A Tsunami of Flavor | Paradise Point Reinvents Itself as a Dining Destination With Tidal

May 16, 2014

Paradise Point Resort & Spa sits on a 44-acre private bayside island, on a beautiful stretch of land, boasting serene views of Mission Bay, an outdoor aquarium pool filled with fun fish, and delicious dining options. The resort's premier restaurant recently received a total revamping to transform the former concept, Baleen, into what is now Tidal, with the kitchen led by two San Diego culinary powerhouses - Executive Chef Amy DiBiase and Sous Chef Kyle Bergman. We recently visited the new Tidal for a five course tasting menu with 15 sample-sized dishes and we were blown away by the deliciousness we devoured in such a gorgeous setting.

Tidal features a laidback design reminiscent of the mid-century private beach house it once was. The restaurant includes an exposition kitchen, a checkerboard deck with fireside dining and panoramic views, cool fixtures and furnishings, including a special riveted aviator chair table (ask for table #6), capiz shell globes, and wooden slab tabletops for communal dining. Keeping with the resort's eco-conscious ambitions, the exterior facade and bar are lined with repurposed wood from the original deck of Paradise Point's observation tower.

We began with a pair of local brews from Tidal's eclectic selection - Societe Debutante and a most delicious Figueroa Mountain Imperial Double IPA from Santa Ynez. As we sipped our frosty brews, we noticed a group of kitchen staff tossing salmon chunks in the neighboring outdoor aquarium pool, so we ventured outside and watched as seabass, leopard sharks, and even an eel and lobster dined on the chunks of fish. It was entertaining to say the least.

Since we received soo many samplings during one meal, we're going to change up our usual approach to a restaurant profile and provide photos of each offering within its respective course, all with descriptions. Each dish was thoughtfully constructed, mindfully plated, innovative, and exquisitely delicious. Enjoy!

1st Course - Shared Plates

Our first course came paired with a tasty and refreshing craft cocktail called the Tokyo 75 - a concoction of sparkling riesling, Damrak gin, yuzu, ginger reduction, garnished with a shiso leaf and orange zest.

The Suckling Pig "Pate" - mission fig mostarda, crispy polenta, arugula and cornichon.

Chicken Liver Mousse - strawberry and black pepper jam, aged balsamic, crostini.

Con Pane - olive oil, forno beet hummus, blood orange-fennel butter.

2nd Course - Appetizers and Plates

Ricotta Gnudi - a definite favorite featuring roasted eggplant, zucchini, tomato, braised lamb, black olive, and a ricotta stuffed gnocchi pasta

Venus Clams - a take on New England clam chowder, but more refined and just bursting with flavor - salsify puree, purple potato and bacon.

Smoked Salmon Belly - baby turnip, horseradish cream, grapefruit, roe and watercress.

3rd Course - Seafood

Paired with a Noble Ale Works Pistol Whip'd Pils and a Chateau Des Jacques Cru Beaujolais

Olive Oil Poached Halibut - brandade cake, asparagus roasted and pureed and pommery mustard.

Salmon Wellington - morel mushroom, sugar snap peas and tarragon.

Diver Scallop - English pea and mint puree, crispy prosciutto and parmesan froth.

4th Course - Meat

Paired with Port Board Meeting Brown and Coppo Barbera D'Asti

Smoked Pork Cheek - fava beans, pearl onion, dandelion greens and apricot lavender glaze.

Certified Angus Rib Eye - charred leek and salsa verde.

Half Chicken Confit - cauliflower, heirloom carrots and madeira reduction.

5th Course - Dessert

Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake - pistachio brown butter and creme fraiche.

Strawberry Rhubarb Tart - vanilla gelato by Gelato Vero in Mission Hills.

Chocolate Stout Whoopie Pie - Nutella marshmallow filling and hazelnut.

Our meal was absolutely sublime, and it's always pleasing to see a restaurant that embraces the times. Tidal is mindful of the rise of dietary restrictions and preferences, so the menu is deliberately 95% gluten-free, with only 4 gluten-containing dishes, and modifications can be made to most dishes to meet vegan and other specialty diets.

Be sure to stop by Tidal and sample their inviting menu, and for those looking for special group dining, Tidal has private dining room in "The Gallery," which is adjacent to the bayside patio.

TIDAL
1404 Vacation Road, Paradise Point
(858) 490-6363
tidalsd.com

Hours:
Daily 3-10pm
Drinks and shared plates 3-5pm
Dinner 5-10pm
Parking is complimentary