Market Del Mar

So it happened.

I finally made it up to north county last night,

(it was a brutal 25 minute drive I tell ya)

for a much anticipated dinner date at Market Del Mar. 

Just as I suspected, the place was packed. 

And for good reason too.

Great food at Restaurant Week prices?

Sign me up!

Because I made reservations weeks in advance,

 we were able to waltz right in to our booth and enjoy a gourmet meal, hassle free. Snobs.

Let's get to it, shall we?

Amuse bouche, compliments of the chef.
It's always the little details that make the dining experience unforgettable. 

Crispy Skin Duck Confit & Organic Citrus - spiced croutons, citrus glaze, creamy serrano chile dressing

Prime Beef Carpaccio & Smoky Blue Cheese Wedge Salad - roasted tomatoes, horseradish mustard, farmer's market egg

Ok, so the picture seriously does not do this plate any justice... sorry about that.
This happens to be the chef's signature dish - Cabernet Braised Prim Beef Shortrib

Miso Glaze Black Cod & Mesquite Grilled Shrimp - sesame spinach-shitake mushroom saute, udon noodle salad
I'm totally not exaggerating when I say that this is the BEST cod I've ever tasted!

Cast Iron Grilled Beef Tenderloin - white cheddar-BLT souffle, forest mushroom roast, cabernet jus

Lemon & Vanilla Bean Meringue Tart - candied kumquats, frozen yogurt, tangerine reduction
So decadent and rich! I'm ashamed to say that I couldn't even finish it...

Together with wine pairings,

it's safe to say that this was one of the best meals we've had in San Diego in quite some time. 

Proud to say that my little boy of a husband was very happy with his birthday celebration.