Green Tomato Restaurant

Fri 04.30.2004

If you love entertainment, out on the town, and city nightlife, you'll love San Diego. She may seem shy next to her big-nipple sister, Los Angeles, but she's wild enough to me.

We don't usually go barhopping or clubbing but dining out is great enjoyment. From 99-cent Chinese food to $25+ a plate, we have tried a few, perhaps never enough, restaurants.

For my birthday, John had talked about all kinds of possibilities. It had to be Friday evening because for the next 2 days we planned to attend Adams Avenue Roots Festival all the way. As much as I'd love to go to Sevilla, Flamingo dance show on Saturday would be my choice over Tango on Friday nights. Dealing with parking at Gas Lamp Quarter was another challenge, which successfully kept us away since day one. I wondered what occasion would take us there for dinner. (We had lunch in Gas Lamp before.)

He also listed a few well-known restaurants in La Jolla for me to choose. Well, it's Friday night already. Were we really going to drive a long way to those "reservation highly recommended" places? To this day, my hubby still had not been acquainted the concept of making reservations.

We then started naming places we had thought about going but never made it. Gee, wasn't that tiring? I thought it was supposed to be his job to pick one. After all, I was the b-day girl. Anyway, we're like old couples, not many surprises.

Green Tomato came in the picture. It's right across street from Kensington Grill. The mossy green walls seemed to convey its modesty and the candlelight by the window beamed its elegance at passersby. I'd love to go but it's probably expensive -- I couldn't tell how many times I've said that to myself since opening. The on-line guide / restaurant review boosted our confidence that it would be a wonderful choice (within our "budget").

I did not realize behind the unassuming concrete layer there's an urban garden of mind. Oil paintings of flowers in soft lights welcomed a young couple. So did solitaire violin melody at the bar.

The hostess led us to a table for 2. I quickly glanced the interior and pleasantly acknowledged the uniformity of interior design. With untrained eyes, like mine, it's gracefully Victorian, perhaps French country.

We were probably the youngest among the patrons. I certainly didn't know Green Tomato was supported by "more matured audiences," pardon my pun. Our waitress wasn't eagle to suggest anything, only answering questions; she was, overall, courteous and performed her duties well.

There's no loud chatter, hustle bustle, or other music. Calm conversations and private laughter expressed the moods.

The violinist left the bar and stopped at each table to greet the guests.

"Hi, my name is John. I just want to say hello." We were delighted by his kind gesture.

"Have you been here before?"

We shook our heads.

"Oh, it's wonderful! You feel like you're in Europe. Everything is so delicious!"

I had never been to Europe. Inside Green Tomato, we were transported to old countries across the Atlantic.

We exchanged a bit of small talk with the violinist, asking how long he had been playing the in restaurant and what dishes had he tried.

Then he went over to the table next to us. The lady sitting there requested a Russian song, which I didn't recognize. It was beautiful.

As we studied the menu and wine list, we found matching (in-house) food or wine suggestions nicely presented. Not many restaurants we had been to accomplish that. What a shame it could be if one ordered a glass of unflattering wine to your dish? I love the thoughtfulness. After all, not everyone is connoisseur.

I ordered Seafood Pasta followed the on-line review and a glass of California Sauvignon Blanc. (Winery & vintage I can't remember but pretty sure it's from Sonoma County.) John had Rib Eye Steak and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. We chatted about wine for a while. The cab he had wasn't the greatest of course. The food was excellent. We imaged what an awesome match it could be, had we had some Bordeaux. You do have to pay an arm and a leg for good wines in restaurants, no doubt about that.

Full as we were, desserts were out of the question. We strolled in Kensington for a few minutes then went home.

I forgot it was my birthday dinner. Inside Green Tomato, it's a different world. The occasion didn't seem important. In such relaxed surroundings, my attention was we -- a wonderful dining experience for 2 -- but not just myself being treated to a special feast.