My visits here have petered out some, once I started working in the sticks of Goleta and PV stopped serving lunch on weekends, but there have been some occasions in the evenings that I’ve found myself in the area and hankering for a nibble. PV does not disappoint.
Like one night, my friend and I were cold and rather than walk to the car for a jacket, we ran into PV, sat at the bar, and shared a drink and a small plate of smoked salmon, red onions and capers. Better than a jacket! Until we got back outside, but, well, happy tummies.
Or recently we stopped in for the Sunday supper. The weekend had been full of gluttonous dining, but there was KOBE HANGER STEAK on the prix fixe menu. My father was raised on hanger steak and still pines away for it. It’s not commonly available and boy is it good when cooked just right. The price I’ve paid for the raw material isn’t much different to the full price of the whole four course dinner here, so are we going to turn down this opportunity? HELL NO.
1st Course: Two prawns cooked in shellfish broth, served with lobster oil and black tea. I’ve had this before, it has a decadent smokey flavor with a little spice in the oil.
2nd Course: Salad of shaved fennel, mushrooms and parmesan. I’m really enjoying fennel this season, so this was yet another good dish with a delicate licorice crunch.
3rd Course: three options were available, and we selected the Kobe hanger steak, medium rare. And the duck confit, with a dark cherry sauce. Was it good? YES. Was it more than we could eat? YES. Am I still thinking about it? YES.
4th Course: Dessert of vanilla ice cream, espresso and whipped cream, each in its own container. The ice cream had a plump blackberry on it, too. It was a playground of dessert and I could dabble in each, or dump it all together.
Price: $23.50 plus tax and tip.
Really fabulous recession special.
I also love that the staff do not rush the courses. I am dining, not gobbling. I like to talk to my dining companions and I like to ask questions about the food. My service is never slow.
One problem: Y’ALL aren’t eating there. Lately, I’ve noticed an older crowd. With age comes experience - they know a good deal when they see one.
Past musings:
1 July 2009
4 June 2009
21 January 2009
4 November, 2007
Petit Valentien
1114 State St
Santa Barbara, CA 93190