My husband and I have always been adament about enjoying date night regularly. It’s good for our relationship. Our marriage. And it’s always a fun event. Whether we’re enjoying a bite before the theater, grabbing something quick before a movie, or are invited out to a private tasting at a local restaurant like we were this past week at Vessel Restaurant at the Kona Kai resort. Something about being able to reconnect with out the kids in tow is good for us. And we enjoy the time we spend together.
We’ve visited Vessel before and love the food that Chef Roy Hendrickson prepares. He likes to create New American cuisine featuring seasonal dishes prepared with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients and always seems to hit the nail on the head with his flavor combinations.
Vessel features a stunning outdoor patio set against the colorful backdrop of the picturesque marina, a 360-degree bar at its center and a video wall showcasing local landscapes.
Dinner with a view. Only the best here in San Diego.
Before enjoying our meal, we perused the cocktail menu. I decided to indulge in a blood & sand. It was refreshingly smooth with a citrus twist and definitely hit the right spot after a long day od working and taking care of the kids.
After cocktails we sat down to taste the dishes Chef had prepared. Starting with an amazingly decadent 48 Hour Pork Belly that literally melted in my mouth. And theMaui Coconut Porter he paired it with was equally enjoyable. The 48 hour pork belly was served with plantain powder, sweet potato spaetzle, anise, bitter chocolate.
Next up we enjoyed a simple roasted pear with borage flower, blue cheese, fine herb medley, caramelized black pepper vinaigrette paired with an Alesmith .394 Pale Ale. I could definitely taste summer through this sweet and savory dish.
Before we had to leave the tasting a little short (parenthood doesn’t always get put on hold during date night), we were able to savour a delicate corn dusted albacore with Serrano custard, bacon powder, and onion jam paired with a Refuge Blood Orange Belgian. Yes, you read that right. Bacon. Powder. Seriously amazing.
While we weren’t able to enjoy the last two dishes and the dessert course, we will still be back to try them out at another time. Date night at Vessel Restaurant was perfect. With fabulous dishes, the perfect ambiance, and tasty beer pairings, summer at Vessel is going to amazing.
