David J. Olender / Photo Editor

Executive Chef Matt Gordon of Urban Solace has a lot going on in his head: It’s where his creative process happens.

“I am a really on-the-spot creator; I have spurts 8212; bits and spurts 8212; all of a sudden, I’ll just wake up one morning and have all of these ideas in my head,” Gordon said. “And that’s when it just happens; that’s when our menu changes.”

Urban Solace just celebrated its one-year anniversary this past September. The restaurant was a business plan outlined by founding partner and General Manager Scott Watkins’ “comfort service” approach and was realized by founding partner Gordon’s dynamic restaurant experience and unique creative elements.

Collectively, the two created a welcoming atmosphere of servers and cooks as well as a menu with a unique grouping of classic American comfort foods, Southern sides and classy, cutting-edge plating.

From the outside of Urban Solace, the building looks like something you’d stroll past on the streets of New Orleans. Tall and thin white wooden doors accentuate the two-story building while stained glass windows allow the perfect amount of sunlight into the large, open bar. High ceilings, large wall art and dark, wooden tables and chairs highlight its urban style. But when you step out onto the patio, the wrought-iron chairs, decorative lighting and occasional live musicians provide the perfect Southern welcome.

One of the many starters is the Skillet Shrimp and Chili Grit Cakes for $8.95. The dish incorporates Gordon’s original grit cake recipe that the shrimp’s skillet taste meshes delightfully with.

The Cocoa and Spice Crusted Braised Pork Belly is one of the most tender meat entrée choices at Urban Solace. The seasoning dances on your tongue as the meat melts in your mouth. The dish is complemented perfectly with a red beet-sweet corn slaw, all served atop roasted sweet potato slices for $16.95.
No meal 8212; breakfast, lunch or dinner 8212; would be complete without the restaurant’s flaky and warm cheese biscuits dished up with a sweet orange honey butter concoction.

“I am not sure where that whole system started when you walk into a restaurant and they start you with a big basket of bread in front of you,” Gordon said. “Why buy someone else’s product when that’s the first thing people eat when they come to your restaurant?” Gordon’s unique biscuits are included in a majority of the dishes and are also available individually for $1.25.

Guests can indulge in a large slice of Urban Solace’s moist, two-tier “Not So Red” Velvet Cake lathered in a sweet, rich cream cheese and cocoa nib frosting for $7.

“We started with a traditional recipe and I tried to make the cake red by adding beets,” Gordon said. “The batter is bright red, but it turns dark brown again when it’s baked.” Only regulars would know that the batter of this scrumptious creation is complete with beets, and the garnish includes fresh beet puree 8212; a sweet complement that Gordon compares to drinking wine with a meal. “Without the wine, you taste one flavor, but with the wine you taste an entirely other flavor,” Gordon said.

Weekdays are filled with options, just the way any Southerner would prefer it to be: From 4 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday, live acoustic jazz artists entertain guests out on the patio.

Regulars, however, count on the weekend for “Bluegrass Brunch,” every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Urban Solace. The indoor seating is at its maximum capacity and the patio fills up with chatter as scents of fresh fried eggs, sweet maple syrup and crispy strips of bacon and sausage links fill the air. The brunch menu mimosas are a popular starter to this event and dinner service is available from 5 to 9 p.m.

The wine list, an important aspect of every menu, according to Watkins, incorporates a variety of West Coast wines with light to full intensity reds as well as light to medium intensity whites ranging in price from $7 to $10 a glass.

Beer options include several handcrafted drafts, bottles and non-alcoholic options; there is also a cocktail list with creative alternatives to the classic Mojito.

Urban Solace is located in North Park at 3823 30th St. and is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and for Sunday brunch.

“Comfort Hour,” the Urban Solace’s take on happy hour, is available weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m., where guests can enjoy discounts on some of their favorite food and drink items.

These 17-year restaurant veterans successfully combined their table manners and favorite home flavors to become the comfort cooking that is Urban Solace.

Reservations are accepted for dining room dinner service while brunch, lunch and patio seating are all available for walk-in guests. More information is available on its Web site www.urbansolace.net.