So its been a while since I have posted but I am going to add some more. The next restaurant I want to introduce you to is Solace in Encintas and Urban Solace in North Park.
I have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. For those of you that don't know what that is (because I didn't) it affects 1 in 133 people in the United States. Yeah, that is a lot of people. It is an immune mediated disease that attacks the gut when you consume gluten. Gluten is in wheat, flour, spealt, barley and rye.
So this means pizza, beer, pasta, cookies, cakes, brownies, soy sauce, fried food and more are all out as well as anything that comes in contact with the above (i.e. contamination).
It is assumed that 95% of americans are undiagnosed celiacs. They suffer from abdominal pain, malnutrition, bloating and irritability (and no, women can not use this as an excuse every month).
And its funny to me than people have gone after the fad GF diet. When you look at people with Celiac Disease they are thin, sometimes malnourished and limited to what they can eat. So people think they can eat GF and lose weight. At least stores and restaurants have more GF options.
Check out my new blog Ungluten. There are restaurants and recipes that are all GF (gluten free) and taste great even if you do not have any food sensitives.
His (The Ungluten Guy)
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
George's California Modern
LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
George's is by far one of the best restaurants in San Diego. The food and service are always worth raving about. This is also the restaurant that has my #1 soup but won't be able to tell you more about until summer when corn is in season at Chino Farms.
The special appetizer was perfect as He explained. My favorite parts of the dish were the fresh peas and squid ink, don't think I ever had squid ink before. The octopus they brought out was good , but not something I would order. It was tender and cooked perfectly, I'm just not an octopus fan.
The Date Salad is something that I almost never pass up. I enjoy the combination of arugula, Medjool dates, goat cheese, walnuts, and the pomegranate vinaigrette. It's a sweet, creamy. crispy, heavenly goodness. It's hard for me to say such good things about a salad. George's has been so kind to share the recipe for this salad at www.georgesatthecove.com/recipes/medjool-date-salad. My husband tried making it at home without the pomegranate molasses, because we couldn't find then, and it just wasn't the same. Although, I won't mind if he tries to make it again.
For dinner I opted to have the English Pea Ravioli that is usually an appetizer. I had this dish a month ago and couldn't wait to have it again. The dish was 5 ravioli that consisted of Niman Ranch ham, Meyer lemon, tarragon, almonds and pea tendrils. Chino farms only has the peas in season for 4-6 weeks, so I knew I had to have the dish one more time before the season was over.
He told you about the scrumptious dessert consisting of strawberries that were compressed with red wine, baby brioche, goat cheese espuma and pepper sorbet. The dessert worked well together and I really enjoyed the strawberries and the brioche. I think I would like it even better with a different kind of ice cream though. Something more simple perhaps.
As always George's is a 10 out 10!
George's is by far one of the best restaurants in San Diego. The food and service are always worth raving about. This is also the restaurant that has my #1 soup but won't be able to tell you more about until summer when corn is in season at Chino Farms.
The special appetizer was perfect as He explained. My favorite parts of the dish were the fresh peas and squid ink, don't think I ever had squid ink before. The octopus they brought out was good , but not something I would order. It was tender and cooked perfectly, I'm just not an octopus fan.
The Date Salad is something that I almost never pass up. I enjoy the combination of arugula, Medjool dates, goat cheese, walnuts, and the pomegranate vinaigrette. It's a sweet, creamy. crispy, heavenly goodness. It's hard for me to say such good things about a salad. George's has been so kind to share the recipe for this salad at www.georgesatthecove.com/recipes/medjool-date-salad. My husband tried making it at home without the pomegranate molasses, because we couldn't find then, and it just wasn't the same. Although, I won't mind if he tries to make it again.
For dinner I opted to have the English Pea Ravioli that is usually an appetizer. I had this dish a month ago and couldn't wait to have it again. The dish was 5 ravioli that consisted of Niman Ranch ham, Meyer lemon, tarragon, almonds and pea tendrils. Chino farms only has the peas in season for 4-6 weeks, so I knew I had to have the dish one more time before the season was over.
He told you about the scrumptious dessert consisting of strawberries that were compressed with red wine, baby brioche, goat cheese espuma and pepper sorbet. The dessert worked well together and I really enjoyed the strawberries and the brioche. I think I would like it even better with a different kind of ice cream though. Something more simple perhaps.
