I remember walking past La Jolla Groves when it was being
built and looking into the window and seeing all the beautiful lemon trees. I
told my husband any restaurant that makes you feel like you are eating in a
garden is a place I want to try! When it opened we had a date night in this
restaurant and it did not disappoint.
The atmosphere of this restaurant is very inviting. It really does make you feel like you are dining at a romantic garden outside (the owners were inspired by the island of Capri). From the grove of lemon trees surrounding you to the yellow roses on the table, La Jolla Groves is calming, organic and romantic. And so is its food.
I have been here many times and I think I have almost everything on the menu. I have found my favorites and I am going to share those with you. The food is packed with flavor and each item is what I like to call perfection on a plate. Not only do they focus on making the food taste amazing but they also put effort into the plating design.
The first appetizer we got was the Baked Spinach & Artichokes with Crustade Toasts which is roasted artichokes, blended with fresh spinach, olive oil and roasted garlic, baked with parmesan cheese and bread crumbs and then served with several herb-infused toasted croustades. It was also topped with tomatoes in a balsamic sauce. This appetizer is one of the best things I have ever tasted. It is so creamy and rich and the tomatoes with the balsamic gives each bite a nice tangy kick. The crustade adds a nice contrasting crunch to the smooth spinach and artichoke dip.
The second appetizer we had was the mushroom soup that had slow roasted mushrooms finished with chicken stock and fresh herbs. It was garnished with sauteed mushrooms and basil oil. This soup is the perfect cold weather day soup. It is so creamy and silky. When you eat this soup the flavor seems extremely complex when in fact it is really simple. The oil on the top adds a nice touch. This is definitely a soup for mushroom lovers.
Our main course was the Beef Tenderloin Medallions which is served with three types of roasted baby potatoes, baby asparagus and heirloom carrots and it is finished with a mango & ginger reduction sauce. The meat is so tender and it melts in your mouth. The sweetness of the sauce adds so much flavor to the dish and the meat is always cooked perfectly and the vegetables add a nice crunch to the dish.
I have liked everything I have tried at this restaurant and this is definitely a place I would recommend to a friend. The service here is great and they boast fresh ingredients, great taste and healthier preparations I love this restaurant and I feel like it is rare that you get an amazing atmosphere and food all in one place. There is a La Jolla Groves opening up in Salt Lake so now more people will get to experience this amazing restaurant.
