A Five Star Restaurant in Escondido

I haven't had a better meal than I had recently at Bellamy's in Escondido in a very long time.  From start to finish, it was superb.  The service, menu, food and overall ambience were as good as it gets.  I had heard about this restaurant from several friends, but had been going to two other wonderful continental/French restaurants on Grand Avenue, and thought to myself that there couldn't be another great restaurant.  I was wrong, in fact I would say this is the best of  several wonderful restaurants in Escondido.  Old, young and families all enjoy Bellamy's chic yet casual atmosphere.  The night we were there I noticed several tables celebrating special occasions.  It's a great place to celebrate.  Owner Gianina Picken is a graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu in Las Vegas.  Chef Patrick Ponsaty makes magic in the kitchen.  He brings 30 years of experience and multiple Michelin Stars to his role as Corporate Chef at Bellamy's.

Chef Patrick's menu is best described as an evolution of French cuisine with robust, intense flavors inspired by Europe's Mediterranean coast.  The menu changes daily, but here is a sampling of what we had and what you can find on the menu.  We started our meal by splitting the porcini mushroom ravioli (with ruby port wine sauce and parmesan).  This was one of the best dishes I have ever tasted.  The house made ravioli was as light as a feather, filled with a mushroom mixture and topped with a port wine sauce.  I could eat the whole portion as a main course.  The diver scallops were also delicious.  A pumpkin-orange blossom mouse and baby carrots in lemon sauce completed the meal.  Our other entrée was wild sea bass with cauliflower, capers, and brown butter.  Delicious and so rich.  Other choices on the menu include escargot, lobster bisque, short ribs, California bouillabaisse, and Scottish Salmon with sunchokes, saffron risotto and fennel.

I wouldn't want to eat this rich food every night, but once in a while, if you're going to splurge, go to Bellamy's.  Next door to the restaurant (same building) is a bar with entertainment.  The night we were there we heard a wonderful singer and guitar.  It wasn't so loud that you couldn't enjoy your dinner conversation.  Escondido may be a bit of a drive for many of you for dinner, but believe me, Bellamy's is worth it.