Fabika Food Adventures

Naha - Chicago

2012-10-29T23:08:00.001-05:00

A new entry onto the Chicago scene, Naha welcomes you to a modern contemporary space, with an airy open space environment, low lit earth tone decor and vivid print and sketches to enhance the experience.

The menu consists of a Mediterranean influenced American contemporary cuisine,.

Take for instance, the burrata, an Italian cows milk mozzarella served with prosciutto, bulb onions and medjool dates:

A mushroom gnocchi, rich buttery sauce, garnished with Parmesan flakes:

The arctic char from Iceland was a rather interesting dish. Served with white asparagus and brown mushrooms and Jerusalem artichokes, simmered in a celery broth was very similar to a mild Scottish salmon:

The white habit with white bean and leek was fabulously prepared, with olive oil and lemon zest:

The dessert menu had a whimsical play: autumns dialogue for example represented a play on the flavors of fall, the financiers gold bar was a rich layered flavored cake and nutella panini was a bite sized chocolate sandwich..

Naha has a young vibe and innovative culinary blend of flavors. Sophisticated comfort food in a friendly spirit.
http://www.naha-chicago.com/

The Girl and the Goat- Chicago

2012-06-16T14:54:00.003-05:00

Where no calorie goes undeserved, Chicago's home to some of the most fantastic and creative chefs to enter the gastronomic space. On a recent visit, had the opportunity to try The Girl and the Goat, a family farm rustic eating space, with dark wood interiors, loud and boisterous environment and a queue to get a table for several months.

But with determination, we arrived at a chef's table, a high stooled area facing the kitchen directly. Veiwing the kitchen's creations, having conversations regarding the ingredients and presentations of the chef and drooling over every new plate that came out and asking.."what's that" and can we get one!

The food is tasty, let me rephrase, rich with no holding back on the salt or butter. So for the health conscience in mind, this is a day you will want to skip on the diet. Pork belly, ribs and glazes that will have you at the gym the next day, here are a couple of the dishes tasted.

At the front viewing table, interesting concoctions were being created.. grilled broccoli topped with charred rice crispies, pork belly basted in a berry and cilantro sauce and a roasted pigs face with cilantro and sunny side eggs for the adventurous!

The sauteed green beans, cooked in a fish sauce with cashews:

The garlic roasted cauliflower with pickled onions and red pepper flakes:

the grilled pork ribs, with a tomatillo slaw and vinaigrette scallions with flavorful fava beans:

the octopus empanada, fabulous combination of flavors and textures. Grilled octopus, wrapped into a light breaded empanada topped with a tomato ragu and feta cheese.. an interesting intersection of cultures in every bite!

Grilled baby octopus salad with fava beans, radishes and a pistachio lemon vinaigrette... delicious

The spicy shishito peppers, a pan fried, sesame oiled pepper topped with parmesan and miso...

For dessert, a quatro leches blueberry streusel, crumbly, light and packed with flavorful antioxidants:

The Girl and the Goat offered a selection of tasty, calorie packed dishes in a rustic dark lit fun environment.

http://www.girlandthegoat.com/

Gabardine -Point Loma

2012-04-23T22:48:00.001-05:00

A new Searsucker family restaurant has opened up in Point Loma. Gabardine, a vibrant entry with pinstriped orange and white awnings, chalked figurines of synchronized swimmers on the wall and a menu full of seafood and Portuguese style stews.

Marinaded olives, stewed in a tomato and sausage flavored sauce...

Spicy scallop ceviche, whole scallops, diced peppers and robust tomato:

Large mussels bakes in a garlic, white wine and leek filled sauce. Hints of salchica, grilled bread and zesty grilled lemon... fabulous

Cozido a portuguesa, a rich stew with potatoes, sausage, garlic and seasonal vegetables.. served with grilled bread for dipping!

roasted white seabass, with crispy screen, accents of baby tomatoes and greens:

A seafood filled portugese stew.. large shrimps, potatoes and kale:

For dessert, chocolate mousse with olive oil gelato and toffee crumble

the almond pie special of the house, light and zesty, crumbled crusts with strawberries to cleanse the palette

With many options to sample and a seafood focus, Gabardine is a off to a good start. Busy and loud, don't expect a quite dinner conversation as its one of new hotspots in town!

http://www.gabardineeats.com/

Zuni Cafe- SF

2012-03-31T18:05:00.001-05:00

Zuni cafe, a jewel of a restaurant on Market street, sits positioned on a corner wedge with tall atrium filling glass, brick and plenty of foodies. With a beautiful long bar facing Market street, a casual drink can be filled with the occasional people watching as their heads pop in and out of the bottle displayed on the glass shelves.

