Lately there has been a lot of buzz in San Diego about good restaurants that serve good food, for less an $20 a plate. Sparked by the recession and people not being able (or being too embarrassed) to go out and drop $300 on dinner, a lot of restaurants have changed up their menus - offering delicious food, just at a lower price point. Banker's Hill Bar and Restaurant is one of these new "lower priced" spots from Carl Schroeder, chef and co-owner of Market in Del Mar. And while other, maybe more "professional" reviewers seemed to be less than thrilled with their experience, I actually really loved this new establishment.
First Up: Deviled Eggs
Whhaaa? You mean the dish that your random aunt always brought to BBQ's and your mom told you not to eat because they ended up sitting in the sun all afternoon?
Yes. But these 'aint your aunt's deviled eggs.
Flavored with BACON and capers and served over an arugula salad with fresh parmesan and a side of shoestring potato fries, these made my mouth so very happy.
I will say that I may be quite biased, as this little plate managed to put 4 out of 5 of my favorite flavors on one plate. It did remind me of my favorite egg salad sandwich from Le Papagayo in Leucadia, and this isn't a bad thing; it wasn't a new flavor - but a good one.
Main Course: Burger and truffle fries and crispy pork tacos
I love hamburgers. I love skinny fries/pom frites. I love truffle fries. So, it was very easy to assume that I was in heaven. Nothing amazing. Nothing out of the ordinary. Just a very well cooked, delicious burger and there isn't anything wrong with that in my book.
The crispy pork tacos were a little different - they actually had cubed pieces of avocado inside the shell and an interesting sauce. They were definitely something you needed to eat in two bites - just like a street taco. I thought they were flavorful and really enjoyed them.
DESSERT
If given a choice between dessert and a bowl of chips or cheese and crackers, I would almost always choose the chips - but this dessert may be one of the exceptions. Simple and amazing. Butterscotch pudding with Butterfinger crumbles. Simple but done really right.
Its one thing to exclaim "Oh YUM" upon first bite of something... it's another thing when you are still exclaiming its loveliness 4 bites into it.
All in all, I really enjoyed my meal at Banker's Hill Bar & Restaurant (although, they really could have used some help in the naming department). If you want to be amazed by unique meals - this isn't really the place to go. If you want a solid dinner with good, satisyfing food, this is the spot.