Atoll at Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

San Diego Restaurant Week Fall 2011

And thus begins my adventure into restaurant week... Since I had some time off from work, I decided to try out several lunches, especially since lunch menus were just added!

Restaurant 1: $15 Lunch at Atoll (Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa)

Salad of Shaved Fennel, Radish, Cucumber and Orange

I thought the salad was very simple and plain.  I did ask for the dressing on the side and it ran a bit oily except where the basalmic and garlic bits touched the greens.  Where everything was properly mixed, the salad passed as mediocre.  I was originally hoping to order the Pappardelle Pasta with Smoked Salmon instead but the SDRW website had it listed incorrectly under first course instead of second course.  That was just wishful thinking for my part...

Roast Pork Tenderloin Soft Polenta and Peperonata

The main course was nice.  I really liked the polenta.  It reminded me of mashed potato consistancy with specks of cornmeal.  I loved mixing it with the meat juices surrounding it!  The meat itself was tender with a nice roasted edge but a slightly stronger seasoning couldn't hurt.  The peperonata was just the way I liked and it was a nice accent to the meat.

If I ever visited this restaurant again, I would most likely skip the appetizers and go straight for the main course!  Maybe next time I could try that Pappardelle Pasta with Smoked Salmon!