Zuni is known for a variety of things, from the famous balsamic bloody mary's with diced onions, to the fabulous oyster selection, to wood fired pizzas and the one and only Zuni chicken... a dish that cannot be pre-ordered while waiting or over the phone. It must be ordered at time of sitting and takes a whole 45 minutes to cook. The wait is appreciates when you bite into the succulent roasted chicken with olive oil and herbed bread filling and mixed greens with a light tangy vinegar coating....

Miyagi and Kumamoto oysters are always in season:

a light champagne mignonette...fabulous

shoestring fries are also a must, with a spicy dijon, pair well a balsamic bloody

a king mesculun salad with sliced rabbit, endive and fennel, asparagus and poached egg...delicious

wood fired pizza with carmelized onions,mushrooms and truffle oil...

The piece de resistance, is the chicken for two... roasted chicken that's been brined for 24hrs, served with a warm Tuscan style bread salad... fabulicious!

Zuni's is a great spot for delicious farm to table goodness...

http://www.zunicafe.com/

Poesia -SF

2012-03-12T23:09:00.001-05:00

A new welcomed addition to the heart of Castro in SF, Poesia brings with it all the charm and taste of freshly prepared Italian food. Warm interior, tucked on the second floor, the highly coveted dining spot gets quite busy.

Homemade pasta is prevalent throughout the menu. From hand rolled ravioli, stringed fettuccine or lovely orechiette, the pasta choices are sure to entice. Specialty cocktails and fresh focaccia enhance the overall experienced.

Take for example the branzino, a Mediterranean seabass pan roasted and finished in the oven with olive oil and lemon...fabulous

Ravioli al granchio, a dungeness crab stuffed ravioli with a light saffron sauce and zucchine..

oversized orechiette pasta, baked with organic cauliflower, provolone and fresh calabrese sausage...

Poesia, an Italian word for poetry serves hearty dishes, well prepared in a cozy atmosphere.

http://poesiasf.com/

Wangs - North Park

2012-03-01T00:38:00.003-05:00

What would you do with an old JC Penny store? You turn it into a fabulous Asian inspired eating environment.. of course. Well that's just what happened at Wang's in North Park. After being opened in Palm Springs for a while, the owners decided to explore the San Diego area and launch their hallmark restaurant in North Park.

Gran a spicy cocktail and enjoy the view. With a grand entrance and space to speak of, colors of red, gold, dark wood all envelope to create a great atmosphere. Dedicated sections for the bar and dining separate the loud from the serious.

Order up a dumpling sampler.. chicken, pork vegetable and shrimp are all available..

The fire fish... a mixture of fish, garlic, black beans and spicy leeks... child, watch out.. the dish is on fire

Szechwan green beans with tofu, cooked in black bean sauce

http://www.wangsnorthpark.com/index.html

Pacifica-Del Mar

2012-03-01T00:28:00.001-05:00

For a fantastic Californian cuisine experience overlooking the Pacific ocean head on over to Pacifica in Del Mar. Adjacent to the ever famous L'auberge, Pacifica offers fresh fish, juicy meats and has hands down, more cost effective meals than neighbors nearby (who shall remain nameless).

The seared rare ahi tuna salad, served on top of udon noodle, carrots and pea shoots with a ginger shallot vinaigrette was amazing... fabulous portion and mouthful flavor

The barbecued sugar spiced salmon... wow, fantastic blend of spice and suite buttered onto a juicy salmon filet, served with garlic mashed potatoes and Chinese string beans...

For dessert, a chocolate semi-freddo white chocolate blend, topped with cracked toffee... phenomenal..

