Finch’s Bistro & Wine Bar in La Jolla, California

Have you ever taken another trip while already on vacation?  Adrian and I have done that a couple of times and it happened again while we were vacationing in Las Vegas a couple of years ago.  Once, we went on a road trip to the Grand Canyon.  Last time we were in Vegas, we decided to escape to California for a day or two.  And we made it all the way to La Jolla and San Diego.  Best spur of the moment decision ever!  First of all, we escaped from the craziness and excruciatingly torrid temperatures of Las Vegas in July, and got to cool off in the Californian mild weather.  Second, we got to see a new place, experience some thrilling sensations while touring the city in speed boats, and sample the scintillating culture and charming food. 

Although we had plenty of authentic Mexican food in the Old Town of San Diego, the restaurant I’d like to focus on today is Finch’s Bistro & Wine Bar in La Jolla.  I have to be honest – I wasn’t quite convinced that I wanted to post a story about this charming little local spot, but I recently stumbled upon the pictures we took while lunching there and the great time and exceptional food we enjoyed that I thought it’d be a shame not to share some recommendations with you.  Maybe you’ll find yourself in the sunny city of San Diego this winter and Finch’s is definitely worth a stop.  It certainly lived up to the high ratings when we paid a visit. 

Since you’re already familiar with my voracious love for beets, the Beet the Heat Salad was a must for me.  And it was so worth it – a mountain of fresh greens coated in a light, sort of creamy and mustardy vinaigrette.  The sweet red and yellow beets beautifully balanced the acidic pickled red onions and tart, citrusy blood orange slices.  The salad was topped with a perfectly tangy and crunchy pistachio crusted goat cheese.  Overall, the salad was colorful, bright and packed with texture and flavor.       

Adrian opted for the Veggie Frittata, which was a perfect golden brown and was nicely complemented by the Yukon gold potatoes and the medley of colorful vegetables on top: zucchini, portabella mushrooms, acidic roasted red peppers, plump tomatoes and delicate, fresh parsley.  And let’s not forget about the generous dollop of velvety and delicate goat cheese.  Perfection! 

The Roasted Organic Chicken Salad Sandwich was loaded and accompanied by garlicky, skinny herbed fries with sea salt sprinkles and a homemade fancy ketchup on the side.  The sandwich was creamy yet light and tart thanks to the crisp grapes.  There were specks of grain mustard throughout and nutty, crunchy toasted pecans which only enhanced the depth of flavor.  And the lightly toasted crusty ciabatta bread incorporated this bundle of deliciousness.  

The Red Snapper en Papillote was so simply prepared yet packed with flavor.  It was fork-tender, melted in your mouth and it came in a bag.  The fish was airy and mild while the potatoes, tomatoes, artichokes and kalamata olives gave it a nice kick.  Delicious, colorful and stunning!  

The good thing after this fabulous lunch was that you still had room for dessert.  I opted for the Finch’s Parfait, which had layers and layers of crunchiness and tartness, sweetness and fresh berries.  It was light and perfect for brunch, too.  And it came in a wine glass; how fancy is that?

Adrian on the other hand preferred the amazing Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast stuffed with a florally mild mascarpone cheese, drizzled with a sweet and dainty roasted banana syrup and served with fresh berries.  It was utter bliss – crusty on the edges and soft in the middle.  Heaven! 

And did I mention the cold, fizzy, bottomless mimosas and the trio or European reds that were perfect for our lunch?  On top of that, the atmosphere was just as gorgeous as the food – a small patio tucked away on a side street, a beautiful water fountain and a generous local clientele.  

So if you ever find yourself in the vicinity of San Diego, do yourself a favor and stop by Finch’s Bistro & Wine Bar in La Jolla and check out this hidden gem!  

 

 

As you can see, I’m back from our annual trip to Romania.  There’s no better time to be at home with family than Christmas, don’t you agree?  Soon, I’ll share with you recipes and winter traditions from Romania and Transylvania but until I manage to successfully organize my ideas and thoughts in my jet lag-fogged mind, Finch’s Bistro & Wine Bar will keep you company.

Poftă Bună! (Bon Appétit!)

