Taste of Fall

It's finally beginning to feel like fall around San Diego. 

The temperature is cooling down, and the fallen leaves have colored my whole front yard in shades of auburn. 

The change is noticeable not only in my wardrobe selections, 

but also in my menu cravings. 

I find myself pinning recipes for rich, warm dishes, 

full of seasonal favorites like squash, apples and pumpkin. 

I love when restaurants incorporate fresh seasonal produce into their menus,

and was thrilled to be invited to check out the fall tasting menu at Davanti Enoteca and Mia Francesca last week. 

The two restaurants are the first So Cal outposts born of the highly successful Francesca's Restaurant group in Chicago.

Mia Francesca features a large open patio, indoor trattoria style dining and a 50-person private dining room. 

Its classic Italian fare is inspired by the flavors found in Rome and surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio. 

Davanti Enoteca's two San Diego locations, (Del Mar and Little Italy),

take their cues from the small villages of Italy. 

Each location's chef de cuisine lends a unique  cooking style and presentation to the dining experience, 

featuring a selection of appetizers and main courses, expertly prepared with a twist of modern flare. 

The evening's menu featured comforting selections that left me satisfied and inspired. 

The standouts for me were definitely the Seared Scallop & Pork Belly from Enoteca,

and the Ravioli de Zucca from Francesca. 

So delish!

The tray passed cocktails did not disappoint either - 

the Sparkling Cider made of crisp Prosseco, Captain Morgan and cinnamon was a perfect way to get the evening started. 

Roasted butternut squash, farro, goat cheese, hazelnuts and watercress salad. 

Seared scallop & pork belly, spaghetti squash, pear.

Ravioli di Zucca - pumpkin filled pasta in a sage browned butter sauce with veal reduction, fresh tomatoes and parmigiano. 

Gnocchi Bolognese - sauteed in a tomato meat sauce with carrots, celery, onion, and fresh herbs topped with parmigiano.

Mele e Mascarpone - caramelized apples, mascarpone and crumbled graham crackers.

F21 Blazer, Alexander McQueen scarf, H&M bf jeans, Celine Cabas bag

It was a gluttonous night, so I'm glad I wore my boyfriend jeans. 

Can't wait to go back!

If you're in Del Mar, and are craving some seasonal delicacies, 

be sure to stop by.

Davanti Enoteca & Mia Francesca

Del Mar Highlands Town Center

Del Mar, CA 92130