For a great meal and ocean views, head on over to Pacifica...
http://www.pacificadelmar.com/

Flavor - Del mar

2012-02-08T00:15:00.000-05:00

The much anticipated latest addition to the Del Mar scene is Flavor. Taking center stage during the horse race season, decided to venture out to experience what all the rave was about. The simple yet sophisticated decor emphasizes white. Metallic and wood accents here and there, but white tables, backings and glass panorama overlook the L'auberge Del mar. On a clear sunny day, the outside patio would be ideal for a glass of wine under the sun and overlooking the ocean.

Simple but full of flavor is the name of the game here. Dishes are not overly complicated and there is a strong emphasis on seafood. Ironically, the array of salts brought out would have fared better with some rustic bread as the bread was forgettable.

For starters, the tuna crisps were sampled:

A 4inch thinly cut crisp topped with truffle oil, tuna and mixed greens. Tasty and delicious, sharing it turns it into an amuse bouche!

The tuna tacos, served with guacomole, red onions and micro cilantro were absolutely delicate-able. Perfect bite size appetizers to share:

The pear and persimmon salad of local greens came adorned with pomegranate seeds, pistachios and a lemon vinaigrette:

The big eyed tuna tataki dressed in daikon, avocado and a tomato ginger dressing :

For dessert, the panna cotta, a light and semi-custardy texture topped with strawberries and an ice cream topping:

the chocolate bar, a rich bar of chocolate served with vanilla ice cream and nutty toppings:

Flavor, with a star studded executive chef and ideal location of panoramic view of Del Mar is setting the stage to make a splash. Just don't forget to bring the amex card as its a bit more pricey than local establishments.

http://flavordelmar.com/taste/

Charisma -Hillcrest

2012-02-05T16:12:00.000-05:00

A small new Italian restaurant that opened up near the ever popular Mo's bar on University avenue is Charisma. From the outside, the red interior is an attractive calling to come inside, with sidewalk opening glass doors that create an outside seating patio, the family owned restaurant prepares specialties from the southern parts of Italy, particularly with an emphasis of flavor from the Napoli region.

For a small environment, the interior has about 10-12 or so table, gets lively and cozy.

For starters, rich lentils soaked in olive oil are brought out with hot bread.

The fritto misto, a collection of tempura covered vegetables, shrimp and dates (?)...

The mussels and clam dish, baked Carlsbad mussels in a tomato broth with a piece of grilled bread..

The bruschetta, tomato, garlic and olive oil topped toasted ciabatta bread

The chicken cacciatore dish, a pasta and chicken piece layered with tomatoes cooked with onion and rosemary

the whole wheat penne, ricotta cheese, onions and garlic...

an eggplant pasta dish.. couldn't find the eggplant!

a special panna cotta... chocolate pudding consistency

a richly stuffed cannoli

Charisma offers inexpensive plates, a comfortable atmosphere and richly sauced pasta dishes. Be careful with the wine ordering, most wines are stored on top shelves that are subject to rising temperatures, discriminating palettes would not be impressed. Overall, the flavors are not overwhelmingly strong. Ideally, a student population would love this place. With one of the few restaurants in SD with adjoining outdoor patio overlooking in the street, we'll keep our paws crossed for it.

http://www.charismacucinaitaliana.com/

Kensington Grill- Kensington

2012-01-29T20:40:00.000-05:00

Kensington Grill, a member of the Urban Kitchen group and sister restaurant to Cucina Urbana, is a gem of a neighborhood restaurant. Rustic, warm decor with a California cuisine inspiration, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients are made available whenever possible to create a fantastic dining experience. Restaurant week was no exception.

An arugula and prosciutto salad with shaved manchego cheese and drizzled balsamic

Roasted trout cooked to perfection, with spinach, sliced carrots and sprouts in a lightly gingered ponzu sauce

The pan roasted jidori chicken, A marinaded chicken inroasted tomatoes, onions and celery in a vegetable and chicken broth

A braised short rib, served on top of bok choy in a lemongrass ginger jus

the pear and cranberry cobbler... crisp with oatmeal layers

homemade ameretto cheesecake.. light and fluffy with chantilly cream

http://www.kensingtongrill.com/about

Toast Enoteca- East Village SD

2012-01-15T20:18:00.000-05:00

The latest creation of sister restaurant Acqua al 2, Toast opens its doors in the up and coming East Village neighborhood in SD. Located a block away from the ballpark and across from Basic Pizza, Toast offers a small scale wine tasting experience. A modernized wine tasty venue, bottles are plugged into automatic dispensers, load up a refill card and taste by ounce or by glass.

