Sage makes the 'wow list' big time
On my personal ratings scale for restaurants, the ultimate accolade is the "wow" designation. Basically, that means I think the restaurant is so enjoyable, you won't be able to wait to get back again and again! Sage in Encinitas has made the "wow list" with flying colors. In fact, I feel this restaurant is one of the best along the entire North County coastal corridor. Located in a small center on Encinitas Boulevard, just east of El Camino Real, Sage's diverse menu entices all kinds of palates, from the contemporary and trendy sophisticates to the more simple tastes. The clientele is equally diverse. They all come for the simple elegance of a casual New York-style, bistro-inspired restaurant with modern lines, hardwood floors, recessed lights and soft beige tones. The owners are Rick Campbell, a seasoned pro with years of food biz under his belt, including gigs at Pacifica Del Mar, George's and Trophy's, and Josh Blackman, who also put in stints at Pacifica Del Mar. The two found a great executive chef in Philip Jordan and have combined to make Sage a big hit. In fact, the restaurant was nominated by the San Diego Restaurant Association for this year's Gold Medallion Award in the "Best New Restaurant" category...and won!

Sage features an all-day menu and offers a seafood bar and cocktail lounge, in addition to the dining room. Take a look at the seafood bar menu. Items from it make great appetizers, as well. Definitely try the delightful strawberry tartar (ahi sashimi, strawberries, avocado and Tobiko caviar), lobster spring rolls, or the incredible crab cakes. The regular menu also has some nice starters such as heirloom tomatoes, goat cheese won tons, salmon stack, brie and papaya quesadilla and fantastic thick-battered buttermilk onion rings. The menu has some fabulous salads like the chopped Asian chicken, a Caesar, or the spinach with goat cheese and bacon salad. There are several sandwiches, including a great blue cheese burger. Among the hot entrees, the big signature classic is the miso black cod, based on the same recipe from New York's Nobu and London's Zuma that has made this dish a worldwide sensation. The cod filet is marinated, and then pan-seared to melt-in-your-mouth precision and served in a balanced miso/sake glaze with skewered vegetables. Other great picks are the double-cut rotisserie pork chop with apple sage chutney and crispy skinny fries; spit-roasted chicken with new potatoes and vegetables; and black-eye steak with blackened seasoning and those sinful onion rings. Other picks such as tomatillo salmon, buttermilk fried catfish and the creative pasta options round out the menu. Pricing is very reasonable, from $9 to $24. The wine list is marvelous and, speaking of libations, try Sage's incredible watermelon martini! Find the "wow" at Sage, 1506 Encinitas Blvd. Call (760) 943-7243.