As always George's is a 10 out 10!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
George's California Modern
Owner George Hauer along with Chef Trey Foshee put out some of the best food in San Diego. Georges at the Cove has three tiers. Downstairs is the fancier California Modern while upstairs is the Ocean Terrace and Georges Bar, each offering a different menu and feel.
We ate downstairs at the Modern. The decor used to be stuffy with big chairs, white linens and the feel that you were at your parents restaurant. A few years ago they redid the place with a new, more "modern" feel and it turned the place into a clean, relaxed environment to enjoy exceptional food.
A lot of their produce comes from Chino Farms, a small family run farm down the road in Rancho Sante Fe. The produce does not get any better than this. It is worth the drive out there to pick up your own fresh produce.
I know, you want to hear what we ate.
I had their special appetizer (we split it). This was two fresh large prawns, heads attached and grilled. It was accompanied by some fresh peas, greens and squid ink. It was out of this world. The prawn was perfectly cooked, the shell crisp with a smoky aroma and the meat was still moist and delicious. The peas were a nice touch to balance the softness of the prawn as they were served fresh and still retained their crunch along with the salty squid ink it worked perfectly.
They brought out a plate of the grilled Octopus. I have had this before and it is one of my favorite but the special sounded too good to pass up. The octopus is always perfectly grilled, with some crispiness to the tips of the small arms. There is a cold potato confit along with some piquillo peppers, thinly sliced celery and a fennel-safron aioli that you wipe off the plate with your finger its so good.
Next She had the Date Salad and I had the Chino Farms Minestrone soup. This flavorful broth was filled with potatoes, more peas, tomatoes, fresh basil and more. It was served with a side of fresh pesto, Parmesan cheese and olive oil to add as you saw fit. It was a nice refreshing soup that was packed full of tasty vitamins and left a warm feeling in your belly.
For my entree I had the Halibut. This was a bone in halibut with a porcini glaze. The fish was cooked perfectly through and seasoned well. It was served with peas, asparagus and radish. The plate was finished with a lemon yogurt that paired well with the rest of the dish.
Dessert they had a pressed strawberry dish with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, some mint leaves and a pepper sorbet. Yes, pepper sorbet. I see Iron Chef competitors make sorbet out of anything and everything. Me, didn't really like the pepperiness (sp?, is that actually a word) of the sorbet but the rest of the dish worked. I normally am not the desert fan and something lite and refreshing is fine. She liked it.
Overall, I can not say enough about Georges. I have never had a bad meal there, I always take out of town friends and family there. If you want a quick bite during the day stop upstairs. Looking for that special place for an occasion or just a really good meal check this place out.
-His
We ate downstairs at the Modern. The decor used to be stuffy with big chairs, white linens and the feel that you were at your parents restaurant. A few years ago they redid the place with a new, more "modern" feel and it turned the place into a clean, relaxed environment to enjoy exceptional food.
A lot of their produce comes from Chino Farms, a small family run farm down the road in Rancho Sante Fe. The produce does not get any better than this. It is worth the drive out there to pick up your own fresh produce.
I know, you want to hear what we ate.
I had their special appetizer (we split it). This was two fresh large prawns, heads attached and grilled. It was accompanied by some fresh peas, greens and squid ink. It was out of this world. The prawn was perfectly cooked, the shell crisp with a smoky aroma and the meat was still moist and delicious. The peas were a nice touch to balance the softness of the prawn as they were served fresh and still retained their crunch along with the salty squid ink it worked perfectly.
They brought out a plate of the grilled Octopus. I have had this before and it is one of my favorite but the special sounded too good to pass up. The octopus is always perfectly grilled, with some crispiness to the tips of the small arms. There is a cold potato confit along with some piquillo peppers, thinly sliced celery and a fennel-safron aioli that you wipe off the plate with your finger its so good.
Next She had the Date Salad and I had the Chino Farms Minestrone soup. This flavorful broth was filled with potatoes, more peas, tomatoes, fresh basil and more. It was served with a side of fresh pesto, Parmesan cheese and olive oil to add as you saw fit. It was a nice refreshing soup that was packed full of tasty vitamins and left a warm feeling in your belly.
For my entree I had the Halibut. This was a bone in halibut with a porcini glaze. The fish was cooked perfectly through and seasoned well. It was served with peas, asparagus and radish. The plate was finished with a lemon yogurt that paired well with the rest of the dish.