But the interior decor, a modern rendition of a cool loft with concrete exposed walls, abstract art and low-lit light highlighting the reds, blacks and dark wood bins holding wine bottles. The food menu is focused.. salads, panini's, pizza and a handful of main plates.

The baby arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and cherry tomatoes was fresh, aromatic and drizzled with a good load of a light dressing, giving it a slight nutty flavor:

The wood fired pizzas are a must try. Flat thin crusted baked fresh to order pizzas have delicate crusts with bubbling burnt effects that give it an extra crunch. The pizza bianca came topped with fresh mozzarella, grilled guanicile, an Italian bacon and potatoes. Yes, the combination worked well:

With a restaurant rewards program and a wine saving card program, Toast is making an entry into the East Village

http://toastenoteca.com/foodmenu.html

MerK - downtown SD

2012-01-12T23:32:00.000-05:00

MerK bistro has reinvented itself as a rustic Italian cuisine with an american flare. Settled underneath the boutique Keating hotel and enjoying an all new interior decor by famed Pininfarina (think Maserati and Ferrari design). With its hues of red and black with brick and glass, colors and textures enhance the dining experience.

A beet and burrata salad comes with both yellow and red beats, herbed salad and hazelnut vinaigrette:

Pizzas are also offered, Veggie, cheese and sausage come out served on a paddle of wood:

The pan seared local seabass came adorned with Carlsbad mussels, tomato broth, spinach and miniature potatoes:

Yelp check ins receive and automatic 30% off on wine!

http://themerk.com/menu.asp

Truluck - La Jolla

2012-01-07T20:21:00.000-05:00

If you are in the mood for seafood with a Texan spirit, head on over to Trulucks. A subtle dim lighted interior with dark red booths, black wall interiors layered with fish icons and tables enhanced with selective overhead spotlights to accentuate your food creates a casual yet sophisticated environment for dining. Trulucks restaurant has branded from its Texan hold to establish itself on the west coast with a grand entrance. Bringing along with it, its epic portions.

From supersized Alaskan king crab to large claw snow crab, this is definitely a place to come to for quality crab. Crab cakes are solid lumps of crab, specially packaged into a seared perfection. No fillers, no bread crumbs, just pure luscious crab, served on top of a light garlic aioli, spring greens and lemon to drizzle. Fabulous.

The salmon and tuna tartare duo, also equally impressive.

fresh lumps of tartare, sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds, adjacent to a wasabi cream and a side serving a pickled cucumbers.

For a main course, the miso baked seabass was the specialty of choice. A healthy portion of seabass, served with shredded carrots and squash, piled on top of a crab fried rice and decorated with a sweet miso circle.

The dessert was beyond extraordinary. A chocolate bag filled with pound cake, berries, and ice cream. Standing 8-10inches tall, the chocolate bag was literally molded out of thick delicious chocolate. After a minor procedure, the bag was opened up to reveal its inner goodness:

Aesthetics aside, the inner mounds of pound cake, berries, ice cream and cream all mixed heavenly with drizzles of molten chocolate. This little bag of goodies was more than a hearty table of 6 could endure!

Red Pearl- Downtown SD

2011-12-10T16:52:00.001-05:00

Red Pearl, an Asian inspired dining spot brings to the colors of red to whole new level. A giant red chair graces the entrances to a dark lit interior, that's part sports bar and part dining room area. Step past the sporty lounge section to a private booth where you can have an intimate dinner or sit at one of the communal tables where you can bump elbows with fellow diners.

