Nestled within an office building in the Torrey Pines area of San Diego sits Farmer & The Seahorse, a restaurant which provides sanctuary to those looking for something a little out of the ordinary. I am lunching with a friend I haven’t seen in quite some time, and enjoy the surroundings that encompass us on this beautiful, sunny day.
We begin with Pear & Fennel Salad ($15), a decadent concoction of rich duck confit, coupled with the sweetness of pears, candied pecans and pomegranate. The escarole adds a hint of bitterness, while the lemon vinaigrette provides an element of fresh tartness which brightens up the dish.
If you’re looking for a sandwich, look no further than The Farmer Turkey Sandwich ($14.77), a solid offering of artisan farmer bread stuffed with a smear of Aleppo pepper aioli, turkey, lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, avocado, bacon, and tomato. Why do so few restaurants use alfalfa sprouts in their sandwiches these days? I remember when I lived in Oregon decades ago, pretty much every sandwich involves alfalfa sprouts as a complement.
I’ve been noticing stellar chicken dishes on restaurant menus these days, and the Pan Roasted Chicken ($15) is a perfect example of this. The chicken is perfectly executed, beautifully moist, and most importantly, well-seasoned. The accoutrements of baby carrots, braised green onion, turnips, fingerling potatoes, celery root puree, and scallions, are joined by a savory herb pan jus, which I want more of! This is definitely a dish I would order again.
One of the most surprising dishes is Risotto ($16), our server’s recommendation. The risotto, while on the heavier side, is so worth it. Various green hues dot the creamy risotto including peas, green onion, and asparagus. The crispy prosciutto adds a salty and crispy component which add even more body to this dish. If you’re a fan of risotto, this is not to be missed.
We complete our meal with Bittersweet Chocolate and Smoked Sea Salt Caramel Cheesecake ($8), an aesthetically beautiful plate accompanied by chocolate hazelnut filled rolled wafers, raspberry coulis and garnish with seasonal fruit and edible flowers. The chocolate on its own is a tad too sweet for me, but by eating the two together, the salty element of the caramel balances out the sweetness level.
The atmosphere at Farmer and the Seahorse is so comforting you might never want to leave. The restaurant gets busy during prime lunch hours, so if you are a lingerer, hit them up a little later to avoid the crowds.
Farmer & The Seahorse
10996 Torreyana Rd
San Diego, CA 92121
Tel: 858-260-5400
Leave a Reply