Monday, June 8, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
El Bizcocho - The Tasting Menu at Rancho Bernardo Inn
I knew within seconds that I had to try the tasting menu. It looked unusual, elegant and like an incredible dining opportunity. I am happy to report, it did not dissapoint. It was FANTASTIC!As a glass of Moet White Star was being poured, a dish with 3 butters - honey, olive and plain - were delivered with a warm French crusty bagette. Then a shooter of gazpacho and clear jello like substance on spoon appeared. The substance popped in your mouth like a giant caviar only much cleaner and more refreshing.
The tasting menu has 7 items but I received an incredible 9 of which 6 were paired beautifully with wine. Diet? What diet? Having been careful for the last month - I threw caution to the wind and in my mind said "Bring it on!"
What I delighted in was comparing the brief description on the menu to the plates that were delivered with flourish. The presentation on the Santa Barbara Prawns was really whimsical. The avocado and uni mosaic was shaped into a flat and perfect square, with crispy tapioca that were small, white round crunchy beads. The head the prawn had been fried and stood upright as an architectural 3D element to the plate. Thankfully the Captain, Mickey McSurdy is approachable, knowledgeable and personable - and I asked if the head was something I was suppose to eat. No. Glad I asked! I felt comfortable asking him any question about the menu and knew that I was in excellent hands.
Next came the Sweet Onion Bisque which sounds plain but was quite extravagant. A slow-cooked duck egg wrapped in gold leaf appeared with a slice of manchego cheese then a server pours the sweet onion bisque to the side of the egg. Wow. Yummy.
After that came the Pan Seared Diver Scallop wit hasparagus consumme, toasted sesames and maitake mushrooms, followed by Fonduat Pyramid Raviolis which came with shaved truffles and a hazelnut pesto. Taking my fork to cut through the perfect pyramid shape, the fonduta was rich, creamy and delicious. I am not a huge fan of truffles but I really enjoyed this dish.
Next came Butter Poached Lobster with razor clams, abalone mushroom confit, fiddle head ferns and compressed fennel. The Captain and Chef were kind enough to switch out Slow Cooked Lamb Loin since with a Slow Roasted Prime NY Strip. Ooo. ooo. ooo. It came with a truffled pommes puree and heirloom carrots and since I haven't eated red meat in a long time, this was divine!
Throughout the night - I was made to feel very comfortable. Rick Cortez, the Matre de, stopped by to chat several times. He's been with the Rancho Bernardo Inn for twenty three years - which I find really incredible. I had a great time talking with Alaun Grimaud, Executive Sous Chef, about the menu and what I enjoyed in particular (EVERYTHING!).
I took my time to really savor every part of the dining experience and to ask a lot of questions. (What's a pithvier? What's barigoule mean? etc)
Dessert was an incredible series of indulgences. I asked if it would be not too much trouble to have a chocolate souffle instead of what was on the menu selection. Not a problem. But first came a hand made mango ice cream that was prepared table-side by Mickey. The three ingredients were vanilla creme anglaise, mango puree and liquid nitrogen! The white smoke produced from the liquid nitrogen gave it a very theatrical, dramatic appeal. It was like something out of a Broadway show! The ice cream magically appeared and it was delicious. Then came the chocolate souffle and THEN came the Carmelized Pineapple with coconumt sorbet, caramel espuma and rum jelly. Mickey thought I need to try it and he was right! I took a few bites of the souffle and shifed my total attention on this dessert because it had a lot of flavors and textures to offer. Outstanding!
Hats off to the entire staff at Bizcocho for a very memorable dining experience. I highly recommend Bizcocho to food lovers everywhere!
Seven Course Menu $105
Matched Wines $50
Camille at the Rancho Bernardo Inn
A Room with a View
This morning I am sitting outside on the patio overlooking a perfectly manicured champion golf course and the birds are all a twitter and a bubbling fountain works its charm nearby. It's still fairly earl in the morning and a group of golfers, making the sweet sound as their club makes contact with the golf ball.
A Girl Who Loves Amenities!
My room is lovely, spacious and comfortable with lots of great amenities like a 42” Flat Screen, TV, luxury bath amenities, waffle robe, quality linens, coffee maker and wireless internet and an wireless internet with a huge, well designed and inviting workspace. A huge king bed sits at an angle with a oversized, extended custom made headboard with bult-in modern sconces and night stands. Above the headboard sits a 5 or six foot sculpture for dramatic effect and below the base is wired with light which not only adds estheticlly but also functionally - when the lights are out - no hitting your feet on the wooden custom built bedframe. I love the warm and inviting color scheme of white, tan and green. and the artwork in keeping with the Resort’s Southern California/Spanish style. Very natural, rich and relaxing. This is great room to hang out in. However, I have been so busy enjoying the rest of the property yesterday that I am now just able to fully take in the ambiance and fully enjoy.