The mixologist on staff has a creative effort to bring lychees, pomegranates and fruit liquors to a whole new level. Enjoy a Singaporian sling, a dragon bite or a pomegranate sparkling martini. Appetizers include thai spiced calamari, fire spiced edamame, or this fantastic new find. Tuna tartare topped with tobiko caviar, served on a tempura squash crisp and drizzled with a semi-sweet teriyaki flavor... the textures where fabulous:

The crunchy crispy lemon chicken, topped with roasted lemon rinds and served on top of green beans and eggplant was a citrus delight:

The drunken noodles with shrimp were prepared to order, hot and pipping, thick wide chow fun noodles in a light oyster sauce garlic and hints of fish sauce. Stir fried delight..

Red Pearl brings you pan-Asian food, curries, dim sum in a red and hip environment.

http://redpearlkitchen.com/

Joao's Tin Fish-Liberty Station Point Loma

2011-12-04T18:46:00.001-05:00

Joao's Tin Fish eatery, located in Liberty Station in Point Loma is a seafood lover's dream with an Italian and Portuguese kick. Paying homage to the fishermen that started the city, Italian and Portuguese dishes, spices and elements are fused with local seafood.

With a full raw bar, oyster shucking sessions are available. On this occasion, brunch was the calling. The casual restaurant offered full breakfast menu. Starting out with crabby Mary's, the classic bloody came packed with crab meet, tender chunks marinated in the mix as well as a side serving of lump crab.. a bevarage with a built in meal!

The crab omelette, another wonderfully stuffed omelette that oozed out molten cheese and healthy crab chunks, was served with Portuguese beans:

The eggs Benedict, sunny side up served with an Italian spice influenced Bearnaise sauce, home potatoes with onions were equally tasty:

With a wide selection of ahi, mahi, swordfish, and oysters, this fish-house might require a separate visit to explore the specials from the sea...

http://www.joaostinfish.com/

http://www.joaostinfish.com/menu/lunch_dinner_menu.pdf

Thanksgiving Festivities

2011-11-26T20:14:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving is a fantastic holiday to sharpen the cooking skills, celebrate with family and friends and give thanks for all that you have.

Let's start with the turkey. A 26lb bird was prepared fro this year's celebration, stuffed with a mixture containing prunes, raisins, breadcrumbs and baked until tender to pull apart.

A side of stuffing.. spiked in with fruits, prunes, corn, raisins and bread stuffing...

a full spread included roasted brussel sproats, green beans with onion and bacon, a honey baked ham topped with pineapple, homemade mash potatoes and sides of gravy.

honey glazed sweet potato...

and for all those that won't let anything go to waste, the neck meat of the turkey is apparently the softest and tenderest of the entire bird:

Happy thanksgiving and to all the creative leftover recreations!

Urban Plates -Carmel Valley

2011-11-23T00:24:00.001-05:00

Carmel Valley and Del Mar have experienced a recent expansion of restaurants. From the popular and scene at Burlap, to timely spots such as Blue Taverna, and Flavor. All to be found in the convenience of strip mall amenities! A newly opened up place in the Del Mar Heights shopping area is Urban Plates.

A casual and comfortable atmosphere, Urban Plates is a mesh between a gourmet cafeteria and a food court with various options. From a salad station where fresh kale, spinach and greens are whipped into Cesar, Asian chicken salad or Mediterranean style, to a carving station where beef, chicken and grilled fish is available, to a pizza and dessert bar. You can pick and choose to your liking, with full entrees averaging between $10-12. Plus various wines and beers and tap, in a lofty and natural earth toned environment and you have a casual dining experience.

Tuna salad nicoise. A seared ahi steak layered on top of fresh greens, baby fingerling potatoes, fresh boiled eggs and cherry tomatoes with green beans mixed in a light vinaigrette... delicious

The seared ahi plate, served with fingerling potatoes, green beans and a grilled piece of bread..

a lemon bar for dessert.. tart and flavorful..

Urban Plates: grilling, serving or tossing it fresh daily...

http://www.urbanplates.com/

SD Food & Wine Event

2011-11-21T23:46:00.001-05:00

The annual Food & Wine event in SD takes over the marina and seaport village area, showcasing many of the local restaurants and wineries from Sonoma, Paso Robles, Napa and Temecula. Foodies, purveyors and wine aficionados from the area came by on this gorgeous sunny day to taste and drink to their hearts content.