Restaurant Information:

Finch’s Bistro & Wine Bar

7644 Girard Ave.

La Jolla, CA 92037

Phone: 858-456-4056

http://www.finchslajolla.com/

Habitat Restaurant at Fairmont Pittsburgh

It’s high time I raved about Habitat Restaurant at the Fairmont hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.  This remains my favorite restaurant in the flourishing Pittsburgh dining scene and a locale that never fails to impress.  Tucked inside the Fairmont Hotel, Habitat Restaurant is easily stereotyped as an overpriced and average venue due to its prime location and the fact that it belongs to a hotel.  But that cannot be further from the truth.  With a modern décor and an open high-class professional kitchen, Habitat provides a traditional, non-intrusive and overall truly impeccable service while highlighting a vibrant, cutting-edge, seasonal cuisine for breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner.

Although the food encompasses subtle international flavors, the main focus remains the new American cuisine while also showcasing the quality and freshness of local ingredients.  In fact, the Chef doctors the flavors based on season and availability of locally sourced ingredients; the only thing brought from more than a hundred miles away is the wine.  The food menu is not the only thing that changes periodically; the dessert and drink menus have a similar fate.  That being said, a few favorites are available year-round on the main menu.  

One of them is the Fresh tandoor baked naan bread, which is an indisputable crowd pleaser.  The warm, pillowy bread squares served with a trio of homemade spreads make for a light and tasty appetizer.

Being an avid beet eater, I always opt for the Roasted organic local beets – my ultimate beets salad and a constant on the menu.  The colorful beets are roasted and pickled and they contrast beautifully against the creamy and tangy goat cheese and sweet wild flower honey.  I can’t rave enough about this salad and the bold, well balanced flavors that make this starter something I can easily indulge in all day, every day.

Another dish worth the money is the Burrata and faro appetizer.  There’s nothing better than creamy yet al dente faro topped with oozing, smooth burrata cheese. This is an excellent choice when available and a generous enough portion to split.  

The Scallops and truffles crudo piled on a smear of velvety parsnip puree is another lovely option especially in summertime.  The sweet, meaty scallops are nicely paired with earthy truffles to make a beautiful and refined dish. 

In wintertime, you can’t go wrong with the Risotto and pork belly starter.  The buttery risotto enhances the heartiness of the pork belly, while the acidic apples and crunchy scallions cut through the richness of this decadent dish.        

The Smoked duck breast is another favorite of mine.  This main dish varies on a regular basis showcasing seasonal ingredients and flavors.  This time around the duck breast is really well seasoned and perfectly mid-rare complemented by an assertive maple roasted rutabaga puree and port reduction, roasted Brussels sprouts, and finished with nutty candied walnuts for a bonus crunch. 

Adrian on the other hand prefers the Lamb chops entrée.  Here, the braised lamb is the star of the dish; moist, tender and flavor-packed.  The mint pesto pappardelle are the perfect accompaniment, light yet rich making for a truly winter meal.  Add to that a pungent but not overwhelming sauce and some root vegetables and you have a symphony of flavors packed into a balanced and nuanced main dish.

Another beloved option that I simply can’t ignore is the Crab cake BLT.  The thick patty of deliciously sweet crab and the tasty chili lime aioli are front and center, while the Applewood smoked bacon, crisp lettuce, red onion and tomato are the understated garnishes stacked on a pleasantly toasted bun.  And let’s not forget about the mouthwatering side of sweet potato fries that round up this spectacle of flavors.  Although you’ll find this burger on the lunch menu, more often than not the kitchen will be nice enough to fix this dish for you at dinnertime. 

Furthermore, pairing the burger with soup at lunchtime is a popular choice.  Here, I opted for an amazing seasonal corn soup and the House smoked beef brisket with pickle aioli on a farmhouse roll.  The ultimate combo! 

Regardless of how satiated we feel after dinner, we can’t skip a sweet treat.  The desserts at Habitat are innovative and creative, combining unique, compelling flavors and artful presentations and, similar to the drinks and main menus, they change regularly.  Right now, an excellent option is the Monkeying Around – a warm croissant banana pudding paired with rum raisin ice cream, a chocolate walnut crunch and drizzled with chocolate banana fondue.  Warm, rich and simply phenomenal! 

