Letter to Farm House Cafe

Olivier Bioteau
Farm House Café
2121 Adams Avenue
San Diego, California 92116

Phone: (619) 269-9662

Dear Mr. Bioteau:

After several visits to Farm House Café, it has become one of our favorite “neighborhood” restaurants. We have seen you in the kitchen on every occasion, frequently popping your head out to see that your customers are enjoying their food. It is obvious from a glance that you love your restaurant because your attention is paid to its every detail, from the antique sideboard filled with dishes and baguettes to your thoughtful menu.

Walking into your restaurant is like being invited into someone’s home kitchen. The soft light, warm colors and rustic wood furniture create a relaxed, comfortable environment. We are immediately at ease and never feel rushed or confined, even though your dining room is small.

We are always very interested in the Specials on the blackboard, although we’ve enjoyed a number of dishes from your regular, seasonal menu. Your daily Specials menu is where your creativity and experience are most evident. The first Special we ordered was the Sweetbreads on Mushroom Risotto. It was spectacular. The sweetbreads were tender, buttery and melted in our mouths. It was our first experience with sweetbreads and a wonderful introduction to offal. Any Italian chef would be proud to serve the accompanying Mushroom Risotto. It was creamy, savory and perfectly complemented the luxurious sweetbreads.

Though your menu changes seasonally, some of your staples always seem to be present. The Escargot Risotto with Garlic and Parsley Butter starter is a masterpiece. The vibrant green color of the risotto announces a strong, fresh parsley flavor unlike any risotto we’ve had. The sliced escargot adds an appealing textural contrast and a savory earthiness. The garlic parsley butter makes the dish rich but bright, creamy, savory and satisfying.

Another regular dish we’ve had is the Grilled Flat Iron Steak of Meyer Ranch Beef with Piment D’Espelette Butter, Watercress and French Fries. The steak was seared to a perfect medium rare and the fries were crisp and flavorful. Our only complaint is that we would have preferred to see mayonnaise or aioli served with the fries instead of ketchup, although we understand that ketchup is often served with steak and fries. We also would love to see moules frites added to the menu, which your fries are perfect for.

We’ve tried several of your fresh fish dishes also, including the Bouillabaisse. The croutons for the Bouillabaisse were crunchy and flavorful and the fish was tender and delicate, although the broth was a little bland and could have used a pinch of salt. However, your fish is always high quality, fresh and never overcooked.

The flourless chocolate cake with chocolate truffle and spicy chocolate sauce (from the Specials board) was intensely rich and decadent without being overly sweet. We enjoyed it with very good house coffee and a bold glass of red wine. Both complemented the dessert wonderfully.

Your technique, experience and passion for your food have created some truly extraordinary dishes and an enjoyable overall dining experience. Your food is always a wonderful and balanced expression of the freshest ingredients available. San Diego needs more restaurants like Farm House Café.

Yours Very Truly,

San Diego Restaurant Review


http://farmhousecafesd.com/