Amazing Meal in Cambria, CA

From time to time, Jeremy and I do get the chance to go out. It was our 13th Anniversary, and we were at Cambria, California. I must confess, I am a die hard foodie. I obsess over finding great places to eat. We have just started to explore San Francisco and have found Fleur De Lys (http://www.fleurdelyssf.com/). Greatest two meals of my life--and introduced me to the wonderment that is Beef Cheeks! (Who would have ever thought to crust pretzels on beef cheeks--amazing is all I can say! Hubert Keller, who appeared on Top Chef Masters is a genius! His flavors balance perfectly and when you leave you know you have just eaten a meal that you will never forget.)

Enough about Fleur De Lys--as obviously you can see my obsession with food. Wanted to go somewhere in Cambria where we would enjoy ourselves and ogle over the food. Did lots to research before we went trying to figure out what in Cambria would tickle our fancy and satisfy our quest for a great meal. Came across a place called Black Cat Bistro (http://www.blackcatbistro.com/). OMG! AMAZING! the third best meal I've had in my life. Its a small place, only seating about 45 people, so its cozy and you get lots of personal attention. Our waiter that night was the sous chef's husband. Great knowledge of the menu and answered all our questions.

I started with a La Vien Rose cocktail with Vodka, Rose Water, Champagne and rose petals sprinkled on top. We ordered our appetizers. Jer had Cayucos Ocean Rose Abalone and I had Rabbit on top of a corn cake--which is NO longer on the menu! (SAD!--would have went back just for that!) It is a rule, that Jer and I have to discuss and agree on what we order so we can get tastes of EVERYHING! This was the first time either of us had Abalone and it was so good--buttery and very tender. This was the first time I had had rabbit. It was served with a Mole sauce and lime infused creme fraiche. I looked like the consistency of pulled pork, so it must have been slow roasted. Had a hint of ginger to lighten the taste and was piled high on a corn cake. My mouth waters just thinking about it!



I would also like to mention the appreciation I had for each suggested pairing with each menu choice. Not only was there a wine pairing suggestion, but also a beer suggestion. I love wine, but I also LOVE a good beer. For the Entree, I had the Rare Seared Yellowfin Tuna, served with butter braised Jasmine Rice, Ginger Wasabi Sauce, Vietnamese Slaw, Peanuts and Shitakes topped with Crispy Shallots. The balance of flavors was perfection. The tuna was seared perfectly. I loved it! Jeremy had Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast with a dried cherry risotto, cherry port glaze, braised baby bok choy, and thyme. This was a heartier dish, but very good. Jer won't eat cheese, but he ate his plate clean, even the risotto!



We were stuffed at this point, but decided to go all in and get dessert. I tried to get Jer to share a plate with me, but that didnt happen! LOL. I tried the Meyer Lemon Goat Cheesecake with Strawberries and Strawberry Glaze and Jer had the N.C.T.--which stand for the New Chocolate Thing. The waiter compared this to a Twix Bar and this did not dissappoint!

Loved the meal, loved the place! We will be back. Presentation was spot on! Service was amazing. I want to sit at the bar next time just so I can watch the kitchen! This is a must visit place!

Bon Appetit!