Dmnkly, I was at Schwa this weekend as well. My party had almost the same menu as you did, with one exception. Instead of steak and eggs, our final savory course was beef short rib. I love short rib, and this was the highlight of the evening for me--although I agree with you that many of the dishes were spectacular. The best short rib I've ever had.
As for the brown paste with the salad, they told us it was fennel paste. This was in addition to the fennel chip.
Otherwise, I have nothing to add to what you've said. It was a wonderful meal. Thanks for posting the pictures, and allowing me to relive it in my head.