Dinner at Bencotto

Being a true "Foodie" at heart, I always  research the restaurants where I am going to be visiting and plan accordingly.  I have been wanting to make it to several of the big events in Little Italy of San Diego, but again, there is always something else going on.  I know that they host the Greek Festival as well as "Art Walk"  and those are still on my wish list.

Little Italy is home to Indigo Grill, which I frequent occasionally, as well as Cucina Urbana which is my current favorite restaurant.  Please, if you haven't tried them...you must.  The daily ragu at Cucina Urbana is too die for.  

 I decided to try out Bencotto this time, as they were voted as one of the best Italian restaurants in my San Diego Magazine.  I faithfully purchase their June magazine every year and try out all of the new restaurants.  I also checked out the online reviews just to make sure, and most of the reviews were really good.

We liked the atmosphere of the place as soon as we walked in.  We were seated right next to a window and could watch the street scene from our table.

We started with the regional cheese plate with figs and balsamic preserves which was accompanied by bread.  I would say it was pretty good.

We then went on to the Tortino Di Cavolfiore - which was a cauliflower souffle with casera cheese sauce.  I have to say I am a sucker for anything unusual.  I was a little disappointed.  I mean.. I guess I shouldn't have expected much from a cauliflower souffle, but the server had said that it was very popular.

I had a simple salad, that was not very memorable as salads go.  Kevin ordered the  Brasato Di Manzo Con Polenta.  I was so proud of him.  We have traveled together so much over the years, and he knows I love it when he steps out of his box and orders something interesting.  Plus I love polenta, and was looking to taste his.  It's as though I am listening to a food critic as he sits across the table from me, commenting on how it  "lacks substance, and provides nothing memorable".

 I hate to diss on this restaurant after one meal when everyone else seems to like it so much.  Perhaps that is what we get for going to an Italian restaurant and not ordering pasta.  I was just looking to avoid the carbs and trim some fat for summer.

It used to bother my man that I would always snap his photo while dining at some of the finest restaurants in Southern California.  Now he knows that it is just part of the deal.

While this was not our favorite place, we have found some other great finds in Little Italy and are looking forwart to exploring it more.