Quarter Kitchen, Half the Taste

(San Diego) –  This is the resident restaurant of Andaz hotel where I stayed during my recent visit to San Diego.  With a 50% discount, courtesy of my friend who works at Hyatt, and the proximity to my room, it makes sense to spend at least one meal at this restaurant.  Actually, the ambiance of the place is ultra modern and very inviting.  I am hoping that the food is proporionate to the pleasantness of the atmosphere.

Fresh bread and White Truffle Fries

Prime Cabernet Braise Short Ribs – seasonal vegetables, sauteed mushrooms, mashed Yokun Gold potatoes, star anise and red wine reduction

12 oz New York Steak with red wine reduction and bernaise sauce

I love the fries.  But how could you go wrong with something deep fried and then showered with truffle oil?  I can’t stop munching on these strips of fried goodness.  However, there is something wrong with the steak.  It doesn’t taste fresh.  and the sauces are not helping the meat at all. I am usually very lenient with any meat dishes but this one could be the first exception.  It’s sad because the plate is playfully beautiful but it failed to excite my palate.  Hopefully my experience is just isolated case. On the brighter side, the short ribs is tender and deeply rich in flavor. Thanks to this plate; it saved my dinner. But apologies to my friend because I have to share the short ribs with him.