Romesco, a baja med bistro located in Bonita was showcasing some fabulous colors and flavors. Corn tortilla wrapped carnitas with marinaded red onions, shreds of papaya, guacamole and a slice of jalapeno..

Blue Point was serving some supersized crab claws. Sustainable harvest, apparently only one claw is taken. Hearty and great with the garlic aoili, but a bit challenging to eat while on the go.

Sea Rocket was rocking with the baja shrimp, pipette containing tomato enhanced juice, topped with a candied basil and thai basil foam. Inside the plastic holder was a butternut chowder.. delicious, but an environmental disaster..

Buster's beach house was sporting a healthy sizes ahi poke, layered with seawood and avocado

Masala prepared a vegetarian biryani. Spicy and flavorful.

Peruvian specialties were prepared by Secret Cafe. Ceviche prepared in several ways, clam and tomato, spicy mahi and scallops

brisket and potatoes... how can you go wrong?

beef cheek... in a semi sweet glace..

With several hundred options to choose from and wines to equally match, tasting is definitely a fun adventure to enjoy with your local foodie friends.

Red Door - Mission Hills

2011-11-13T22:50:00.001-05:00

The Red Door restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere, all american cuisine in a comfortable setting. A Mission Hills gem and local neighborhood spot with charm. Walk away from the busy Washington street into the Red Door, a low lit environment and gracious host welcomes you. Two small dining room areas seating about 20 or so tables provide a comfortable space.

A garden kale salad prepared with roquefort and balsamic vinaigrette was refreshing:

The halibur, a whole filet sauteed and then baked with a garlic basil coating, cooked in a red ripe tomato sauce with grilled zucchini and squash :

the Iowa pork schnitzel, covered with a lemon capers and sauteed red cabbage cooked in vinegar:

With a side of haricot vert, cooked in garlic and onion:

The lemon panna cotta, a light preparation with fresh raspberries was fantastic:

Great cuisine, comfortable environment awaits you behind the Red Door.

Estancia Hotel Events -Scripps 50th Gala

2011-11-10T01:07:00.000-05:00

The Estancia hotel, located in La Jolla, is a gorgeous and exclusive place nestled in between UCSD, Scripps, the Salk Institute and the new Craig Venter Institute. The grounds are meticulously maintained, inviting landscapes and southern California charm, events at Estancia are always well done.

This particular event was Scripps 50th Gala night. Celebrating 50 years of scientific research with 6 nobel laureates and over 270 investigators unraveling the mechanisms of disease and life processes. The pre-dinner reception presented trays of salmon covered lemon crostini, seared shrimp topped baguette crisps with scallions and risotto bars with tomato soup dipping trays.

A common them for decorations, was utilizing the glassware and beaker sets for the flower arrangements. A whimsical yet aesthetically pleasing option for the event:

The salad was a julian apple salad, presented with both red and green apples, candied walnuts, a creamed brie wrapped in a thin filo crust, and a robust apple ginger vinaigrette.:

The main entree was a surf and turf variation. A petite filet in a zinfandel glace and chorizo emulsion, a sea bass oven baked with broccoli and a butternut squash and parsnip risotto:

The dessert was a pear tarte tatin with cinnamon ice cream.. a fantastic combination

Farmhouse - University Heights

2011-10-31T23:45:00.000-05:00

The Farmhouse Cafe, located in University Heights off of Adams, tucked into a corner next to a Uhaul truck rental spot, a park and a Spanish tapas place. But don't let the location or the size discourage you from exploring this small french inspired cafe. With a strong promotion for locally sourced, organic and farm fresh goods, the dishes prepared are all designed with sustainability in mind.

