Winning

Did you guys watch The Taste this season?

If your answer is no, then I'm sorry to tell you that you missed out on some good tv. 

Don't worry.. there's always next season {fingers crossed}. 

The show is based on the same concept as The Voice,

except instead of singing, the contestants must prepare dishes that are judged in a blind taste. 

The judges?

Check this out - the show featured no-holds barred chef Anthony Bourdain, British food star Nigella Lawson, expert chef and author Ludo Lefebvre and last, but not least, my foodie crush and restaurateur Brian Malarkey.

Eight episodes later, guess who ended up winning the whole shebang? 

Chef Khriristianne Uy, who was mentored by San Diego's favorite chef - Mr. Malarkey himself!

To celebrate, the dynamic duo paired up to bring a sample of The Taste to three of Malarkey's restaurants:

Gabardine, Searsucker and Burlap. 

Of course I had to make it to at least one of the events,

and after much deliberation, 

I decided to pay a visit to Burlap, a place where I've had a fabulous time in the past, as described here and here. 

The meal was comprised of an amazing five-course menu that we decided to pair with corresponding drink tastings. 

Amuse Bouche - the sexiest oyster shooter I've ever consumed. 

Lamb Poutine, petite basque, with triple cooked fries.

Adobo Chicken Liver Arancini with onion confit. 

Mussels with chorizo, coconut broth, chilies, and garlic mops.

Braised Oxtail with pea risotto, pea tendrils, charred onions. 

Not pictured are the crispy brussels sprouts and "ears",

that were simply inhaled within mere seconds. 

I can't wait to see what the future holds for Khristianne -

she's such a talented chef, and I'm so happy she won!

Burlap

12995 El Camino Real

Del Mar, CA 92130

Late Lovin

The most awesome thing happened a few weeks ago. 

As I was scanning through my load of daily emails,

I came across a message from a PR company that happens to represent Brian Malarkey's restaurant dynasty. 

Obviously I was intrigued..

yeah yeah yeah, do I even need to mention how much I love all of those fabric-named establishments?

In a gist, 

the email thanked me for all the support I've expressed right here on this very blog, 

and in return came with an offer to check out Burlap Late.

North County rejoice!

There's finally something exciting to look forward to after dinner. 

My favorite restaurant now transforms into an upbeat lounge every weekend,

and I got a chance to personally check it out last night, VIP style. 

My friends and I were set up with a table and a couple of bottles on the house. 

We drank, we danced, we partied. 

It was such a fabulous night,

and I'm so thankful to Enlightened Hospitality Group,

and of course to Burlap for treating us so generously. 

Burlap Late operates every Friday and Saturday night after 10 p.m. 

My cocktail of choice was the Snake Oil Citrus Infused Vodka with Basil Lemonade. 

Soooo delicious!

So what do you think my party people?

Planning to skip downtown next weekend and head to Del Mar instead?

I don't blame ya. 

In fact, you'll probably see me there again very shortly.