In the spring and summer, I gravitate towards the Essence of Spring dessert, which is sweet and fruity, custardy and crunchy, and topped with ice cream.  Yum!  I already look forward to ordering that again soon.  

Another great choice is the Blueberry Panna Cotta, which I can’t get enough of and wish it were a constant on the menu.       

      

Overall, Habitat Restaurant always aims for consistency, is the perfect blend of splendid food and exceptional service, and is a restaurant that we return to time and again!  And if you find yourself stranded in Pittsburgh over the holidays or simply decide to forgo the Christmas cooking, make sure to book a place at their Christmas Brunch this Friday, and don’t forget to inquire about their New Year’s Eve menu and availability. Adrian and I reserved a table for New Year’s Eve last year and it turned out to be a brilliant and delicious decision.  We would have done the same thing this year but this December we’ll be in Romania for the holidays, something that we’re so excited about.  So, without further ado, I wish you all a wonderful and happy holiday season and a blessed New Year! 

Restaurant Information:

Habitat Restaurant   

510 Market Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Phone: 412-773-8848

http://www.habitatrestaurant.com/

Poftă Bună! (Bon Appétit!)

One Flew South

It seems that I literally fell off the face of my blog and PG Plate alike, this past month, but I’m happy to say that I was able to squeeze in our annual visit home to Romania during this time.  More on my adventures and food explores from the land of Dracula later on.  Right now, I want to tell you about One Flew South.  As fate has it, our travels home brought us again to the familiar (to us anyway) terminal E at the Atlanta International Airport.  And we couldn’t help but revisit one of our favorite airport restaurants, One Flew South.  

It’d been a long while since my mouth was graced with the not at all predictable food bonanza that is One Flew South and my stomach was loudly begging for a Pulled Duck Sandwich by the time I was scanning the menu.  Yes – that exact sandwich I raved about three years ago. This time around, I managed to take a picture, a rushed picture.  Okay… a lousy picture that won’t do it any justice but at that point in time I was drooling like Pavlov’s dog, my brain lost any function at the enticing whiffs, and I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into that fantastic sandwich.  No excuse, I know but trust me when I tell you that this sandwich is one of the best I’ve ever had!  It’s juicy, flavorful duck meat piled up high on a toasty Challah bun with a sweet and tangy fig and toasted peanut relish, fresh scallions and a side of creamy slaw.  It will rock your world!

Adrian opted for the “ofs” Dirty South, an open face meatloaf sandwich with pimento cheese, some sautéed spinach, crispy and slightly sugary bacon, sweet and tasty bbq sauce, and a perfectly fried egg stacked on top.  It’s one of the restaurant’s signature sandwiches.  He loved it!  I loved it too after one bite and made my husband trade half of it for half of my Duck Sandwich.  He reluctantly conceded and at the end of our meal we were both very happy campers, stuffed and ready for our long flight.  But we couldn’t skip dessert. 

Dessert consisted of yet another signature dish; this time, “ofs” Banana Pudding.  A smooth and velvety custard, peppered with chunks of banana and spongy cake throughout and a light whipped cream atop.  The dessert was also accompanied by homemade vanilla wafers.  A lick-your-fingers-sweet perfection! 

Before I encourage you to fly through Atlanta next time around just so you can dine at One Flew South, I have to tell you that we also ordered the Pork Belly Sliders.  They were mouthwatering, rich and impossibly tasty, enveloped in a golden raisin slaw and bathed in bbq sauce, nestled in between toasty buns and finished with buttery pickles.  But you guessed right – no picture for these ones, unfortunately… So, I owe you one.

Now, next time you travel, make sure you fly through the Atlanta International Airport and pay a visit to One Flew South.  Your layover will be wisely spent and your stomach will thank you!

Restaurant Information:

One Flew South

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Terminal E

Phone: (404) 816-3464

http://www.oneflewsouthatl.com/foodanddrink.html

Poftă Bună! (Bon Appétit!)

Tableau at Wynn

I know we’re in the midst of the scorching summer and Las Vegas, where the mercury escalates to mind-numbing temperatures this time of the year, is probably the last place on Earth you’d want to be.  But if you do find yourself in the baking heat of Sin City, do yourself a favor and pay a visit to Tableau at Wynn Hotel and Casino for an unforgettable breakfast, lunch or weekend brunch.

