Burlap Restaurant (Del Mar, CA)

People-watching is a fascinating thing. To see the various social interactions, to guess their thoughts and to witness their vanities on display is quite amusing and interesting– Heh, it could serve as a homework assignment for one’s sociology/anthropology course. We humans are a funny species indeed.

So! Why am I talking about people-watching on a restaurant review? Well, to not mention it would completely disregard the ambiance and vibe of the place.  It is truly a gathering place (to see and be seen) of the stereotypical Del Mar crowd: wealthy, wasp-y, surferish…COUGARS and (whatever the name is for older men on the prowl). Being in the cosmetic derm field, it is also a great practice ground at identifying which combination of procedures a particular female may have elected: Botox, Fillers, Lifts, post-laser/chemical peel, and oh those wonderful lip injections. (As an aside…it is weird or perhaps uncanny isn’t it, that the more one does these procedures, the more everyone looks the same: a surprised, clown-lipped, lioness.) A very amusing evening indeed…(On another aside, hey I’m all about to each their own regarding maintaining one’s youthful appearance, but I can’t help but make these comments when so many of the obviously-enhanced are concentrated in one location)

OKAY so onto the food 🙂 I’d say hmmm…about 4 fuzziepotatoes out of 5, overall for the creative combos and fresh quality of ingredients (there was some deduction due to a meat dish that was a little on the dry side).

Enjoy the yummie Slide Show!

Crowded –but cool ambiance

Truffled Miso (loaded with juicy meaty mushies, tofu and wakame)

Fresh Hamachi, Jalapeno with Onion Ponzu Vinagrette

Venison Carpaccio, Truffled (i love tartufo!) Soy Aioli, Capers, Yolk and Pecorino

Eye of the Martini (“Natural Viagra”)- Oyster, Uni, Caviar and Quail Egg (the most beautiful delicate and elegant combo)

Scallop Crudo

Delicioso!

“Lion’s Paw”- Scallop perfectly seared, Plum and Yuzu

Cauliflower Red Curry Yogurt – Spicy, Rich and loved how they cooked the cauliflower such that the texture was maintained

Oh yeah–Pork Shoulder (us gals know how to roll)–slathered in a familiar-tasting Chinese BBQ sauce (anise, soy, rock sugar and others)

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice (albacore and spicy caper mayo) – Surprisingly a favorite! A delicious mix of creamy balanced by spicy and soft texture with crispy rice

Pork? erghh i forget…but it was good….

Duck Wings “Firecracker”– These were a bit on the dry side–but the sauce was nice

This dessert was awesome! I believe passion fruit (tart citrusy) balanced by the creaminess of the tapioca…mmm perfectly refreshing end to all that meat!