Artisan - Great food in Paso Robles

off the vine — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:23:13 +0000

I stopped for a late lunch in Paso Robles on the way down the central coast. One of my favorite spots here and an otv “top 10” restaurant Artisan offers well thought out and seasonal menu’s in a contemporary setting. started off with a glass of a rhone blend from their well chosen local list. This 2006 anglim “cameo” is a blend of Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier. Crisp and very nicely balanced. I began my meal with a bowl of wait staff recommended seafood chowder, served with house made black pepper crackers. this was a delightful rich and creamy version, with clams, mussels, chunks of white fish, yukon gold potatoes, smoky bacon and butter. The chowder would make a fine meal on it’s own.

For an entree I went with the grilled loch duart salmon which was a good concept dish that did not quite hit the mark. Well prepared salmon was served atop lemon thyme gnocchi, white turnips, leaf spinach, with leek cream and pesto oil. Presentation was excellent (shown) and it almost worked; however, the leek cream and pesto oil seemed heavy and masked the otherwise perfectly grilled salmon filet. The turnips and leaf spinach were good additions adding texture and flavor contrast. Might have tried doing floating a crisp potato / turnip pancake with the leaf spinach and salmon on top. Lighten the sauce a bit and add a touch of lemon. I enjoyed a glass of tolosa 2005 Chardonnay along side. well made with pear and apple, butter and oak.

(0 to 20) otv rating:
food: 16
service: 16
vibe: 15
price: $$

artisan - view map
1401 park street
paso robles, ca
(805) 237-8084