Marinade on Main

Visited June 24, 2020 – If you’re a fan of garlic, you have to try this dish! Outstanding “Marinades Alfredo Pasta” at Marinade on Main. I’ve tried much of the menu here and this one is such a fave and always exquisitely constructed. It all starts with a base of delicious linguine Alfredo that would rival any top-shelf Italian restaurant. Pasta is al dente and the Alfredo sauce has a distinct garlic note. Truly a combustion of flavor. Many Alfredos can be somewhat bland; not this one. The house-made fried chicken is very good with a distinctly crispy and tasty crust. The whole thing is then beautifully adorned with arugula and prosciutto. Only $17; no ‘rona surcharge here.

Now, I dearly adore air conditioning. God Bless Willis Carrier. However 3 of the 4 HVAC ceiling registers in the dining area were missing or had been removed. These are the vents or grates that gracefully distribute the cold air throughout a room or space. Unfortunately, not having the registers in place sent a column of cold air streaming down onto the table. The chicken stayed hot but the pasta quickly assumed room temperature.

The Par Lounge

Tried the new ‘Pecan Smoked Chicken Wings’ at The Par Lounge tonight! 10 pieces served with the standard chicken wing accouterment of carrots, celery and creamy, fatty dressing. $15 under normal circumstances, $13 during HH. Served hot, tender, juicy and with a beautifully crispy skin. There was a higher ratio of flats to drumettes which I appreciated. Flavor tossing choices include plain, BBQ, Buffalo, honey sriracha, sweet chili, maple bourbon, or garlic parmesan. I chose garlic parmesan and it was barely discernible unfortunately. Tasted more like an order of plain. Wing size was pretty average. Some of the drumettes could have come from a pigeon for all I know. As always though, a stunning presentation and the side of veg was fresh and abundant.

Marechiaro’s Italian Restaurant

Excellent lasagna at Marechiaro’s on Olde Hwy 80! I always add one of their big, beautiful house-made Italian sausage patties. Among the finest Italian sausage I’ve had in SoCal.

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

First time visiting a Lazy Dog restaurant and I was really impressed. Inside, the atmosphere is absolutely stunning with great service to match. The menu is quite expansive, satisfying most any taste. I ordered the “Thai Noodles”. Kind of like a Pad Thai. Made with shrimp, ground chicken, tofu (omitted), peanuts, stir-fried egg, bean sprouts and a peanut sauce. Although not spicy enough it was still a solid dish for a chain restaurant. Looking forward to returning and trying something else.

The Par Lounge

Another great new dinner menu item at The Par Lounge is their ‘Cacio e Pepe’! Translates from Italian to “cheese and pepper”. Thick cut spaghetti, salted butter, parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper. Such a simple yet delicious dish that is very popular right now. Served with excellent garlic bread, only $13. The pasta was cooked about 1-2 minutes past al dente but it was still very good. Typically pasta dishes weigh pretty heavy on my constitution but this one was perfect. Paired well with an outstanding dinner salad and happy hour chardonnay.

Brigantine Seafood

Outstanding fresh steamed black mussels at The Brigantine in Poway! Cooked with white wine, saffron broth, garlic butter, tomato and chorizo; served with grilled lemon and baguette.

The Oaks Grille

There is a fantastic new (2 page) brunch menu at The Oaks Grille! Includes a number of new “south of the border” favorites. I ordered the Chilaquiles and it was outstanding. Fried tortilla tossed in a savory ranchero sauce, plus rice & beans (omitted), crema drizzle, queso fresco and a beautiful scallion accoutrement; only $12. There are many versions of chilaquiles. The one here at The OG is more of a deconstructed affair with the eggs on the side. The house-made Mexican rice was surprisingly good and authentic tasting. Presentation was absolutely stunning. I was really impressed. Fortunately the service on The Oaks Girl side was top-shelf, which was unusual.

Way Point Saloon

Visited June 12, 2020 – Bars are finally open again so I enjoyed an outstanding burger and a couple of ice cold draft IPAs at Way Point Saloon! I ordered the “Bacon n Bleu” for $14.95. Crumbled applewood smoked bacon with crumbled blue cheese piled with the standard burger set of lettuce, mater, onion & pickles. I’ve had this one before. I could actually taste the bacon this time although could have used more blue cheese. Overall an excellent burger. Included a side of their delicious beer battered fries.

The Par Lounge

This new Shrimp & Chips dish at The Par Lounge is outstanding! Better than I was expecting. The horseradish sauce (aka cocktail sauce) was remarkably good. Seemed house-made and had a nice horseradish bite. Anyway, highly recommended, only $14.

Villa Capri Trattoria & Wine Bar

Lasagna Bolognese at Villa Capri in Poway. Not the best lasagna I’ve had. This one was rather unorthodox. Didn’t even have any mozz on the top. Pasta layers were too thick considering how it was constructed. This is an overall fantastic restaurant with many great dishes. I unfortunately cannot recommend their lasagna.