Enclave Café | Based in San Diego
By Lisa Shames
May 11, 2022
Paying homage to New England’s iconic oyster houses, The Salt Line naturally offers a selection of bivalves, as well as other fresh-from-the-sea items. To highlight their pristine flavors, Matt Singer, Executive Chef, opts for a less-is-more approach, and that’s especially true for the restaurant’s selection of crudos and ceviches.
For his best-selling Kanpachi Crudo, Singer starts with ocean-farmed fish from the Pacific. “Kanpachi is a delicious, versatile and sustainable fish; it makes a great choice for this application, especially as seafood prices continue to rise,” says Singer. Pickled carrots and fresh radishes dressed with lime juice and topped with crunchy fried ginger provide a perfectly balanced bite when paired with the creaminess of the fish.
“The Kanpachi Crudo is a nice vehicle for the flavor combinations in the dish. The carrots, ginger and cumin go really well together. There are so many different textures and flavor profiles on the plate: crunchy, sweet, pickled, bright, fresh citrus and a purée,” he says. “The key is taking simple ingredients and presenting them in a unique, flavorful fashion that makes it exciting.”
It’s Good to Be King: Pho ‘King’ Delicious Dip Sandwich Enclave Café | Based in San Diego
Colorful Classic: Roasted Cauliflower Soup Ellie’s Restaurant & Lounge | Dallas
Ellie’s Restaurant & Lounge | Dallas
Farm To Glass: Un Dia Cocktail Duende | Oakland, Calif.
Duende | Oakland, Calif.
Leveling Up: Mercado Margarita dLeña | Washington, D.C.
dLeña | Washington, D.C.
Umami Boost: Fingerling Potatoes Indo | St. Louis, Mo.
Indo | St. Louis, Mo.
Layering for the Season: Chilled Summer Idaho Potato Lasagna Idaho Potato Commission + Oakleys Bistro
Idaho Potato Commission + Oakleys Bistro
Dutch Crunch Delight: Smoked Pastrami Sandwich Hot Johnnie’s | San Francisco
Hot Johnnie’s | San Francisco
Bar None: Hildee Bar Hildee’s Dine-Inn | Wimberley, Texas
Hildee’s Dine-Inn | Wimberley, Texas