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Michael Evans, painter of light - full frame

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Davanti Enoteca Del Mar


I had a great meal with cousin Stanley and Tracy at Davanti Enoteca in Del Mar this weekend.  I had heard rave reviews last year about their Little Italy restaurant but didn't know this one even existed. They love the place and I can see why although I need to go a few more times and get the lay of the land before I make any grand pronouncements.

Davanti is located in a large upscale suburban shopping center. Tall ceilings, lots of wood, pretty servers, we were quickly seated in the glassy room up front.

We started off the meal with the foccacia di recco, a giant foccacia filled with a combination of three cheeses and served with fresh honey comb on top. It is pretty much a must order. Can't put it down as you can see in the picture above, which I incidentally took with my new HTC One, un retouched. Anyway, the dish is served on a large tomato can, a nice touch.

Stan and Trace split the polenta with mascarpone and pork ragu. I tasted it and it was pretty amazing. This is served with a different type of ragu every day.

I had the uovo barzotta, pork belly hash with poached eggs and avocado and what was said to be hollandaise. I am not so sure what it was, kind of orangey, a bit over sweet and cloying. The pork belly bits were just heaven. A nice dish that I would have again.


For dessert we all went for a tiramisu lemon cake that was light and terrific.

I really like this place and want to return and find new discoveries on the menu. Food was great, staff was great, just an excellent addition to our area. I believe that it is a small chain that started in Chicago. There is a sister restaurant next door as well. Check it out and let me know what you think.


2 comments:

Helen Killeen Bauch McHargue said...

Menu looks great. Not sure about the tomato cans..that kind of gimmick puts me off a little...draws attention away from the food. Is it supposed to add authenticity?

Blue Heron said...

I can see how you might think that the cans are a bit hammy, I actually thought that they were fun but know what you mean.