 

I haven’t reviewed a restaurant in a very long time, and I think that Tableau is an ideal fine dining restaurant to get back in the saddle.  Tableau is a bright and charming little spot tucked away in the serene vicinity of the Wynn Tower suites.  Upon arriving, you enter a bohemian and whimsical setting with a breathtakingly stunning décor flooded with fresh flowers, natural light, cozy chairs with adorable designs on every backrest, immaculate linens, and a gorgeous single rose on each table.  

Besides the food at Tableau, I cannot rave enough about the staff: impeccably trained, attentive and eager to accommodate any extravagant requirement.  On top of it, even your purse gets a specially crafted stool to sit on!  And before I finally move on to the most important subject – the food – at Tableau you have the option of dining inside, in the romantic conservatory while enjoying a sweeping view or poolside.  Everything here is so classy yet relaxed and the perfect place to spend your day.   

   

Now, let’s talk about the food, which, in my humble opinion, is particularly good.  From the start, you should know that Tableau only offers breakfast and lunch from Monday through Friday, and brunch on the weekends, so plan accordingly.  Also, be advised that the regular and vegetarian / vegan menus at Tableau change throughout the year, and seasonal items are added and dropped regularly, but there is always a vast assortment of tantalizing and sophisticated items to choose from that are nothing short of stellar!  Here are our favorites:

-          Juices and smoothies

-          Roasted Clam & Corn Chowder

-          Handmade Orecchiette

-          House-made Pappardelle with Duck Confit

-          Soft Shell Crab Sandwich

-          Banana-Sour Cream Pancakes

-          Hot Beignets

-          Vanilla Latte

-          Cappuccino        

First off, I need to mention the bread basket.  On our first visit to Tableau, we were treated to a rather traditional bread basket filled with a couple of slices of sourdough bread, popovers, which I’m mildly obsessed with, and house-made crackers.  Currently, waiters meander around the dining area with a large bread basket loaded with four different types of complimentary popovers including cornbread and bacon popovers.  Needless to say, I opt for the cornbread while Adrian goes for the bacon popover. 

Tableau offers an eclectic selection of detoxifying freshly squeezed juices and smoothies plus an additional juice of the day.  Below, you have the Flight of Fresh Juices, which comes with samples of their three main juices, Orange Zest (a mixture of orange, carrot, ginger, asian pear and nectar), Red Deliciousness (a mix of fuji apple, bell pepper, pomegranate, beet and lime), and Purify (a combination of honeydew, green apple, kale, spinach, cayenne and organic honey.)   

The Roasted Clam & Corn Chowder listed on the Lunch menu is a must for a corn junkie like me.  This soup is sweet and savory, creamy yet light, with a delicate smokiness, a vibrant punch from the poblano pepper, richness from the bacon, and a cheesy crunch from the house-made crackers.  You’ll also receive a side of hot sauce to drizzle over the soup for that extra kick of spiciness and light acidity.  Personally, I skipped the hot sauce and fully enjoyed this out of this world super delicious soup unadorned.  I was very, very happy! 

As mentioned above, the restaurant provides a generous vegetarian / vegan menu.  On our last visit, we decided to try the Handmade Orecchiette with wild mushrooms, asparagus and fresh tomatoes, although we’re both die hard carnivores.  Truth be told, I didn’t think there was anything ground-breaking about this dish, but it was definitely simple, elegant, and very tasty.

To continue with the pasta theme, our most memorable pasta dish is hands down, the House-made Pappardelle with Duck Confit.  It is a rustic yet refined plate of freshly made artisanal black-pepper pappardelle pasta served with tender house-made Muscovy duck confit, sautéed organic spinach, and a poached organic egg, and finished with a few drizzles of extra-virgin olive oil, fleur de sel and a couple of shaves of Parmigiano-Reggiano.  The good thing about this luxurious delicacy is that it’s a truly glorious dish.  The bad thing about it is that it’s no longer the menu.  But I wanted to tell you about it so that you see the fine art, quality ingredients and small details that go into preparing the sophisticated dishes at Tableau.  