Dessert they had a pressed strawberry dish with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, some mint leaves and a pepper sorbet. Yes, pepper sorbet. I see Iron Chef competitors make sorbet out of anything and everything. Me, didn't really like the pepperiness (sp?, is that actually a word) of the sorbet but the rest of the dish worked. I normally am not the desert fan and something lite and refreshing is fine. She liked it.
Overall, I can not say enough about Georges. I have never had a bad meal there, I always take out of town friends and family there. If you want a quick bite during the day stop upstairs. Looking for that special place for an occasion or just a really good meal check this place out.
-His
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Bangkok Bay
Bangkok Bay is hands down the best Thai food that I have found in San Diego. Yes, Spices has it followers but I have never been a fan. Others that I have liked are Taste of Thai in Hillcrest, La Basil Thai in Bird Rock and I have not been to Chedi Thai in La Jolla but have hear that it is good.
Bangkok Bay is nestled in the corner of a small shopping strip with an unassuming sign that you could easily drive by. Once you make it into the parking lot the group of people standing outside the door is a dead giveaway that the place is good.
They take reservations and if you don't want to wait on a friday or saturday, I recommend reservations, they do take out too.
The decor is quaint, thai and not overdone. You are surrounded by fresh plants to give you that tropical feel and the seats and booths are comfortable. Service is great and the kitchen behind the curtain must work at an amazing pace because food is constantly coming out and consistently perfect.
TJ and VJ are the owners and TJ is from northern Thailand so the northern style cooking is evident. As for the food. I have tried many things on the menu and I have not found something that I did not like.
For the apps. My favorite is the potstickers. Yes you can get them anywhere and you can even buy them frozen at Trader Joe's or Costco but these are the BEST. Always perfectly cooked (panfried) and the sauce is just right, with that tang and sweet and spice blended with the care of an artist. The summer rolls are nice too. These are rice paper wrapped tofu, carrots, mint, cilantro and other vegetables served with a tamarind and peanut sauce. The crispy spring rolls are good and served with a tangy sweet and sour sauce. When the kids are with us we get the chicken satay (known to the kids as chicken on a stick) and they love it. I usually can nab one and they are tasty, especially with the peanut sauce.
Soup. We usually get the Tom Kha. There coconut base is blended with the right amount of stock or water (not sure what they use) but it is not too thin or overly thick. The added spice and aromatics work. A little lemongrass without big chunks you have to spit out, a touch of galangal (if you don't know this think of ginger with a bit more spice) and kaffir lime balance the soups aroma and flavor. Whether you get vegetables, chicken or shrimp is up to you but the soup is great. I occasionally get the Tom Yum which is a spicy clear soup that hits the spot when I'm not in the mood for the creaminess of the Tom Kha.
Salads. I ordered the Som Tom just so I could tell you about their salads. (You can thank me later). This is shredded green papaya, tomatoes and carrots in a spicy lime dressing topped with peanuts. It has some kick so don't think the green papaya dish a way to cool down you mouth after another spicy dish. Its a great dish to share for the table and everyone can have a scoop or too.
Entrees. Well, there are too many to talk about so I am going to highlight my favorites. The panang salmon in a nice fish dish. It is a nice piece of salmon covered with their Panang sauce and served with broccoli. The salmon has always been well cooked and the sauce is so good you soak it up with the broccoli and then clean the plate with your finger.
Two others that I get frequently are the Hot Basil and Cashew Nut. The hot basil has a very aromatic basil that is noted soon as the plate arrives and the tastes blend well with the onions and peppers. The cashew nut is less spicy but very savory.
If you look for more of a peanut style sauce order the Pra Ram this is another one of my favorites.
I can't pick a best curry but I have had the green, red and yellow and I order depending on my mood that day but either way you won't go wrong.
Hungry Yet?? Check out the menu
What about the Pad Thai you ask? I have never been a big Pad Thai fan but she is so I'm sure she'll comment.
If you have been thinking about going or have never heard of the place make a point of trying it. Your taste buds will be happy. If you can't decide on what dishes to order, order more than enough, it still tastes great the next day for lunch.
His
Bangkok Bay is nestled in the corner of a small shopping strip with an unassuming sign that you could easily drive by. Once you make it into the parking lot the group of people standing outside the door is a dead giveaway that the place is good.
They take reservations and if you don't want to wait on a friday or saturday, I recommend reservations, they do take out too.
