PHOTOS PROVIDED BY KRYS PENA / KM DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY AND MIKE SANCHEZ |
( pork shank braised in Chianti wine , market vegetables , mushrooms , risotto ), I was pleasantly surprised . The “ other white meat ” proved tender and tasty , and the creamy stew-like sauce added just enough flavors of mushroom , tomato , and spices . Deb selected roasted scallops risotto ( dayboat scallops , pan seared over Italian risotto , local mushrooms , asparagus tips , organic tomatoes , grated parmesan cheese , micro greens ). Always the perfect date , she shared . The scallops were perfectly seared , tender to the bite , with the added flavors of the mushroom cream sauce , which doubled as the perfect complement to the Risotto . Jennifer ordered Ladera aglio e ’ olio linguine with chicken ( roasted garlic , diced tomatoes , sweet basil , chili flakes , grated parmesan cheese , wild arugula , pine nuts ), and confirmed what any south county foodie knows :
Roasted Scallops Risotto
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this combination of ingredients is a home run . To quote Jen “ Ladera never disappoints !” Steve had the wild mushroom fettuccini ( slow braised wild mushroom Ragu , flat ribbon pasta , crispy parmigiano reggiano , toasted crostini , microgreens ) and was delighted .
The chill of the night breeze wafting down Nob Hill Terrace made coffee necessary . I had an Americano to Deb ’ s latte ’ and both were perfect . We considered dessert as we zipped up and bundled up to keep warm , chalking up our sacrifice to better public health . Rene , spectacular the entire evening , made up for any discomfort to outdoor dining with his great service and warm demeanor . He and the entire Ladera staff were excellent . Like all restaurant staff , they have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make their guests feel at home since March 13 , 2020 when all public dining
Aglio e ' Olio Linguine
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Creme Brulee & Molten Chocolate Cake
doors closed . According to owner Dan McCraine , Ladera Grill has produced 75 % of sales while only utilizing 25 % of capacity outdoors . That speaks volumes about Ladera Grill ’ s excellent food and great service , and the community ’ s support . Ah , dessert ! Once again two unanimous choices : Molten chocolate cake ( chocolate cake , dark chocolate truffle center , vanilla bean ice cream ), and crème brulee . Rumor has it Steve is not a big dessert guy . It ’ s just a rumor . I thought we were going to have to arm wrestle for control of the plate . Both desserts were delightfully presented and the perfect way to end a great evening with one of South County ’ s true power couples , and our dear friends . Now that inside dining is allowed , get to Ladera Grill . We ’ ll be back soon to explore the menu even more !
Happy dining ! |