On Thursday night...
I got together with a couple of friends at Chaya Downtown for dinner. They were doing the end-of-summer big beer garden event in the outdoor patio. There were live bands and taiko drummer. Looked so much fun.
But, we sat inside for regular dinner menu. We thought it was too loud to do the beer garden thing outside. Appetizers...beet and peach salad, seafood tartare roll, crunchy yellowtail crudo. All were very nice.
My main course was Miso-marinated Seabass with rice galette, eggplant, bok choy, etc. It was wonderful. One of my friends had Grilled Rib-eye steak and it was huge. He loved it.
Chocolate cake and chocolate cookies (both served hot).
It was such a lovely dinner.
On Sunday night, Jason and I came back for their Sunday prix-fixe. 1st course was Consomme Jelly with Florida Rock Shrimp and Fennel. 2nd Course Grilled Romaine Mimosa Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing was so unique and nice. It was like atypical cobb salad.
Roasted Leg of Lamb with Chimichurri, Korma Curry, and Basmati Rice. Lamb was cooked perfectly tender. Dessert was Creme Brulee with Ginger Ice Cream and Market Berries. Nice finish.
This 4-course Prix-Fixe was a steal deal of only $25! On top of that, on Sundays, bottle wines are all half price at Chaya Downtown! We had 2008 Soter Vineyards, North Valley Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, OR). It was a big Pinot with notes of ripe black berries, spice, smoke, and earthiness. Yet, the palate was smooth and the oak was never overpowering. Wonderful complement with the lamb.
It was a nice relaxing night in Downtown.