The decor is quaint, thai and not overdone. You are surrounded by fresh plants to give you that tropical feel and the seats and booths are comfortable. Service is great and the kitchen behind the curtain must work at an amazing pace because food is constantly coming out and consistently perfect.
TJ and VJ are the owners and TJ is from northern Thailand so the northern style cooking is evident. As for the food. I have tried many things on the menu and I have not found something that I did not like.
For the apps. My favorite is the potstickers. Yes you can get them anywhere and you can even buy them frozen at Trader Joe's or Costco but these are the BEST. Always perfectly cooked (panfried) and the sauce is just right, with that tang and sweet and spice blended with the care of an artist. The summer rolls are nice too. These are rice paper wrapped tofu, carrots, mint, cilantro and other vegetables served with a tamarind and peanut sauce. The crispy spring rolls are good and served with a tangy sweet and sour sauce. When the kids are with us we get the chicken satay (known to the kids as chicken on a stick) and they love it. I usually can nab one and they are tasty, especially with the peanut sauce.
Soup. We usually get the Tom Kha. There coconut base is blended with the right amount of stock or water (not sure what they use) but it is not too thin or overly thick. The added spice and aromatics work. A little lemongrass without big chunks you have to spit out, a touch of galangal (if you don't know this think of ginger with a bit more spice) and kaffir lime balance the soups aroma and flavor. Whether you get vegetables, chicken or shrimp is up to you but the soup is great. I occasionally get the Tom Yum which is a spicy clear soup that hits the spot when I'm not in the mood for the creaminess of the Tom Kha.
Salads. I ordered the Som Tom just so I could tell you about their salads. (You can thank me later). This is shredded green papaya, tomatoes and carrots in a spicy lime dressing topped with peanuts. It has some kick so don't think the green papaya dish a way to cool down you mouth after another spicy dish. Its a great dish to share for the table and everyone can have a scoop or too.
Entrees. Well, there are too many to talk about so I am going to highlight my favorites. The panang salmon in a nice fish dish. It is a nice piece of salmon covered with their Panang sauce and served with broccoli. The salmon has always been well cooked and the sauce is so good you soak it up with the broccoli and then clean the plate with your finger.
Two others that I get frequently are the Hot Basil and Cashew Nut. The hot basil has a very aromatic basil that is noted soon as the plate arrives and the tastes blend well with the onions and peppers. The cashew nut is less spicy but very savory.
If you look for more of a peanut style sauce order the Pra Ram this is another one of my favorites.
I can't pick a best curry but I have had the green, red and yellow and I order depending on my mood that day but either way you won't go wrong.
Hungry Yet?? Check out the menu
What about the Pad Thai you ask? I have never been a big Pad Thai fan but she is so I'm sure she'll comment.
If you have been thinking about going or have never heard of the place make a point of trying it. Your taste buds will be happy. If you can't decide on what dishes to order, order more than enough, it still tastes great the next day for lunch.
His
Friday, March 25, 2011
Paradise Grill
The first thing that I have to tell you about Paradis grille is their customer rewards club. We have enjoyed this restaurant a half a dozen times in the past few years and I love the rewards club. Sometimes we brought the kids and they loved dining on the patio. Yes, I'm a coupon cutter, and proud of it. I love a good deal especially if it involves good food. First you get $10 welcome gift cert, dinner entree for your birthday, anniversary cert and much more. They send you these certificates in the mail. The certificates all have an expiration date, but honestly they always honor the it no matter what the date. We used a buy one entree, get one free that was dated 2009 this night.
So, I'm going to have to agree with him and say that the firecracker shrimp is by far the best dish on the menu. There is just enough sweetness to cut the spice, yum, yum, yum. I haven't been in the mood for fisher meat lately so, for dinner I ordered the Pan Seared Jumbo Shrimp with polenta, pancetta, english peas, carrots, crispy onions, and balsamic gastric. Well....unfortunately, I sent it back. The dish itself was good except for the shrimp. My husband says I may be a super smeller, lucky me. So did you ever get a shrimp that smells like ammonia??? It's this weird smell that just isn't right. Well that's what is was. I tasted it and the smell continued into the taste. So, of course I sent the dish back and asked for the Dungeness Crab Soup. I'm so glad I sent my dinner back, for this soup that was delish!!! I think I may have to actually add it to my favorite top 3 soups. Ok well maybe it will be tied for 3rd with Tommy V's Lobster Bisque (you'll have to stay tuned to find out what the others are).
