| rev:text
| - Our experience at Calistro started out a little shaky, when the server first informed us that the fish of the day was sold out (at 8pm on a slow Tuesday night) and then, after we asked how the Alaskan scallop entree was prepared, informed us that the chef couldn't get the scallops from Alaska that day and had instead gotten them from Japan (not a big deal, but still, it seems like they have some issues with supply). However, the rest of the experience was totally delightful.
The hummus starter was great - what really makes the dish is their flatbread, cooked in their wood oven with some oil and garlic. The summer roll starter was equally great, a mix of very strong flavors that almost overpowered the tuna a little too much, but it was so tasty I didn't care.
The salmon entree was everything you can ask from this kind of California cuisine. The fish was incredibly fresh, perfectly cooked, and lightly seasoned, sitting on a bed of vegetables and a delicious lemon sauce. I also had a side of the wood roasted seasonal vegetables, which would compliment any entree nicely.
When it comes to dessert, I often like to pick the most unique dish, one I've never or rarely seen elsewhere, and Calistro's dairy-free rice pudding certainly fit that bill. It was the ideal refreshing dessert to end a nice meal with.
I really like what they have going here, with a "farm-to-table" approach that focuses on the ingredients and bringing out the best in them. It's no Chez Panisse, but it's nice to see some Valley restaurants heading more in that direction. Prices are reasonable (no entrees over $30; sides and desserts around $5-6), service is terrific, and the subtle decor keeps the focus on the food. They're located in a new, half-empty DC Ranch strip center that many people probably don't even know exists. In addition, the space is huge and their rent probably matches. Given those factors, I wouldn't be surprised if they're not around long, but that would be a shame. Hopefully, Valley diners will seek Calistro out to give it a try!
|