San Diego's best sight-seeing: Wine Vault and Bistro

When my chef friend visited town, I knew exactly where we'd go: Wine Vault and Bistro. Their 3-course tasting menu ($20) changes every Friday and this week's was a beaute (unfortunately my camera died, so no pictures, but this meal was worth mentioning).

May 20, 2011

STARTERS
blistered shishito peppers | sea salt - 6
cheese sampler platter w/ four artisan cheeses + accompaniments - 15
bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with point reyes blue cheese + almonds - 6
pommes frites | vindaloo ketchup + pancetta gravy – 6

PRIX FIXE 3-COURSE DINNER - 20 | WINE PAIRING - 15
pick one from each category below

1st
gazpacho consommé | baby zucchini | cucumber | squash blossom | jalapeño sorbet
2010 noble house riesling (5 oz. pour)

local yellowtail tataki | crispy rice | ikura roe | scallions | dashi gelée
2010 crios de susana balbo torrontes fs(5 oz. pour)

seared hudson valley foie gras | ramp biscuit | long pepper honey | bacon jam - $5 supp
2007 clos jean loupiac (3 oz. pour)

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2nd
halibut | chorizo | preserved lemon purée | broccoli | fennel | radishes
2009 testa rossa "santa barbara" chardonnay (5 oz. pour)

wild mushrooms | summer truffle purée | braised morels | crispy bread | arugula | pecorino
2005 garmendia tempranillo (5 oz. pour)

wild boar cassoulet | house cured guanciale | ham hock | parmesan tuile | sprouts | black eyed peas
2008 halter ranch "côtes du paso" rhône red blend (5 oz. pour)

ribeye (3 oz.)* | summer squash | potato cake | watercress | fines herbes | bearnaise jus (*this got changed to a NY strip)
2007 tobin james "silver reserve" syrah (5 oz. pour)
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3rd
pistachio cake | carrot purée | cognac cherry compote | vanilla | streusel
1999 domaine fontanel rivesaltes ambré (3 oz. pour)

lavender ice cream | dark chocolate pudding | dehydrated chocolate mousse | honeycomb
2008 la mision "may harvest" sauvignon blanc (3 oz. pour)

strawberry float | basil ice cream | strawberry powder | candied basil leaf
nv tobin james "dream weaver" sparkling wine (3 oz. pour)