Spring 2012

TEHRAN – On January 11th, two assailants on a motorcycle pull up along side a car, attach a magnetic bomb, and speed away.  BOOM!  That bomb killed Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan, as well as his driver.  Roshan was the director of the Natanz Uranium Enrichment Facility in central Iran.  He specialized in making polymeric membranes to separate gases during the enrichment process.  Roshan was the fourth Iranian scientist to be killed under similar circumstances in the past two years alone.  Coincidence?

Who would have the motive and capability to pull of these highly sophisticated assassinations?  Of course the usual suspects come to mind: Arnold, Tom Cruise, or maybe Chuck.  Iranian government officials immediately condemned the attack, blaming the U.S., U.K., and Israel in particular.  A former U.S. official said the magnetic-bomb attack bore the hallmarks of an Israeli hit. 

“I want to categorically deny any United States involvement in any kind of act of violence inside Iran,” said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton following news of the attack.  “We believe there has to be an understanding between Iran, its neighbors and the international community that finds a way forward for it to end its provocative behavior, end its search for nuclear weapons and rejoin the international community…”

Mohammad Khazaee, Iran’s ambassador to the U.N., called for international condemnation of the attacks. "There is firm evidence that certain foreign quarters are behind such assassinations,” wrote Khazaee to the U.N. Secretary General.  “As has been claimed by these circles, such terrorist acts have been carried out as part of the efforts to disrupt Iran's peaceful nuclear program, under the false assumption that diplomacy alone would not be enough for that purpose."

Former CIA agent Mike Baker doubted direct U.S. involvement in the attack during a recent interview on Fox News Channel.  Baker cited that such an operation could take 30 agents on the ground in Tehran to support, and that such a risky undertaking was unlikely.

It is difficult to ignore that such a covert act fits well within the Obama Administration’s strategy of increased dependence on Special Operations Forces, and less on large-scale conventional ground forces.  Having killed several high value targets in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen by way of small, surgical drone and troop strikes—President Obama has shown a preference towards smaller, more covert missions.  If these attacks truly are part of a U.S. strategy, it could indicate that Iranian scientists are closer to a nuclear weapon than previously believed.

The debate surrounding how best to contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions has been gaining more attention, as the rogue nation’s leadership remains unapologetically defiant.  There is much disagreement in political and military circles as to just how close Iran is developing a nuclear weapon.  During a recent Republican presidential debate, Representatives Michelle Bachmann (R-MN) and Ron Paul (R-TX) had a fiery exchange over their differences in interpretation regarding an IAEA report on Iran’s nuclear activities.  Some in Washington and within the Pentagon believe Iran is on the verge of becoming a nuclear power, while others remain skeptical.  Politicians remain hesitant to raddle their sabers in front of a war-weary American electorate that is still distrustful of warnings reminiscent of a not-so-old tale of WMD’s somewhere in Iraq…

My best description of this restaurant can be contained in one word: masculine. Tractor Room, located on 5th Avenue and Pennsylvania in Hillcrest, has long been one of my very favorite San Diego restaurants. Driving past it, you can’t help but notice the actual tractor sitting out front, and the byline ‘Honest Cocktails and Meats.’ If that doesn’t immediately sell you, you probably shouldn’t eat here.

The décor is like that of an old hunting lodge, with animal antler chandeliers and cowhide covered bar chairs. Most meals arrive in heavy black skillets, taking one back to the days of log cabins and self sustaining lifestyles.

The initial purview of the menu reveals what the byline promises: almost every kind of meat you can think of. From crispy elk sausage ravioli to braised buffalo over waffles fries (with a thick layer of smoked Wisconsin cheddar cheese adorning the top, of course), to sage duck breast skewer or boar stew, there is something for every meat eating enthusiast. Prefer fish or vegetables? Worry not; they have a few of those options too.

The appetizer list is extensive, but my favorite choices are the braised buffalo fries mentioned above, and the black skillet cornbread. The braised buffalo is tender and pulled, and for those inexperienced with ‘other’ meats, in my opinion, it tastes very similar to a brisket. The buffalo is strewn over crispy waffle cut fries, and a thick layer of smoked cheddar cheese is draped over the top. Served in a black skillet, of course, it looks like a beast to tackle. But just grab a fork, pierce through the cheese and enjoy one of the most amazing appetizers I’ve ever dreamed of. The cornbread, served in a skillet as well, is always done right. A bit of a crispy layer on top, buttery and sprinkled with kernels of corn throughout, you can’t help but sneak bites of it throughout your meal.

The entrees continue the theme of ‘meat based amazing.’ There are four different burger options: beef, lamb, braised buffalo and free range buffalo. I’ve always opted for the traditional beef burger, but there is nothing boring about this meal. With a thick layer of smoked mozzarella cheese and crispy smoked bacon atop, and more waffles fries than you can usually get through, it is everything you want and more. Other succulent menu options include spicy chipotle chicken breasts, and chipotle charred tomato pork ribs. A lot of the entrees do include the ‘Tractor Room Style’ demi-glace and charred tomato accompaniment, and it is heavenly.

But there is always room for more food, especially if it involves cheese or potatoes! Last but certainly not least, are the entrée accompanying sides. The entrees are a generous serving size in themselves, but I’ll warn against skipping the decadent sides! If you love the theme of smoked cheddar cheese, order the smoked Wisconsin cheddar mac and cheese or the au gratin potatoes; both are made in the same manner (one with macaroni and one with potatoes) and both are packed full of flavor. My second favorite would be the heavy cream mashed potatoes with batch gravy. They’re creamy, full of butter and the gravy is just right—not too heavy, not too thin.

I know you’re probably full just thinking about what a satisfying meal is to be had at Tractor Room, but don’t neglect the cocktails! The cocktail menu includes a sampling of specialty cocktails along one side, with the rest of the cocktails divided by your liquor of choice. Is rum your preferred libation? Try the Prohibition Punch, a tropical tasting cocktail with a floater of Sailor Jerry. Gin more your style? Try the Punch in the Eye, a light and refreshing option with a dash of Cointreau, grapefruit and lime juice. Looking for something even more indulgent? Try the chocolate themed cocktail pictured for dessert. Believe me, there’s something for everyone- including beer and wine options as well.

If you are hungry and dying for a drink just reading this, you’ve got to try this restaurant immediately. While not expensive, Tractor Room isn’t a super cheap eat either. Entrees range around $15 and $35, and appetizers between $5 and $15. It is a busy joint on the weekends, so I suggest making reservations a few days ahead of time. But if you dine early (at 5 or 6pm) and on a weeknight, you may just be in luck to grab a table. Enjoy!