Are you getting FRESH with me?

Usually when people read this blog their first thought is noticing the horrid grammar, not to mention run-on sentences that have awful sentence structure in the very least and poor placement of, punctuation along with garing misspellings.

But that is okay.

I like it like that.

Since I’m not the greatest at describing the food, I do wish I could take more pictures of out restaurant outings, but sometimes it just isn’t possible without standing out. (Why is that guy taking a picture of his food?) I commend those that do post great food pics on their blogs.

Just to follow up on some past postings, we never made it to any of the Cohn Restaurant $20.06 meal deals (I saw a couple of reviews at the San Diego Eats page), but did make it to Fresh for their deal.

And so, the following account:

Fresh
We’ve been to Fresh in La Jolla before for their half priced food happy hour, afternoons daily from 4 to 6 pm, and enjoyed it, though I think the small plates menu seems to be most geared for individual servings (with some exceptions) compared to sister restaurant Roppongi which seems to be more easily shared with the table. (Oh, that is one of those run-on sentences I warned you about!)

But the food was pretty good and the space quite comfortable so when I read that they were running a (read this with a loud echoing voice) one-day blow out everything must go 50% off all food sale I said I am going! That’s all that is to it. I’m going!

What was the deal? Going out of business? Fridge broke down and food going rancid? La Jolla about to fall into the Pacific? Nah. It was a one night 3rd anniversary of the restaurant opening. All on a Monday night in late January.

What did we have?
We started with Crisp Calamari with a couple of dipping sauces (spicy remoulade and marinara). The deep fried calamari is one of those exceptions to the starter (or small plates) menu – here the portion is huge - and fried with a light batter. It’s more than enough for one person, and best shared with a couple. (Plus it comes on a large plate). I also had the Tuna Tartare, which was tasty, spiced with slices of jalapeno peppers.

For the main, my wife had the Coriander Crusted Mahi Mahi with shrimp risotto and port reduction and I had the Sesame Crusted Ahi with baby bok choy and soy ginger natural. Portions are moderate – the ahi was a smaller portion than I recently had at Island Prime. But both were tasty and absolutely no complaints.

Desserts were Kahlua White Chocolate Cheese Cake and a serving of Blackberry Sorbet (two small scoops served up in a martini glass). Wha? No chocolate for us chocolate lovers?

Thumbs up, overall. Service was fine. The place was busy, but not packed. Food came to all of $45 total for 2 of us for 3 courses. It was a nice chance to try the place – of course, we added on some wine (they have several options for wine tasting sampler flights) and a better than normal tip for the end price since it was discounted.

On a grade level, I’d give it a B+. Verdict from my wife: Not quite worth normal prices (mid 20’s for entrees at regular prices). The menu seemed a little shorter than what is posted online - at least 5 to 7 of the small plates were not on the menu this night.

Cooking at home
I’ve been slightly inspired to make a few items after seeing Chef Bernard Guillas (of The Marine Room) in a Macy’s School of Cooking class this weekend. More on the recipes and my meager attempts to make them later this week!