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There is a star shining brightly in Escondido. Riko Bartolome the chef/proprietor of Asia-Vous is a master chef and it shows in the magnificent cuisine he creates. It is located on Grand Avenue as you enter downtown Escondido. There is plenty of street parking so it is very accessible. Asia Vous is unassuming curbside and the storefront gives no hint that hidden within is one of San Diego County’s premier restaurants. Once inside, the tasteful setting is elegant and relaxing. Soft background music and subdued colors lends itself well to a romantic atmosphere. The attention to detail permeates throughout the restaurant from the décor to the service. We were attended by three different servers. Hector, the lead server knew every item on the menu thoroughly, including every ingredient and how it was prepared. When is the last time you had a server pick up your napkin from your chair, fold it and place it on the table when you went to the powder room? Each presentation whether an appetizer, entrée or dessert is a work of art, exactly what you would expect from an upscale restaurant. The tasty French bread arrived at the table hot, not warm. We tried several appetizers and they were all heavenly. The hand rolled Potato Gnocchi ($17) with Maine lobster was perfect. We also enjoyed the Goat Cheese Tempura ($12) flavored with fennel, mint, honey-balsamic caramel and presented with heirloom tomatoes. I particularly enjoyed the Hawaiian Style Tuna Tartare ($13) served on grilled crostinis. The entrees were all exquisite. The Seared Baja Scallops ($32) and the Chorizo Spiced Pork Tenderloin ($29) were very flavorful. My favorite entrée was the Pomegranate Lacquered Sablefish ($29). The fish was utter perfection in its velvety texture and rich intense taste showcased with tender potato kernels. The presentation was flawless and the ingredients superbly fresh. The preparation of this entrée compares favorably with entrées I have tasted in fabled world class restaurants. An absolute must choice if you like fish.
It is quite evident Riko is a Master Chef and his creation a labor of love. A rapport is immediately established between Riko and his patrons once his cuisine is tasted. You can also sense the excellence of this restaurant will be there on each and every visit. To reach this pinnacle of quality it takes years of training and a creative talent. It is fun to sample unusual creations such as tasty niblets of potato scooped in pieces the size of kernels of corn or the paper thin fried circular potato ring garnish.
For dessert we had the Warm Carrot Bread Pudding ($8) served with black pepper caramel and ginger ice cream. All homemade of course and absolutely delicious. It was superb.
If you don’t frequent four or five star restaurants, please experience Asia Vous on a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, you will be delighted. We can be proud that San Diego has a restaurant of this quality.
Email your comments to steveblair7@yahoo.com
Written by Steve Blair, associated with the restaurant industry for 49 years. “I hang my hat and reputation on this article.”
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