A gem of a find, right in the hood. This place renews my hope in the San Diego food scene. Herein lies an actual restaurant, with a chef owner who is actually in the kitchen, designing the menu/recipes, cooking the food, overseeing the staff, making every diner's experience the best it can be. And not just any menu, this menu is as diverse as is our planet. Ever evolving, changing with the flavors of the cultures that Hanna herself knows and enjoys. Each recipe is crafted for uniqueness, meaning that there is not simply one palate of flavor available. The Greek offering tastes of Greece, the African of Africa, so on, so forth. A truly wonderful dining experience every time I've been here. The only thing that upsets me about this place is that I haven't tried it sooner.
A nice crisp refreshing glass of wine to start.
Pear Salad
This salad is a very typical offering at many restaurants these days. The Gorgonzola and dried cranberries are not original but the Hazelnuts are, and they an exciting addition, not only texturally but their flavor sings in beautiful harmony with the other items on the plate.
Caesar Salad
Again, a standard offering, yet the Hanna twist is the parmesean cup/bowl/scoop that craddles the salad. Bellissimo.
When people see and select a Caesar Salad on the menu, that's what they want, but you can still make it interesting without compromising the integrity of the dish or the "relating" to the dish that the diner has when they read the menu and make their choice. Innovative yet remaining authentic. That's who it's supposed to be done. Hanna knows.
There is a theme here.... Standard, knows dishes, twisted ever so slightly, in the right way, making you look a little sideways, and smile.
Meat Lasagna With Two Sauces
Pesto and a red sauce. Superbly crafted and developed, rish deep flavors. Truly a great lasagna.
Bobotie South African Curried Meatloaf
Pronounce "Bo-Bo-Tea" From what the waiter said.
This is an exteremely different flavor that is very pronounced, HG was not a fan, but I enjoyed it. If you like curry then you will likely like this.
A thick curry sauce on top of ground beef and spices. Deep, big flavor. I found that a bite that includes the meatloaf AND the pilaf was well balanced and delicious, and that's obviously why the rice was there. Very well thought out plate composition.
Yeah, dare I say new favorite restaurant? Yes, I think so. Based on price, flavor, and LOCATION (just a short walk) this is my new go-to place for any meal, any time, and soon.
What a better way to end a meal than with a dessert?!?! Hanna happens to make the best, well at least other than what we make at home :-O)))
This is the Almond Cake. Many layers of delicously sweet stuffs. Chocolate mouse, almond mouse, cake, chocolate on top, etc., etc., etc., terrific.
Worth the walk or drive from anywhere, any time.
A local business that not only deserves your support, but your body would thank you also.
Put some of this in you.
DVA
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