Gourmet Dining in Carlsbad at Perfect Pairings

Ron came home recently and told me about a new restaurant in Carlsbad that we just had to try.  He had recently met the owner, Alex Morrison, and after talking food with him for a while, decided that his new restaurant in Carlsbad, Perfect Pairings, was something we would love.  We did.

We went to Perfect Pairings, in the shopping center at Carlsbad Village Drive and Coast Highway on a Thursday night.  They have only been open for three months, but the restaurant was about half full at 6:30pm.  Alex was there to greet us.  He is a charming host, who knows his food and beverage.  Each dish was described in detail, and the wine and beer pairings that had been chosen to accompany each dish, were also described.  They have several dining options.  Pick a 4 course meal with wine or beer pairing with each meal for $45, or order a la carte, and add wine or beer if you want.  We wanted to sample several different menu items, so we ordered a la carte.  Ron doesn't drink, so I just ordered one glass of Cotes de Rhone for myself.  Here's what we ate.

We started with a spinach salad for Ron, with a delicious gorgonzola dressing.  I ordered the deconstructed potato salad, sliced potatoes, egg, thick pieces of bacon, and pickled onions.  The dressing was mayonnaise based, and very good.  Next, Ron ordered the white fish on a bed of smashed peas, which was on a thin slice of potato.  It was beautiful as well as delicious.  I enjoyed glazed short ribs (cooked 9 hours), on a cauliflower/potato smash and broccolini.  What a wonderful meal.  We decided to pass on dessert.  We'll try that another time.

One of the great things about Perfect Pairings is that the menu changes every few weeks.  So, if you like to eat out a lot like I do, you will be getting a very different meal every time you go to Perfect Pairings.  Another thing I like about the restaurant is that they buy everything locally, from organic eggs, to fresh vegetables, to locally farm raised meat.

This is not your run of the mill restaurant for Carlsbad.  It is gourmet all the way.  It is a dining experience, and although you may pay a bit more for a meal like this, the attention to detail in the preparation and the personal attention you get from Alex, the owner and host, is well worth it.  Try it next time you are looking for a dining experience, not just a meal.  You will be happy you did, as we were.  I can't wait to take some of my foodie friends to Perfect Pairings.  There is really nothing quite like it in North County.  Good luck, Alex.  I hope your restaurant is a big success.