Summer Menu Tasting with Craft Beer Pairings @ Vessel Restaurant, Kona Kai Resort & Spa, San Diego, CA in Pics
One of the perqs of this whole blogging/social media-ing thing is that every once in a while, you get invited to partake of special things.
If one of the things you happen to blog about is food and drink, every once in a while, you get invited to partake of specially delicious things.
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| My hot date for the evening - Kelli May (@ ShivaLife Yoga! Shout-out, GF! ❤) |
Like a fabulous six course Summer menu tasting in a fantastically San Diego kind of setting like Vessel Restaurant at Kona Kai Resort & Spa.
Where they pour a stiff cocktail... (Thank you, Peter!)
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| A Vessel Old Fashioned for me and an old fashioned Old Fashioned for Kelli. |
...and maybe not everybody, but somebody (namely the person who printed out your place card), knows your name. (That's a corny 80s reference, kids! :P)
And they pair some truly fantastic food...
...with some truly fantastic craft beer...
...in true San Diego fashion.
The food was thoughtful, playful, and most importantly, well-executed and delicious. (Chef's descriptions as usual.)
1st
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| 48 Hour Pork Belly plantain powder, sweet potato spaetzle, anise, bitter chocolate Craft Beer Pairing: Maui Brewing Co. Coconut Porter |
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| Yes, that belly was as melt-in-your-mouth porkalicious as it looks. :) |
2nd
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| Roasted Pear borage flower, Cowgirl Creamery Smoked Bleu (Roquefort was originally planned, and would have been delicious, but this selection was yums!), fine herb medley, caramelized black pepper vinaigrette Craft Beer Pairing: Alesmith .394 Pale Ale It's hard to go wrong with Alesmith. ;) |
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| Kelli and I both thought that was deLISH! |
3rd
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| Corn Dusted Albacore serrano custard, bacon powder, onion jam Craft Beer Pairing: Refuge Brewery Blood Orange Belgian (I loved this dish with all the elements together, and I liked this beer, but I didn't love the pairing. Oh, and that crunchy freeze dried corn surprise at the bottom of the custard - a fun touch!) |
4th
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| Dry Aged Ribeye blue cheese popcorn, foie gras butter, bordelaise Craft Beer Pairing: Stone Brewing Co. Delicious IPA Everyone LOVED that popcorn. I loved that ribeye even more... :) |
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| Total indulgence. |
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| I think I tricked Chef Roy Hendrickson into that winning grin. (He's got that Serious Chef Face thing happening, IYKWIM. ;)) |
5th
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| Confit Game Hen anise scented couscous, quince lacquer, roasted grape Craft Beer Pairing: Back to the Alesmith .394 Pale Ale (The hen was juicy and perfectly seasoned. I appreciated the measured hand with the anise - so many chefs go overboard with that spice.) |
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| Dessert's on the way, but first let us take a selfie. :P :P :P |
6th
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| Crema Catalana almond semolina biscotto and Port |
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| Lovely texture - delicate yet velvety. |
Service was warm and accommodating without a hint of pretense. I always love when you can have elevated food in a friendly and comfortable environment.
And of course the surroundings don't hurt one bit.
Fantastic food, wonderful service, and a lovely location.
What a treat.
Kudos and gratitude to the team at Vessel and Kona Kai for a fabulous evening. :)
shinae
Vessel Restaurant at Kona Kai Resort & Spa
1551 Shelter Island Drive
San Diego, CA 92106
619.221.8000
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