What I wasn't expecting was another item from the starters, soups and salads menu, fried cauliflower & lemon vinaigrette. I smiled politely when they served it as I'm not a big fan of cauliflower. This, however, was sublime. The vinaigrette was one of the best I have ever tasted and it was tossed with toasted cashews and currants.
If your Italian is a bit rusty, it's the local catch of the day, in this case Ahi, served with Napa grape infusion and black olives. There was also a bright citrus presence. It was yet another stunning dish.
My friend Marc wasn't kidding when he told me how good the ravioli was. Since he's gluten-intolerant he can't actually eat the pasta, but the sauce is one of the tastiest things I have ever put in my mouth. I was absolutely tempted to lick the plate.
Turns out I need not have worried. Yes, they lost the foot traffic at the old place but what they gained by moving uptown to 5th Avenue, just west of Balboa Park, more than makes up for the quaintness of the Gaslamp. The restaurant is beautifully appointed with a majestic, dark wooden bar that runs half the length of the building.
For entrées we opted for the Argentinian style Gaucho steak and pan seared local white sea bass. Each carries a $10 up charge to the $30 restaurant week menu, but they were divine and easily worth the extra money. I challenge you to find a better $40 dinner.
