| About: | El Bizcocho was recently named the Critic's Choice for "Best of the Best" by San Diego Magazine and voted the city's "Highest-Rated Restaurant" by the Zagat Survey. Locally grown Organic Produce and handcrafted Artisan Products provide the perfect backdrop for the innovative, Contemporary Cuisine served at El Bizcocho. An aperitif near the piano in the adjacent lounge, La Taberna, sets the stage for the evening. In the dining room, indulge in the Chef's Five, Seven, or 12-course tasting menu, available with wine perfectly paired to each course. Also available - the 1,600-label wine list. Whichever you choose, your enjoyment will be ensured by our experienced wait staff. |
| Hours: | Dinner Tues.-Sat., Brunch Sun. |
| Categories: | All Bars, Pubs, & Clubs, Latin American, Spanish Restaurants, French Restaurants, Restaurants, American Restaurants, Mexican Restaurants |
| Parking: | Hotel Parking |
| Payment: | MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express |
| Specialities: | Dim Lights |
| Amenities: | Award Winning, BYOB, Bar Dining, Chef's Table, Fireplace, First Come First Serve, High Tea, Hotel, Hotel Dining, Inn, Kid-Friendly, Live Music, Lounge, On-Site Catering, Parking, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Piano Bar, Prixe-Fixe Menu, Reservations, Tasting Menu, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine |
| Chef: | Steven Rojas |
| Cuisine: | American, Contemporary, French, Modern American, Spanish |
| Ambiance: | Casual, Elegant, Family Friendly, Quiet, Romantic |
| Feature: | Bar, Brunch, Entertainment, Great Wine List, Healthy Options, Late Night, Private Rooms, View |
| Reservations Policy: | Suggested |
| Smoking: | Non-Smoking Restaurant |
| Dress Code: | Jacket Preferred |
| Price: | $50 - $100 |
| Other Contact Info: | Fax: 858 675 8501 Toll Free: (800) 770-7637 Email: elbizcocho@jcresorts.com |
One word...WOW! Chef Steven Rojas knows how to put together a plate of food. Having read some of these other reviews, I would have to say that all Chefs need time to find their groove, especially when replacing one the caliber of Gavin Kaysen. Chef Rojas may have made a few false starts, but I would say he has definitely found his groove; and his cooking made a symphony in my mouth.
After much deliberation the three of us decided against the 7 course tasting menu, and decided to order and share from the left side of the menu. Starting with the Fluke Sashimi ($16.00) and the House Made Charcuterie Plate ($15.00). Both were delish, the Fluke Sashimi was multi-layered in flavors and should be eaten with a little of each, in each bite. Happy mouth.
On to the Second course - Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly and Seared Day Boat Scallop ($18.00) a fun take on a bacon wrapped scallop; and the Frog Legs "Amandine" ($16.00) served with basil pesto, tomato confit, charred octopus, spring garlic, haricot vert and Marcona almonds. WOW...the legs were falling off the bone tender.
We did ask Chef to please make us one of the dishes from the right side of the menu, Risotto Persillade; Basil Farm Snail, Fried Garlic, Suckling Pig with some thinly slice lemon. Once again, you need to take a piece of each in your mouth at once, don't deconstruct it...OMG - YUM!
Are we at finally yet? Not yet. Our Main Course was a Duo of Estancia Rib-Eye & 36 Hour Short Rib ($42.00) I could have done with more of the 36 hour Short Rib and less of the Rib-Eye, but I love slow cooked meats more than just about anything. This dish came with some slow braised Swiss Chard and a most wonderful gratin of potatoes, bacon and cheese that was compressed and so full of flavor. And my foodie son had Butter Poached Lobster ($46.00) that was a wonderful combination of sweet poached lobster and compressed Fennel with a slightly bitter Caramelized Grapefruit. Each dish is composed with care. And I like that Chef tells us where all of our food is coming from.
You also have to try the Caramelized Pineapple and Mango Ice Cream that is made table-side. What fun...bubble bubble, toil and trouble. And the Pomegranate Covered Cheesecake...well...too good.
LindySez- I've been to some of the best, and I'm adding El Bizcocho to the list. Excellent service, excellent food, excellent experience.