When we got the bill. The waiter was sure to make sure the Shrimp dish was removed as well as making sure the soup was excluded because of the coupon. Overall the dinner and the service was good and we will be returning again.
So, I'm going to have to agree with him and say that the firecracker shrimp is by far the best dish on the menu. There is just enough sweetness to cut the spice, yum, yum, yum. I haven't been in the mood for fisher meat lately so, for dinner I ordered the Pan Seared Jumbo Shrimp with polenta, pancetta, english peas, carrots, crispy onions, and balsamic gastric. Well....unfortunately, I sent it back. The dish itself was good except for the shrimp. My husband says I may be a super smeller, lucky me. So did you ever get a shrimp that smells like ammonia??? It's this weird smell that just isn't right. Well that's what is was. I tasted it and the smell continued into the taste. So, of course I sent the dish back and asked for the Dungeness Crab Soup. I'm so glad I sent my dinner back, for this soup that was delish!!! I think I may have to actually add it to my favorite top 3 soups. Ok well maybe it will be tied for 3rd with Tommy V's Lobster Bisque (you'll have to stay tuned to find out what the others are).
When we got the bill. The waiter was sure to make sure the Shrimp dish was removed as well as making sure the soup was excluded because of the coupon. Overall the dinner and the service was good and we will be returning again.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Paradise Grill
Paradise Grill is a local restaurant with consistently good food. It's located in the Flower Hill Mall in Del Mar. The owners Conor and Shana Adair have the luxury of having Chef Justin Hoehn at the helm of the kitchen and he steers great food your way.
The atmosphere is fun and casual. There is inside seating, bar seating and outside seating which is great when the weather is nice. Some winter nights outside are cold, even with the space heaters.
My favorite dish by far is the Firecracker shrimp.
This is pan seared shrimp in a spicy kung pao sauce with carrots, radish and peanuts. You have to get this!!!
One of my other favorite apps is the Ahi Poke Chips. Sure everywhere has their spin on poke or some ahi tartare dish but this one is good. Try it.
The other night I also tried the Solana salad (never had this one before). Nothing fancy, but good and tasty. The lettuce is dressed with a creamy chipotle ranch dressing and topped with cotija cheese, avocado and corn strips.
Dinner I had the Miso glazed Mahi Mahi. It was served over a tomato vinaigrette (that was more colorful than tasty) with potatoes and some minced bacon and cilantro. Overall a good dish.
They also do brick over pizza and have a number of meat dishes too.
Overall, I recommend Paradise Grill. The food is consistently good and they have a great wine list. You can have a quick meal on race day (During the Del Mar Racetrack season you may want to avoid the place if you don't like crowds and traffic), a quiet evening for two or sit outside with a group of friends.
The atmosphere is fun and casual. There is inside seating, bar seating and outside seating which is great when the weather is nice. Some winter nights outside are cold, even with the space heaters.
My favorite dish by far is the Firecracker shrimp.
This is pan seared shrimp in a spicy kung pao sauce with carrots, radish and peanuts. You have to get this!!!
One of my other favorite apps is the Ahi Poke Chips. Sure everywhere has their spin on poke or some ahi tartare dish but this one is good. Try it.
The other night I also tried the Solana salad (never had this one before). Nothing fancy, but good and tasty. The lettuce is dressed with a creamy chipotle ranch dressing and topped with cotija cheese, avocado and corn strips.
Dinner I had the Miso glazed Mahi Mahi. It was served over a tomato vinaigrette (that was more colorful than tasty) with potatoes and some minced bacon and cilantro. Overall a good dish.
They also do brick over pizza and have a number of meat dishes too.
Overall, I recommend Paradise Grill. The food is consistently good and they have a great wine list. You can have a quick meal on race day (During the Del Mar Racetrack season you may want to avoid the place if you don't like crowds and traffic), a quiet evening for two or sit outside with a group of friends.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Let's do this!
After discussing blogging, about the food we eat and the places we go to eat, we are finally doing it. It definitely gives us a good reason to have "Date Night" a few times a month. So, yes we both love good food and are both definitely opinionated. As of most couples the opinions don't always agree, not just about the food either. Sometimes about the atmosphere, the service and definitely the wine. The one thing that we both agree on is that this blog is way over due. It's nice to know that we'll just have to go back and visit a few of the places I like best just so we can give you our 2 cents.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)