Cuisine:

• Others
• Californian
• Mediterranean

Amaya Description:
Set in the elegant old-world Mediterranean resort The Grand Del Mar, Amaya may be the casual restaurant at the hotel, but it's still a study in opulence and good taste. Amaya delivers lovely California-meets-the-Mediterranean-style food that's impressive. Chef Camron Woods deftly prepares a wide range of cuisine so diners can nibble on truffle fries and burgers at one table or go big with a memorable three-course tasting menu with wine pairings (many from Spain, Italy and France) from an exciting list prepared by sommelier Jesse Rodriguez, formerly of The French Laundry. Plump, center-cut salmon arrives with silver-dollar potato blinis, caviar and chive-infused crème fraîche; creamy butternut squash soup is elevated with shaved almond biscotti and fig reduction---both dishes a delight with some bubbly Veuve Fourny Blanc de Blancs. Woods' choice to place tender diver scallops on cauliflower purée with golden raisins is a wise one, and his mushroom risotto dotted with black truffles makes for an earthy, aromatic delight. The richness of the grilled filet plays nicely against the ever-so-slightly-bitter sautéed mustard greens and subtle roasted turnips, while braised short ribs mingle convivially with Brussels sprouts and celery root. Mascarpone cheesecake and the Italian dessert-like La Roncaia, Verduzzo are a sweet end to the meal.


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