Restaurant Review: 3rd Corner Wine Shop and Bistro - Encinitas, California

3^rd Corner Wine Shop and Bistro
897 S. Coast Highway 101 Suite F-104
Encinitas, CA 92024
760.942.2147

2265 Bacon Street
San Diego, CA 92107
619.223-2700
www.the3rdcorner.com

Having long been a fixture in downtown San Diego, the 3^rd Corner Wine Shop and Bistro recently opened a location in north San Diego County, conveniently located on the Coast Highway in Encinitas, and has already gained a loyal following in this trendy artist enclave.

The wine shop/bistro concept is a novel one for those living outside California. Not only do these establishments sell wines, they also provide tasty accompaniments. Diners are encouraged to browse the wine selections before making their dinner selections. There are over 1,000 wines in their inventory, all handpicked by 3^rd Corner staff, ensuring a wide variety for even the fussiest oenophile. For those who aren't into the fruit of the grape, 3^rd Corner includes a full-service bar with an extensive beer list. Comfortable couches in the lounge area invite visitors to linger.

3^rd Corner's Encinitas location in a busy strip mall includes al fresco tables, and the interior of the restaurant is homey and inviting.

The food, outstanding and artfully prepared, is best described as Californian with a continental twist. With so much wine on premises, there is a definite leaning toward cheese and dishes made with cheese. A definite cheese recommendation would be the baked Humboldt Fog goat cheese with wild mushrooms and toasted brioche ($11). Humboldt Fog is made in northern California, and I've long been a fan of it, but I had never thought of having it prepared warm. Baking the Fog tempers its flavor, and the accompanying mushrooms adds an earthy edge.

We also tried the stuffed heirloom tomatoes baked with boursin and goat cheese, finished with a balsamic and basil vinaigrette ($9). This appetizer was large enough to share. The cheese was creamy and warm, and complemented the sweetness of the tomatoes.

There is an impressive array of salad selections, including the old stand-bys like an interesting house salad ($5) and the classic Caesar ($10), which can be dressed up with shrimp, chicken, grilled salmon or duck confit. For the more adventurous, try the smoked duck breast and watercress salad or the smoked salmon salad (both $13). The impressive appetizer menu includes a charcuterie plate ($10), chicken liver pate ($9) and an olive sampler ($5). All are perfect to share, and quite enjoyable with wine.

Dinners are reasonably priced, with all entrees at $19 and under. I chose the pan seared sea scallops with tomatoes, garlic, Nicoise olives, capers, green beans and roasted potatoes in a white wine lemon sauce. The scallops were perfectly cooked, and the sauce added interest to the accompanying vegetables. The one-half baked chicken in Marsala with chorizo rice ($15) is excellent. There are several pasta choices, including a wild mushroom pasta with linguine, garlic, tomatoes, lemon and pesto ($15), and a grilled chicken penne, with bacon, tomatoes, whole roasted garlic and finished with a boursin cream sauce ($15). For the meat eaters, 3^rd Corner also offers a New York Angus strip, topped with a port wine sauce and Fourme D'ambert cheese, served with pomme frites and vegetables.

While the dinners are to die for, if you made it this far, don't forget the dessert! The crème brulee is quite good, and the chocolate marquis is rich and decadent. For those who prefer something lighter, the gelato with fresh berries is also available. All these dessert items are ($7).

3^rd Corner is open for retail Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., and the bistro hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. There is a light brunch menu served on Sundays. 3^rd Corner is closed on Mondays.

For more information, visit their web site at www.the3rdcorner.com.