaroni and cheese recipes. Another item I'm eager to order again is the pork belly. Served with crostini, goat cheese frosting and sweet kumquat marmalade, the flavors complement and balance the savory, flavorful and fresh pork belly. If I'd noticed the Brick Chicken came with its own serving of bruleed beans, I would've skipped that selection on the "small bites," but the sweet, sugary crust works well and is an interesting twist on an old standby. The piece of bone-in chicken was flavorful and served on a bed of seared greens topped with a house-made sauce. We punctuated the meal with a Pear Crisp ($9 plus tax), a caramel poached pear covered with pistachio streusel. It's presented with a scoop of the restaurant's rich, housemade vanilla ice cream, a pinot noir syrup, pear caramel and crushed pistachio. The pear can be a little tricky to eat with a spoon, but the combination of caramel, nutty and fruit flavors is unique and worth recommending. For those seeking something casual with the occasional avant garde twist, The Brickroom earns my full recommendation. —  Nick Morgan MailTribune.com Writer Posted Feb. 6, 2015 @ 2:00 am Updated Feb 6, 2015 at 7:05 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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