While it has already been one month since my trip to Southen California (how?!), I can still taste the lavender and crisp ginger beer in the skinny jenny specialty cocktail at La Jolla's finest. The trendy establishment, owned by Chef Brian Malarkey of Austin's Searsucker (a new-ish 5th street downtown fave), hosted the finale to our girls weekend before embarking to Cabo, Mexico. Seven of us splurged on the menu, hoping to take full advantage of the restaurant's atmosphere
We began with a plethora of appetizers: a crab cake, aracini fried risotto balls, and a wild mushroom, sage, pesto pizza (above, holding the mushrooms on half to include our anti-fungus friends). I wasn't crazy about the crab (nothing beats Clark's) or risotto (the thick fried coating was unappealing), but the pizza was awesome - buttery roasted garlic cloves and porcinis galore.
My king crab pasta was heavenly, although the portion was outrageous and the price was even more so. I wish I had split with Ashley, who felt equally stuffed after two twirls of pappardelle. I also couldn't help but notice the uneven distribution of crabmeat; I had only a few pieces of this "king crab" on my $30 entree. Disappointing, but taking bites of Ashley's somewhat made up for it.
Most of the other ladies ordered the special: onagi (a white fish, similar to seabass) with sugar snap peas and crispy fingerlings. Isn't the presentation gorgeous with floral garnish? We were confused to receive only peas rather than physical sugar snaps, but the dish overall proved nice and mild. I could've added some sea salt and a kick of some sort if the onagi had been my order.
I wish that Herringbone's prices had compared to the quality of flavor, which I found too passive from dish to dish. However, I would go back for the bar scene or a few flatbreads with friends! The place is happenin', and I am glad I got to be a part of the vibe while in La Jolla. Until next time, California.