Dinner at BlueFire Grill, La Costa Resort
Posted on Aug 09, 2012 under Archives | No Comment
BlueFire Grill
A few weeks ago I ventured to Carlsbad to enjoy a few nights of relaxation at La Costa resort. This 600-acre Spanish Mission-style oasis houses a water park, spa, restaurants, condo villas, 17 tennis courts, eight swimming pools, 610 guestrooms and two PGA Championship golf courses. They also recently added “Edge,” a nice adults only infinity pool complete with cabanas and a large jacuzzi. On my first night I had a lovely chef’s tasting dinner at BlueFire Grill. BlueFire is the centerpiece of the resort’s open air plaza, a large promenade that runs from the lobby, past several shops and fountains, past the Chopra Center, and down to the resort’s multimillion dollar spa facility.
The restaurant seats 324, with tables on the patio and in two dining areas inside next to the lounge. The main dining room is romantic and intimate with dark wood floors, cozy leather booths and a large fireplace, while next door the adjacent exhibition kitchen is perfect for foodies who want a watch the chefs in action. Outside, diners can enjoy live entertainment and warming fire pits. Here is what Chef Greg Frey Jr. prepared for me at BlueFire.
Baja Ceviche
I started out with the Baja Ceviche, local halibut, bay scallops, crab mixed with Persian cucumber and avocado with a splash of lemon. Very refreshing.
Skuna Bay Salmon Salad
Next came the Skuna Bay Salmon Salad, with hickory smoked Salmon (smoked in house!), artichoke, arugula, radish and a meyer lemon aioli. Chef Frey brought out the fresh salmon used for this salad. One of the best appetizers I have tasted.
Chef Fry with fish
Next came a lovely mahi mahi with grilled tomatoes and a corn succotash.
mahi mahi
Next was my fave of the night. Chef Frey and I share a mutual obsession with spaghetti carbonara, so he included his version. It was everything that carbonara should be and a definite must if you are eating at BlueFire.
carbonara
Chef Frey’s version is made with mesquite smoked chicken, pancetta, spaghetti and parmigiano reggiano.
short ribs
The last main course was also a stunner – Durham Ranch coffee braised short ribs with marinated carrots and mushrooms served over arborio risotto. I loved this dish.
chocolate salted caramel
For dessert I sampled the chocolate salted caramel, a lovely molten cake with creme fraiche, salted caramel sauce and a hazelnut florentine.
chocolate salted caramel
It’s worth it to venture to La Costa just to dine at BlueFire Grill, but while your there you can also enjoy the many pools, peaceful surroundings, a trip to the famous spa and a meditation session at the Chopra center. Located at 2100 Costa Del Mar, reservations for BlueFire Grill at 760/929-6306.