out and about: captains quarters

Run, don’t walk, to the newly opened captain’s quarters in pacific beach. Located adjacent to sister restaurant and speakeasy the grass skirt, it’s a positive addition to the hood.

Branded as a upscale gin-forward cocktail bar, it doesn’t disappoint. While the food selection is minimal, the quality and taste is excellent. And I can see it lending itself perfectly as the first stop in a night of restaurant hopping between the two.

dirty martini: gin, house brine, dry vermouth, olives

First up, I started with the dirty martini, shaken, not stirred… and make it extra dirty. This was quite possibly the best classic dirty martini I’ve ever had. Just sayin’ And now I want one every evening.

goat cheese dip: crudite, evoo, goat cheese, yogurt, nigella seeds

First up we ordered the goat cheese dip. It came with a bunch of fresh seasonal vegetables, which were so crisp, it wouldn’t surprise me to find a garden out back.

We were a little disappointed that the goat cheese dip, didn’t have more goat cheese, and was less of a dip than a spread at the bottom of the plate… we definitely would have devoured more of it.

halloumi fries: mint, yogurt, harissa

Next up were the halloumi fries. Damn girlfriend. Loved the take on mozzarella fries, especially the way the halloumi holds it’s shape, and doesn’t get that congealed feel that mozzarella can take on. I’ll definitely be working an at home version.

white famiglia reale: gin, salers, cocchi americano, bubbles grapefruit

I tried the white famiglia reale and it also didn’t disappoint. I could have had another martini, but I wanted to try some of the other yummy drinks they offered.

smoked salmon poppers: caviar, mascarpone mousse, dill, onion, shallots, garlic

These poppers. Can I just say. The perfect bite. So perfect, we had to place an order for a second plate. You’d think it would be akin to a smoked salmon bite, either on cucumber or bagel, and it was… but it wasn’t. It was much more than that. Perfect little bite. Already trying to figure out when I can go back and get more.

french 75: off menu

Being that we were at a gin bar, of course I needed to order my favorite gin drink, and see how it holds up. Nothing better than a good french 75, and this was a very good french 75.

manchego proscuitto “sandwich”: quince jam, garlic

While the sandwich was great on it’s own, the real star was the quince jam, which definitely elevated it from sandwich status to “sandwich” status. So, so good. And who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese in any iteration.

beef rioja: potato puree, parsley, pickled pearl red onion, onion, garlic, braised tomato & red wine sauce

Last, but definitely not least, was the beef rioja. Talk about falling off the bone. The red wine sauce had just the right touch of sweetness, and no bitter acidity that can happen all too often.

It was like eating a comforting pot roast, if that pot roast had been refined and reconstructed. The perfect end to a perfect evening.

We will definitely be back.