Restaurant Critic I Am...

  Maria Garcia-Kamon

                                                                                              MK Pure Diamond Events  www.mkpurediamondevents.com

Restaurant Critic I Am...

It is a funny thing about being a meeting and event planner/wedding planner.  Part of our job description is to go on tastings.  Food tastings that.  Restaurants and chefs know that it a meeting and events planners’ best interest for our client to find the right type of food to be served at our client’s event.  For some people it is simplistic flavors, for others it is all about the mixology (mixing of different drinks to become a new flavor) and fusion (mixing of different food flavors or cultural food flavors).  Organic, non organic all of this plays a role when it comes to food.  You have to enjoy food, the character of the food making process and understand what it brings to the event or takes away.

Many of us attend events where we do not know anyone other than the guest of honor.  Focusing on the food gives us conversation starters.  If it is a dish prepared with care and an understanding of flavors, it allows the person people to feel comfortable and can be the subject for conversation.  Once that begins then it is a matter of time before friendships are formed.  Friendship or business acquaintances lead to many possibilities.  In a world where we are always on the texting, Internet, and into our own selves (and I am guilty of this as much as anyone one else) food has always been a bridge to bring people together, creating relationships, business deals, families and all that is good.  If our tummies are full, then our bodies can create.

 View from Vigilucci Restaurant, Carlsbad CA

Often I get asked what my favorite restaurant is. I don’t just have one.  Every once in a while I like to go out to eat all by myself and enjoy the quite time.  One of my favorite restaurants is Vigilucci’s Restaurant.    They have several restaurants in North County, San Diego.  Why this restaurant, one might wonder.  Honestly, because it doesn’t matter which one of their restaurants I visit, from Carlsbad to La Jolla, I am treated with respect. 

The food is always delicious.  Today, I treated myself to a lovely salmon lunch.  The salmon had a pink (Vodka/Pomegranate) sauce I had never tasted before. Wow, what great flavor, although I had plenty to eat and left full, it left me longing for more.  The side dish of spaghetti and vegetables were also amazingly flavorful nothing else needed to be added.  Normally we add salt, pepper or cheese, but I am telling you the chef did an amazing job.  Perfection!  Unfortunately, today I had another appointment so I didn’t get to eat dessert. I did see others enjoying themselves, and when you see others enjoying themselves then you know it must be as amazing as the meal I just ate.  I do have to say, I was so enjoying my time and my meal I requested something they don’t normally do, coffee to go.  The waiter was so respectful he. I didn’t want to be too relaxed for my next appointment.  That is one thing the environment a Vigilucci’s Restaurant did create.  The Carlsbad’s Vigilucci’s Restaurant creates a sense of relaxation while you are ordering, eating and just time to enjoy their lovely environment and your meal.

As I watched others hassle in getting things ready for the Carlsbad Beach fest I was grateful I could enjoy the sunshine, ocean view and the summer breeze from their protected patio area.  Had I been dressed a little more fashionable I would have enjoyed myself just as much in their indoor seating area.  I am very thankful for the clients I have, knowing what it is like to be hungry makes going out to lunch so much more special.