AVANT Restaurant at the Rancho Bernardo Inn

Avant-garde is defined as innovative or experimental concepts of work referring to advanced ideas.

AVANT Restaurant at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., San Diego, CA 92128 (858-675-8550). Open Sun.–Thurs. 4 p.m. –10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 4 p.m. –11 p.m. ($21–$32) with a prix fix menu Mon.–Fri. 5 p.m.–6 p.m. Sunday Brunch 10 a.m.– 2 p.m.  Happy Hour Mon.–Fri. 4 p.m.­–6 p.m. with ($2) off signature drinks and beers and wine on-tap and complimentary chef’s signature appetizers during Happy Hour.

The new AVANT Restaurant offers a magical culinary experience not to be missed. Everything about this star-studded dining rooms to the attentive service will delight you. And each entrée is a work of art with just the right garnish. Culinary delights created by a master chef indulge your taste buds. This restaurant is a Napa Valley inspired dining destination featuring farm to the table cuisine, which changes with the season making it one of the county’s most inspiring new restaurant.

This wine country inspired restaurant offers the casualness you’d expect of a country club restaurant yet it has the flair of a classy high end bistro. If you have a passion for food, fresh farm to the table ingredients, this is the place. In fact, they even have a garden just outside the kitchen where they grow some of the vegetables they serve in the restaurant.

In the kitchen is Executive Chef Nicolas Bour, who has “cooked for two presidents” as well as the Crowned Prince of Saudi Arabia. So expect the best! The Chef de Cuisine is James Kozak, who is a culinary school graduate with a passion for excellence. And Margaret Nolan Carvallo is the pastry chef who delights in creating unforgettable desserts.

Elegant and affordable meals are what make diners come here weekly for the freshness of the cuisine and the delightful atmosphere.  Of course, there are great appetizers and half a dozen cheeses. Easy to recommend is the winter squash bisque with pumpkin seeds, apple and sage.  No less memorable is the heirloom beet and citrus salad with pumpernickel, green goddess and hibiscus.

There are ten starter plates in all from which to choose. Salmon lovers won’t be disappointed with Salmon & Crepinette with foraged mushrooms, toasted faro and a maitake-lime broth.  Then there is the Sonoma duck breast served with Brussels sprouts, Confit terrine and sweet and sour pomegranate. Steak lovers will undoubtedly rave about their New York Strip steak with black garlic potato puree, cipollini and roasted carrots. There are ten selections in all. Plus, delicious flatbreads to share are also offered.

For the conclusion of your meal and half dozen memorable selections are offered including a delicious chocolate fondue and their Laura Chenel cheesecake made with locally harveted berries, lemon curd, carrot chips, basil, and brought together with a white balsamic reduction. Plus, they offer a variety of dining arrangements including several private dining rooms. If you have a special gathering in your future, reserve a dining adventure in their demonstration kitchen which seats 12. Here in a kitchen setting you and your friends will have a memorable meal personally prepare by the Chef himself and he will prepare whatever your guests would like.

All the while you and your friends can enjoy the best cuisine and the best service possible in a glass enclosed kitchen. It is that special experience that you and your guests will never forget. And it is perfect for birthday parties and special occasions. It’s just an added touch that makes dining  at AVANT Restaurant even more special. This upscale yet casual new dining destination offers the best of the best with farm fresh ingredients including their own mini garden with one memorable meal after the next. Banquets and catering. Full bar. Credit Cards: AE, MC, VISA.