The Pearl of My Ocean

Let's be real, I don't need too many excuses to check out a new "hipster" joint in San Diego, especially when the place hosts weekly events that involve "bistro Mondays" and "Dive-in Movies". This week I rounded up a couple of good friends to check out the French/American inspired three-fixe meals that The Pearl offers every week for only $25. 

I'm not gonna lie, from the outside, this cute boutique hotel is easy to pass by (literally, I drove by it twice before I spotted it). But once you make it inside, the modern decor and lay back atmosphere calm the little anxiety butterflies in your stomach almost instantly. Alright, let's just get to the good stuff - food!

The food did not disappoint! For my three course meal I chose to indulge in the soup du jour, a mountain of mussels and french fries, as well as a strawberry crepe for dessert. Too much? I didn't think so. 

Butternut squash soup

Moules Frites: white wine steamed mussels with garlic and butter nestled under some pomme frites 

Vegetarian Quiche De Saisonnier: farmers market vegetables, chef's selection of cheese and haricot vert almondine

This place is definitely a good choice for a delicious low-key dinner and cocktails. The food is savory, the decor is oh so French, and did I mention they host dive-in movies?!?!?! Be there or be square ya'll. 

Smoking is only ok for goats..

I know it's been a while since my last post, but I've been busy running around San Diego and eating too much delicious food. Poor me.. I know. Alright, alright, if you insist, I shall share with you some of my findings, but beware.. the next few posts might leave you pretty hungry, and if you're smart, you'll follow your senses.

A few weeks ago I started hearing about a tiny new place in North Park that served up classic bistro food in a casual environment. Ok, sounds cute, but let's face it, the thing that really pulled me in were the rave reviews about the duckfat truffle fries. I personally love duckfat. My waistline however, has a different opinion. I decide to check it out regardless, promising myself to spin my little heart out the next morning so I wouldn't feel guilty for the rest of the week.

The Smoking Goat is tiny indeed (tiny meaning only five tables inside, and a couple more on the porch). We're seated inside, where the atmosphere is cozy, and somehow I immediately feel uber trendy. We order a bottle of Cabernet, one of the selections that happens to be half off during happy hour, and the rest is history.

Scallops atop a basil infused risotto that literally melts in your mouth.

Burger on brioche with the famous duckfat truffle fries and a dipping sauce that makes them even more delicious.

Overall I was completely satisfied. The decor, the food, the service were all great. We finished off our evening with a peach crisp accented by vanilla ice cream, that was also pretty amazing. Would I go back? Definitely. I recommend you check it out for yourself before everyone else and their moms find out about this tiny little secret.