           

La pièce de résistance, however, is without a doubt the Soft Shell Crab Sandwich.  A fat, meaty soft shell crab, deep fried to a perfect crunch layered on fresh bibb lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes and fried onions, nestled in a toasty brioche roll and smeared with a lovely creole rémoulade.  The sandwich is accompanied by seasoned fries and a wonderfully sweet and tangy house-made ketchup speckled with tomato seeds that I couldn’t get enough of.  This sandwich will rock your world and I don’t see it going away anytime soon.     

The Banana-Sour Cream Pancakes are the best pancakes I’ve ever had!  They are great as your breakfast main course, sweet treat or shared dessert after a copious meal.  These sour cream and lemon pancakes are adorned with slices of banana, nutty and crusty house-made granola, dusted with powdered sugar, and smartened up with a good shower of pure Vermont maple syrup.  I should probably add that they are nothing short of spectacular; light and airy, dense and rich, not the slightest bit heavy or rubbery or bland, but packed with flavor and delicate texture, just how proper homemade pancakes should taste like.  It didn’t take us long to polish the plate until it shined.   

For a more proper dessert, try the Hot Beignets injected with boozy caramel sauce and drenched in powdered sugar.  All you have to do is dip them in the side of decadent chocolate sauce and fully enjoy these boozed-up cottony pillows.  Heaven!   

And to end an excellent meal, order a frothy cappuccino or a cup of vanilla latte.  Either one will seal the deal quite nicely.

One final word, like with many other restaurants at Wynn and Encore, it’s always a good idea to make reservations ahead of time.  If you’re celebrating anything in particular it never hurts to let them know.  And I’d encourage you to venture out to Tableau at the beginning of your Las Vegas trip because you might want to go back!

Restaurant Information:

Tableau

Wynn Resort Las Vegas

3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S

Las Vegas, NV 89109

Phone: (702) 770-3463

Tableau serves breakfast daily 7-11:30 am and lunch 11:30 am-2:30 pm.

http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/Restaurants/FineDining/Tableau

Romania at a glance!

A month ago, I left a cold Pittsburgh, went to a spring-like Romania and came back to an even colder Steel City.  But the time in Romania was worthwhile as it was filled with birthday parties, barbecues, frequent trips to the open market, and home-cooked meals with my grandmother.  Nothing short of perfection!   

It was a whole year ago that I went to see my family in Transylvania and the trip coincided again with my birthday, which is always celebratory and exciting!  If last year, I specifically insisted that my Grandma Vicki included these spectacular Nutella filled Cookies on my birthday dessert menu, this year, her epic Chocolate Cake with Walnut Brittle took center stage.  And Adrian’s cousin Alex called it “the Bomb”!  Stay tuned for this recipe, you will not want to miss it!  

Of course, in my grandma’s kitchen one dessert is never enough, so the Chocolate Cake was nicely accompanied by a Coffee Cream Cake and a Chestnut Cake.  All gorgeous and mouthwatering! 

After an outrageously mild winter, spring came early in Romania.  The moment the sun was out and the temperatures started to climb, Romanians had two things on their mind: picnics and grilling.  As always, the mititei, those small sausage shaped patties, were extremely popular; and so were the pork steaks, chicken drumsticks, fish and these amazing Chicken Burgers, which got me a standing ovation!

As you can see, people love to crowd around the grill, literally, and get lost in a cloud of smoke!  

When spring fever hits, Romanians start vegging out in parks, soaking up the sun and relishing some crunchy pretzels.

I prefer a trip to the open markets that are overflowing with fresh produce the moment spring rolls around.    

And I can never turn down a visit to a traditional restaurant!

Apple crusted pork chops with mashed potatoes and caramelized plums.

Spicy pork shoulder with rice, runny egg and homemade pickles.

Gulyas – Traditional Hungarian Beef Stew.

But more often than not, home-cooked meals are the best and even more gratifying when you introduce your hero, in this case my grandma Vicki, to new recipes such as the juicy Chicken Burgers, this elegant Maple Sweet Potato Cake or this one of a kind Pudding Cake of Honey, Cinnamon and Plums!   

Poftă Bună! (Bon Appétit!)