Chit Chatting at t
he Manager's Poolside Reception
Yesterday I attended a "Manager's Reception" replete with warm and gracious hospitality, cocktails, appetizers and live calypso music poolside. I learned from the Maureen, the Assistant General Manager, the reception takes place every Friday for selected guests and members of the Rancho Bernardo Inn (executive membership is available to local residents). I had the pleasure of meeting Spa Director, Golf Directors, the Director of Golf Tournaments, the Concierge and a couple who were eager to share their recommendations at El Bizcocho Restaurant. I can truly say - this was a fun and casual event - not a sales pitch - and a great opportunity to mix and mingle.
El Bizchoco - A Spectacular Dining for Foodies
I wish my brother could join me - he would have loved this elegant, incredible dining exeperience. The couple highly recommended the tasting menu. Oh my gosh - this was so wonderful that I am posting a seperate entry on my blog. (see above)
The Spa -aaahhhhh
I am pitching my spa experience to several magazine so ...readers...watch for a future article with more details! But here is the quick low down! I was running late from LA and was concerned I would unravel the full afternoon of services that Spa Director, Michelle S. had carefully planned for me.
It took me a bit of time to decompress - and I realized I was too keyed up when I declined an eye pillow and stared at the beautiful wooden beams in my treatment room. My first treatment was a orange peel body scrub. The body scrub exfoliates and I was told the vitamin C in the orange is an antioxidant and helps with anti-aging. I was finally able to relax during the shea butter wrap. Enveloped in a cocoon of warm sheets and an wonderful scalp massage was the moment I was able to take a deep breath and "get into the moment." My third service was a full body massage in which I was expertly rubbed the right way from head to toe. My tired muscles were soothed and drank plenty of water afterwards to help remove toxins. My last service of the day was a Margarita pedicure in which Margarita's are served while your tootsies are pampered. I was also fortunate to enjoy a couple slices of Margarita pizza which was a great combo. After all the attention - I enjoyed an hour or so lounging by the pool and jacuzzi, admiring the lavender in the garden, watching the bunny t nibble on grass, and taking a big ahhhh.
This morning I am sitting outside on the patio overlooking a perfectly manicured champion golf course and the birds are all a twitter and a bubbling fountain works its charm nearby. It's still fairly earl in the morning and a group of golfers, making the sweet sound as their club makes contact with the golf ball.
A Girl Who Loves Amenities!
My room is lovely, spacious and comfortable with lots of great amenities like a 42” Flat Screen, TV, luxury bath amenities, waffle robe, quality linens, coffee maker and wireless internet and an wireless internet with a huge, well designed and inviting workspace. A huge king bed sits at an angle with a oversized, extended custom made headboard with bult-in modern sconces and night stands. Above the headboard sits a 5 or six foot sculpture for dramatic effect and below the base is wired with light which not only adds estheticlly but also functionally - when the lights are out - no hitting your feet on the wooden custom built bedframe. I love the warm and inviting color scheme of white, tan and green. and the artwork in keeping with the Resort’s Southern California/Spanish style. Very natural, rich and relaxing. This is great room to hang out in. However, I have been so busy enjoying the rest of the property yesterday that I am now just able to fully take in the ambiance and fully enjoy.
Chit Chatting at t
he Manager's Poolside ReceptionYesterday I attended a "Manager's Reception" replete with warm and gracious hospitality, cocktails, appetizers and live calypso music poolside. I learned from the Maureen, the Assistant General Manager, the reception takes place every Friday for selected guests and members of the Rancho Bernardo Inn (executive membership is available to local residents). I had the pleasure of meeting Spa Director, Golf Directors, the Director of Golf Tournaments, the Concierge and a couple who were eager to share their recommendations at El Bizcocho Restaurant. I can truly say - this was a fun and casual event - not a sales pitch - and a great opportunity to mix and mingle.
El Bizchoco - A Spectacular Dining for Foodies
I wish my brother could join me - he would have loved this elegant, incredible dining exeperience. The couple highly recommended the tasting menu. Oh my gosh - this was so wonderful that I am posting a seperate entry on my blog. (see above)
The Spa -aaahhhhh
I am pitching my spa experience to several magazine so ...readers...watch for a future article with more details! But here is the quick low down! I was running late from LA and was concerned I would unravel the full afternoon of services that Spa Director, Michelle S. had carefully planned for me.
It took me a bit of time to decompress - and I realized I was too keyed up when I declined an eye pillow and stared at the beautiful wooden beams in my treatment room. My first treatment was a orange peel body scrub. The body scrub exfoliates and I was told the vitamin C in the orange is an antioxidant and helps with anti-aging. I was finally able to relax during the shea butter wrap. Enveloped in a cocoon of warm sheets and an wonderful scalp massage was the moment I was able to take a deep breath and "get into the moment." My third service was a full body massage in which I was expertly rubbed the right way from head to toe. My tired muscles were soothed and drank plenty of water afterwards to help remove toxins. My last service of the day was a Margarita pedicure in which Margarita's are served while your tootsies are pampered. I was also fortunate to enjoy a couple slices of Margarita pizza which was a great combo. After all the attention - I enjoyed an hour or so lounging by the pool and jacuzzi, admiring the lavender in the garden, watching the bunny t nibble on grass, and taking a big ahhhh.I am going to pause here - time for my morning walk around the beautiful grounds.
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