out and about: cloak and petal happy hour '24

There are very few places that get us to leave our la jolla proper bubble for dinner. Cloak and petal just happens to be one of them.

What’s even more fun, is that they have a happy hour that features many of our favorite things, and drinks that are discounted. So you know? What’s not to love.

Other than the drive downtown. Which we are more than willing to brave, and or avoid… because coincidentally happy hour also lends itself perfectly to avoiding traffic by leaving much early and being able to avoid said traffic.

10:45 to denver: eppig brewing ipa
princess peach: bourbon, giffard crème de pêche, honey, & lemon

We started out with happy hour cocktails, discounted for the hour of course. And also availible on the regular menu.

The eppig is a fav… albeit stronger than jamie typically likes, so not a repeat order.

Huge fan of peach, and whiskey. The two make a perfect combo, and this drink was no exception.

bao bun: with chashu pork, hoisen, benishoga, jalapeño, and micro cilantro

Hi, have we met? Yes, it’s me… always ordering the bao buns. Love a pork belly bao. And while the picture doesn’t do them justice; these are great tasting baos. Super fluffy. Just enough flavor, without being too saucy.

face it, you’re basic: panko shrimp, avocado, krab, tempura crunchy flakes, spicy aioli and sweet soy reduction

Here’s the thing about cloak and petal’s rolls… even when they don’t advertise it. They are all about the sauce. Their sauce is their key component.

Even this most basic (hello the name) roll, has two different (but not competing sauces) for your tasting pleasure.

I love everything in this roll… but then i ask myself, what if the sauces were on the side so you could discover which one, or which combo, you liked the best?

japanese mule: iichiko saiten, ginger, lime & angostura
harland hazy: ipa

Second round of drinks didn’t disappoint. Jamie got one of his faves; and I got a different take on one of my fav cocktails.

Love a mule, and while i usually get mine made with tequila, i love the opportunity of trying it with a different alcohol (as long as vodka is off the table). This was an excellent combo… loved the candied ginger garnish, and all in all excellent experience.

Love katsu. The breading was crisp without being overly fried.

Chicken was a little over cooked - but really? Would you want it over cooked or undercooked?

kraken: seared albacore, spicy tuna, avocado, cucumber, jalapeño, garlic ponzu, poblano crema, spiraled seasoned potatoes & micro cilantro

I mean… who doesn’t want a sushi roll that’s loaded up with crispy potatoes. seriously people? This is the play.

It’s like how potato chips are the perfect vehicle for caviar. Champs, potato chips and fish… the perfect trifecta.

And this? Is exactly why we dare to venture downtown.