Given my hormonal state, it should be fairly obvious that I was in no mood to go out on Saturday. Especially once it started pouring in the afternoon. But Kyle knows that sometimes he has to refuse my homebody requests and drag me out. He usually knows best.
Wine!
We decided to go visit a friend at his restaurant (I’ve mentioned him a few times before). He is the general manager of North End Caffe, a small restaurant in Manhattan Beach.
If you happen to watch Food Network, you may have seen it featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
We picked up another couple of friends on the way and arrived around 7, just in time to get a table for four.
They only recently got their liquor license, so beers and vino were a special treat. Joe brought us drinks right away. Five stars for service 🙂
Before we could even look at the menu he arrived with some appetizers. The first plate had their famous Kahlua Pig Monte Cristo Egg Rolls (as seen on Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives). Obviously I didn’t try these, but from I was told they were quite good.
However, I did dig into a plate of Artichoke Crostinis, which were veganized (by omitting the smoked mozzarella).
These were ridiculously good.
The artichokes were warm and meaty with a delicious salty marinade that made me want to eat 12 more. The size of the bread they were on was no joke, though, and I saved room for dinner after just one.
The last appetizer we got was a red wine reduction duck confit with risotto. Not exactly the lightest of apps, huh?
I ordered the Pilgrim salad, minus the goat cheese and turkey.
The combo of pistachios and dried cranberries is so good, but whatever is in that dressing is what makes the salad.
Awesome. I finished all but a few bites and was ready to pop as I waddled away from the table.
Rachel ordered the salmon special.
Kyle got a special as well, the BBQ dijon chicken with mac ‘n cheese.
Dave also got a (blurry) special, the filet mignon with mashed potatoes.
Hunger is the best condiment? [Anyone literate in Latin feel free to chime in on the translation]
Even though we were all about to pop, Joe refused to let us pass up some beignets with powdered sugar for dessert.
When the check came…well…Joe has an interesting sense of humor. Offensive drawings aside, free is free. 😉
After dinner we headed back to Santa Monica and decided to get a few drinks at Rustic Canyon.
Which turned into a couple of bottles of wine…
Rustic Canyon is operated by the same people who run Huckleberry. Both feature farm fresh, local and seasonal food, but Huckleberry has a casual cafe feel, while Rustic Canyon has a fancy dinner ambiance. It also has an AMAZING wine list. And just like Huckleberry, it is within blocks of our apartment. Win.
Santa Barbara Winery’s 2008 ZCS Zinfandel
I am really glad Kyle dragged me out. Raining or not, I was hardly kicking and screaming after a few glasses of this beautiful Zin.
that looks like a bombin meal!! and its nice to see how easy it is to veganize!
Wow! What a lovely spread of food -and when it’s free, it tastes just a little bit better!
The artichoke crostini especially looks fantastic! Glad you went out and had fun.
Those artichoke crostinis look right up my alley!! Long time reader, but first time commentor, so I thought I’d finally de-lurk. 🙂
I love how into wine you and your family are (your dad is awesome btw; I just read his post!). I’m excited to learn more about wine, as currently, when asked what my favorite kind of wine is, my response is “red.” Sad, really.
And I agree–you often end up having the most fun on the nights when you weren’t planning on going out. 🙂
My boyfriend is the one dragging me out a lot too, but that’s why we’re good for each other. He keeps me more spontaneous and fun. Glad you enjoyed it!
thanks for saying hi!!
wine is especially fun because there is always more to learn. nothing wrong with enjoying reds 🙂
all of the food looks so good. i would think this would cure the hormonal stuff for sure!
Looks like you had a great time 😉 I would never object for some wine, haha
Glad you enjoyed yourself!!
Oh wow, the food looks incredible! Looks like you had a fantastic time!
Pingback: Work, Presidents, Costco « hungry hungry hippie
i really wanna try rustic canyon sometime!