Cooks confab had a special night in store. 6 chefs, 6 different confit preparations and 1 hungry beast :)
The night started out with Ian Ward from the Snake Oil Cocktail Co. A light and refreshing pineapple citrus bevarage with lemon and mint was prepared:

Tim Kolanko from A.R. Valentein prepared a fantastic pork confit, layered within apples and served on top of a fontina cheese fondue. The flavors complemented each other well, although presentation doesn't do the dish justice:

Jsix's very own Christian Graves prepared a tuna confit, with a corno di torro pepper, crusty bread and fennel aoili. The tuna was baked in a mini jar, simmering win olive oil and pepper.. phenomenal:

Katie Grebow from Cafe Chloe prepared a wonderful endive salad with a gizzard confit and walnut vinaigrette. Yes folks, gizzard! This often neglated organ (well if you're not in france), makes for a tasty treat:

The duck confit was saved for the very end. Amy Dibiase from the Shores at La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club prepared an amazing duck. Crispy and sweet, with tender juices marinaded within, the duck was prepared with collard greens, shelling beans and chanterelles drizzled with a little pomegranite...incredible flavor:

For dessert, the Farm House Cafe's very own, chocolate tart. Olivier Bioteau prepared a chocolate tart with fruit confit, blending in the rich power of chocolate with the sweetness of seasonal fruit..

The meal of the night was a special event hosted at the Farm House Cafe. But a frequent place to visit, heavily french inspired local and sustainable food is key to the freshness and quality of the dishes.

http://www.farmhousecafesd.com/

Alexander's -North Park

2011-10-30T23:39:00.000-05:00

North Park has several hidden gems amonst the largely residential neighborhood. One such gem is Alexander's. A bit down on 30th, an all white interior welcomes you to a small tables and largely contiguous space with the kitchen. Low lit light, often enhanced with candles, reflects off the white marble counter top looking over to the pizza ovens.

Italian influenced dishes are available. But the specialties are clearly in the pizza making abilities. A slightly thicker crust pizza baked in olive oil goodness. The blondie, a pesto covered white cheese pizza with slices of chicken and a whole baked garlic clove to drizzle on top!

The salad on 30th was interesting. Loaded with fruits, including pineapple, a light and tangy dressing, cranberries and greens

The special of the day, a sea bass, topped with a carmelized onions and garlic, seasonal vegetable and roasted potatoes:

Explore a North Park eatery that has distinctive flavor and small restaurant charm.

http://www.alexanderson30th.com/

Terra- Hillcrest no more.. El cajon

2011-10-27T22:25:00.000-05:00

Terra, the uptowns' neighborhood restaurant has expanded it's food options and drink services.With a recent move to El Cajon, brunch and dinner specials are abound. For a small place that was corner suited in the Uptown district for 13 years, the food is quite good... Globally influence plates, well prepared dishes and always tasting fresh.

But that aside, the newly offered $3 bottomless mimosas has a small dedicated brunch crowd returning.

Take for example the tuna slaw... 3 slices of seared blackened tuna with napa valley cabbage slaw:

Great starter, light with a vinaigrette drip, tuna fresh and spicy outer coat, seared just right.

Or the cinnamon flavored whole chicken:

Glazed with a rich and earthy sauce, cooked to perfection, sweet and succulent all nestled on top of carrots, spinach and veggies..

Locals, don't forget your free brunch coupon for the weekend..

- Posted from my iPhone

O-Bar LA

2011-10-27T22:22:00.001-05:00

Before their was west elm and the dark wood indonesian elements became trendy, O-Bar set a new precedent for lounge atmosphere an great bites with secluded booths for dining.

Grilled apples and arugula salad, coated with an almond olive oil, fabulous:

Salt and pepper calamari with a basil dipping sauce... Light batter, crispy and crunchy:

Sautéed yellowtail, baked then served in a light wasabi potatoe..

The raved about mac and cheese,

- Posted from my iPhone

King fish- mission valley

2011-10-27T22:22:00.000-05:00

If you have already started the holiday shopping craze and your're stuck in mission valley, King fish is not a fish market that offers a variety of oysters, fishes and appetizers to fuel the frenzy.

The louie crab salad with Dungeness crab was superized...

With a mound of lump crab buries underneath the baby shrimp, the seafood was pretty good... Just bring your own dressing or you'll get a side of thousand island!!

The Fijian wahoo fish was well prepared, grilled with a side of ratatouille veggies:

Roasted tomatoes and onions were great, sauteed spinach and tender wahoo... Crab shack watch out, king fish is moving in!

- Posted from my iPhone