LaJollaLight.com | Innovation is a habit at Nine-Ten

Innovation is a habit at Nine-Ten

Apr 11, 2008
By - La Jolla Light

Nine-Ten opened its doors at the Grande Colonial Hotel in 2000 - when the grand old dame was renovated, remodeled and returned to its original glory. But it wasn't until Jamaican-born executive chef Jason Knibb brought his culinary wizardry to the restaurant a few years later that the cuisine really began to soar.

Knibb has brought an eclectic cuisine that features fresh vegetables and organic greens, top-quality ingredients and an innovative style of cooking capable of transforming even ordinary dishes into extraordinary creations.

Take the baby beet salad ($12) for example. This fantastic salad mixes tender baby beets with roasted baby carrots, toasted walnuts, candied baby fennel and arugula. A champagne vinaigrette puts the finishing touches on a salad you'll want to enjoy every time you visit Nine-Ten.

In fact, there are several exceptional starters on the dinner menu, including a delightful house-smoked salmon ($16) with cream cheese, bagel croutons, black radish, fennel and vadouvan. Here again, the chef puts his own special touch on a classic, and most diners think it's the best smoked salmon preparation on the planet.

Listed under the heading of "Second Course," are a number of outstanding appetizers that could serve as a light meal. And how does goat cheese and chive tortellini with asparagus tips, carrots, peas, green garlic and parmesan ($14) sound? That's another great choice you'll want to enjoy time after time. The chef features Jamaican jerk pork with baby carrots, Swiss chard, plantains, black eyed peas and sweet potato puree ($15) for an exotic second course, not to mention a terrific lobster risotto ($16).

Entrees or "Third Course" selections include slow roasted lamb loin ($35), pan roasted Peking duck breast ($30), Niman Ranch Tomahawk ribeye for two ($90), roasted rabbit roulade ($28) and at least two seafood items. But the chef's port wine braised short rib ($29) is such a standout, you may not want to look any further. The dish is prepared with wild mushrooms, baby vegetables and white truffle emulsion, and topped with a feather-light potato foam. This is a far cry from the short ribs your mother served!

Another popular main dish is the prime flat iron steak and onions in a red wine sauce ($29), and the soy marinated tofu with Chino Farms baby vegetables ($21) is an excellent choice for vegetarians, or anyone for that matter.

Lunch and breakfast are always served at Nine-Ten, and the selection is just as exciting. You can start off your day with short rib hash ($16) or smoked salmon Benedict ($14). Lunch dishes include the chef's special three-course menu ($24), which is the best buy around. Also available are interesting sandwiches, such as Serrano ham and brie ($11), entrees the likes of Maine scallops with carrot ginger risotto ($17), and other delicacies.

The selection of desserts would coax anyone off a diet. Among them are banana croquettes ($9), apple butter crepes ($9) and half baked chocolate cake ($10). (You can gild the lily and have the chocolate cake a la mode for $12).

The decor at Nine-Ten is contemporary, with colorful Venetian glass sculptures and modern artwork. The tables are comfortable, and the back walls are lined with high-back upholstered booths which can be curtained off for privacy.

Service is an important part of the dining experience, and Nine-Ten has a well-trained staff to make your meal a memorable experience. The wine list is impressive, and many of the fine wines are available by the glass.

With valet parking available right outside the door, Nine-Ten is a convenient spot to dine, even when summer crowds descend on the Cove.
Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar is at 910 Prospect St. Call them at (858) 964-5400.

blog comments powered by Disqus

Although the La Jolla Light does not have any obligation to monitor this board, the La Jolla Light reserves the right at all times to check this board and to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to the La Jolla Light in our sole discretion and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. The La Jolla Light also reserves the right to permanently block any user who violates these terms and conditions. All threats to systems or site infrastructure shall be assumed genuine in nature and will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. Submission of any comments will be considered permission to use online or in print.

© Copyright 2008 MainStreet Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the express written consent of MainStreet Media, LLC. is expressly prohibited.