San Diego Restaurant Week is an incredible opportunity twice a year to discover restaurants you may not have yet tried. Beginning on September 24 and running through October 1, more than 180 San Diego area restaurants offer deep discounts and set menus. My dining companion and I paid a visit to Sole Luna Cafe to see what they had in store. We wound up being totally blown away by both the food and the hospitality
Francesco and Michele
We were warmly greeted by owner Michele Borelli and Francesco, one of the servers. After spending two years as a manger, Michele bought the restaurant in January of this year. Sole Luna is light and open, and was decorated in fall colors. I began the meal with a glass of Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio while my companion kicked her evening off with Stella Rosa Prosecco. Francesco brought us a basket of Italian bread with olive oil and Balsamic vinegar. The bread was fresh, soft and tasty, but I stopped at one slice, knowing there was much more food to come.
There are four different appetizers on the restaurant week menu. I selected the minestrone while Kat opted for prosciutto e melone. The minestrone arrived steaming hot, chock full of carrots, potatoes, celery, spinach, zucchini and peas. The broth was savory and it was certainly one of the best minestrones I have ever tasted. The prosciutto e melone came on a large plate, necessary to accommodate the four large slices of cantaloupe wrapped with a generous serving of prosciutto and served with a lemon slice. It was truly delicious.
Lasagna Classica
There are four main courses to choose from as well. Michele recommended the Lasagna Classica for me, telling me it would be like none other I had ever tried. He was right. For Kat he suggested the Caramelle Vecchia Modena, a dish native to Michele’s home town. The dish consisted of large tortellini stuffed with ricotta cheese and spinach with a light cream sauce, crispy bacon finished with a balsamic reduction. The portions were more than generous. We wound up taking nearly half of it home. It was delicious for lunch the next day. Michele paired the Borgo Reale Abruzzo Montepulciano with my dish and for Kat he selected the Roba Nero Sparkling Lambrusco Cavacchioli. Both pairings were spot on.
Crème Brûlée
I ordered crème brûlée and Kat went with the fruit salad for dessert. I love crème brûlée and this was exquisite. The fruit salad had kiwi, grapes, peaches and more and was a nice light finish to the evening. Michele served us a lovely Malvasia which paired perfectly with our desserts. The cost of the extravagant three course meal? $20. I challenge you to find a better deal anywhere.
San Diego Restaurant Week starts September 24 and runs through October 1. Do your self a favor and take a look at the menus these restaurants are offering.
Tom Plant launched WINEormous in 2009 and is a member of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association. Based in Temecula, California, he offers intimate winery tours for no more than seven people. Tour details and pricing are available at www.temecula-tours.com. Call now to book your Temecula Winery Tour at (951) 907-9701! Ask about special discounts.