*This article is a 3 minute read
Seaside restaurant JRDN in Pacific Beach is a hidden gem, and the perfect place to enjoy a meal 365 days a year!
We sampled their Holiday Menu (available December 25th only) and I'll tell you it was a feast!
JRDN'S Executive Chef Stephen Gage believes every meal should tell a story. Their menu reflects the world's kitchen through unique fusion dishes. Want an example? We ate a tiramisu/creme brulee hybrid dessert that I can only describe as a love bomb, but wait let me tell you this gourmet love story one plate at a time...
We started our meal with Grilled Octopus in a sauce of sepia (squid ink). Like everything we ate that evening, the octopus was fresh, fragrant and robust in flavor. It was tender and succulent. This is because the ingredients are purchased from local purveyors. I paired the octopus with a glass of Scarpetta Pinot Grigio and it really complimented the meal.
We moved on to try several Christmas menu entrees: Half Duck in a cider reduction with braised red cabbage, and 5 spices,
Winter Catch (that night it was Alaskan Halibut) with pistachio butter, root vegetable, and caponata. We also enjoyed some melt in your mouth Pork Chops with crunchy potato fries.
Our side dishes were: Roasted Cauliflower with sweet n’ sour glaze, pomegranate, and zaatar,
We also were treated to Smoked Potato Puree which was buttery, creamy, heavenly, and Creamed mushroom with sherry, mint!
The duck was brined to perfection, and the red cabbage reminded me of a hearty German meal. Did the chef know I was craving this? It was so awesome! The halibut was grilled just right!
No crumbs were left behind. My family enjoyed every morsel of this culinary road trip. You didn't have to tell my kid to eat his vegetables since they were prepared with naturally sweet flavors of the season. The butternut squash was divine, the cauliflower with pomegranates satisfied my sweet tooth, but then dessert came, and JRDN's Pastry Chef Christian Molle saved the best for last.
Mama Mia! We samples three delectable dessert dishes-
CHOCOLATE CROISSANT BREAD PUDDING with chocolate custard, honey buttermilk ice cream, chocolate sauce, and honey corn flakes
APPLE MISO CHEESECAKE made with miso shortbread, sea salt cheesecake, warm apple pie filling, and candied pecans
ESPRESSO MARTINI CREME BRULEE with espresso custard, soaked lady fingers, espresso cake crumble, and bailey's chantilly cream.
Needless to say, the desserts weren't run of the mill, but again the creative genius of Chef Stephen Gage came through by making bold changes to some classic desserts. My favorites were the Espresso Martini Creme Brulee, and Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding. The chocolate in the bread pudding was a deep, rich, dark chocolate, using croissants made it extra doughy. I could have eaten an entire pan it was so incredible.
Did I mention JRDN Restaurant has a huge seaside patio with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean?
Great people watching! The service is excellent, and you really deserve to dine out with your family at this unforgettable restaurant. You can also Give The Gift Of Food With a JRDN Giftcard! I know it will be on my Christmas list this year!
We highly recommend dining at JRDN Restaurant on December 25th.
JRDN will serve their 3 course dinner with all the fixings from 3-8 pm price-$61-$82/person.
Reservations are recommended click here to book a table.
Location
JRDN Restaurant @ Tower 23 Hotel
723 Felspar Street
Pacific Beach
San Diego, CA 92109
PH.+1 858 270 2323
reserve23@t23hotel.com
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