Blanca
Solana Beach, CA 92075
Phone: (858) 792-0072
Message from Blanca
Bringing Together Family, Friends, Great Food, & Fine Wine
- Chef Wade Hageman
- Lounge Happy Hour
- Private Banquet Room
Paid advertisement by Blanca.
Editorial Review for Blanca – by Erin Chambers
The Scene
Where do the beautiful people dine? Just off South Highway 101 at the new little black dress of North County hot spots. Sleek, modern design belies the beachfront location, which wooed renowned Michael Mina-trained chef Wade Hageman all the way from Vegas. The swift, expert service is the kind San Diego's fine dining scene has always lacked, if only because of its youth. Cheers to growing up.
The Food
Seasonal items like the flash-grilled Hamachi with watermelon ponzu rotate on and off the selection list daily depending the freshest available fish and produce. Prices do reach arm-and-a-leg levels, but seafood is flown in daily, and the chef himself has his hand on every delectable dish, from sake-marinated cod to foie-gras-topped filet. And the strawberry shortcake is only better than the pot-de-creme in the way that a Boardwalk address trumps Park Place in Monopoly. You'd be lucky to enjoy either one.
Hits: If you've got Benjamins to burn or are looking to find someone who does, this is your place.
Misses: If you think fois gras is a faux pas, better be impressed somewhere else.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkBlanca's lounge offers a full bar, stiff martinis and savory truffled popcorn.
When to GoIt's packed every night of the week. Call at least two days ahead to guarantee a reservation.
Know Before You GoChef Hageman worked at Aqua under Michael Mina at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and, before that, at Spago under Wolfgang Puck. Talk about a pedigree.
Save MoneyHappy Hour every Tue through Sun from 5:30pm to 7pm.
User Reviews for Blanca
02/24/2008 Posted by rnakawat
My wife booked this restaurant via opentables. The parking lot is crowded, but there is valet parking available right in front of the restaurant for $3.00. I ordered the Kobe Flat Iron Steak and my wife got the Day Boat Scallops. We shared Truffle Fries and Cauliflower soups Everything was excellent and I would definitely get the fries and soup again.
Pros: Excellent Food
Cons: Parking, Ice Tea was 4.75 per bottle.
12/11/2006 Posted by lunatig
The food was exceptional. Our waiter was very helpful, I had difficulty deciding on a pinot noir and needed suggestions. He made his recommendation and I was very happy w/ the results. It was a very pleasant experience. The atmosphere were jiving,at times it got a little loud but not overpowering that our conversation was drowned out. The decor was beautiful and creative and the dishes followed suit. I had the maine lobster which was very rich and absolutely amazing. My boyfriend had the aged niman rach steak and it was so tender and buttery. Our friend had the scallops and she sang praises of her dish as well. Overall it was great. It is a little more on the expensive side but for a special occasion it was well worth it. And we were glad that we found this place. It is very comparable to the exceptional fine dining we are accostomed to in San Francisco.
Pros: great wine selection, bar is great, food is divine, service is consistent and helpful
Cons: can be noisy, book ahead of time, can be packed
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