Black Radish - A Quick Look

*** So here's another of those "quick looks".....

The Missus had really enjoyed Wolf in the Woods, so of course She wanted me to find another place for the following week. I did a couple of searches and up popped a place named Black Radish. Hmmmm......I hadn't even heard of this place. Apparently, the building on the corner of University and Villa Terrace had been restored. It's an area I call the "dead zone"...between Hillcrest and North Park. I probably drove past this place several times and never even noticed it!

So, I made reservations for 5pm during a weekday. Which was great since we were the first customers in the place and there were only three tables occupied when we left.

There's a bar area and various tables; the woman who served us was quite friendly and the Missus enjoyed Her glasses of wine.

There's a prefix dinner option for $69, but we often find that starters/apps are often more interesting; so we decided on something from the "bar snacks menu", 3 starters, and one main to share.

Things started off with a decent amuse; white halibut, which was done in a "ceviche-style".

Nice and refreshing; a good start.

Of course, I just had to try the Beef Tartare.

We enjoyed the basil microgreens and the fruit provided. The goat cheese added a light acidic-milky tone to the dish. I thought the dice was a bit too coarse leaving the beef on the chewy side. I could have used a bit more acidity and some light pungency in this. 

I believe I mentioned that the Missus isn't a big lobster fan; I think She's had too many bad versions. However, I insisted on ordering the Lobster Toast.

 Which was a good move. The lobster was cooked perfectly, so tender, it was oceany-sweet, and the brioche added a buttery-mild sweetness, along with textural contrast. We both enjoyed the leaves of what seemed like radicchio....lovely bitterness that went so well with the brown butter. There was some nice citrus tones as well. This was quite good. 

The item we selected from the Bar Snacks menu was the Roasted Pork Belly.

 In terms of flavor, this was quite good; the Gooseberry Jus was rich and yet had some tartness which helped to cut said richness. The pork was on the "hard" side; not chewy, hard.....too bad because we really enjoyed the combination of flavors.

The Scallop was perfectly cooked as well; very rare, it could have been perhaps seared a bit more; but it was so sweet-savory.

I wish there was more than one! This was very good.

We also ordered the "special" for the evening; the Lamb Chop "Cassoulet"....you know me and Cassoulet!

The lamb chops was cooked to a perfect medium rare; it was nice and mildly gamy. The beans was also cooked to a tongue coating creaminess. Sadly, the lamb chops needed more seasoning and the beans were really bland. I mean, really bland....I could have used some thyme, salt, pepper, garlic, acidity, pungency....well anything. Oh my. As is often our experience when ordering the "plat principle" we are often left somewhat disappointed. Too bad, this really could have been good!

The Missus ordered dessert and espresso which She really enjoyed.

As a whole, we really enjoyed the vibe and service here....it was much more relaxed than Wolf in the Woods. Of course we were the only customers during half of our meal. Of the three recent meals we had; this was the most expensive at $170 for 2. The Missus enjoyed the wine She had; so like Wolf in the Woods, we'll probably return.

Black Radish
2591 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92104
Current Hours:
Wed - Sat 5pm - 10pm

Comments

[Didi]

wow. looks so pretty and tasty.
sounds like a good place for a date. that photo of the place really hides a restaurant. who knew.
this reminds me of another hidden place.
have you been to Garden Kitchen in Rolando area?
excellent. the cook, Coral Strong, is very good with farm to table menu (change weekly thus seasonally). hope you and missus give it a try. they only open thur-sat.

[kat]

nice!

[Peter]

Nice variety of dishes -- they seem to have a lot of different bases covered, and covered well.

[Kirk]

Hi Didi - Yes, I did have Garden Kitchen up by Rolando and University on my "list"; but it just seems we're never gotten up there.....and then Covid struck. Hopefully soon! Hope all is well; it's great to hear from you!

It was Kat!

Yes, though the Apps/Starters seem much better than the mains Peter.

[An]

One scallop!! 🤯
I love scallops but I feel there’s never enough to be worth it.

[Kirk]

I know An!!!! And I believe that dish was like $15!