Splashes at The Surf & Sand ~ Delicious & Dazzling California Cuisine

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My husband, Kevin, and I had the most wonderful date night out at Splashes in the Surf & Sand Resort. To our surprise it was the opening night of Chef Butler’s Spring menu. Splashes changes their menu 3 times a year to keep in fresh and in tune with the seasons.

To start our meal we had the White & Green Asparagus with Duck Prosciutto, with orange segments and Foie Gras Dressing. What a dance this was across my taste buds. The sprinkling of springtime flower peddles made this dish very festive. So many wonderfully delicate flavors all in harmony with each other, made this dish one of my favorites of the evening.

When we saw the Ahi Trio Tasting on the menu….we just couldn’t say, “No”. Kevin and I always try the Ahi where ever we go. This starter didn’t disappoint! I loved the long rectangle plate that looked like our Ahi was riding a wave. The Seared Peppered Ahi on cucumber slices and Yuzu Sauce were fantastic and so very fresh. Next on the wave was the Ahi Stack topped with Avocado Mousse and crisp wonton strips. It’s light and with an amazing flavor. On the tail of the wave plate, sat an Ahi Spring Roll. This was a unique combination of crunchy outside and smooth ahi on the inside. This breathtaking appetizer is great for one person or to share with the whole table.

Our lovely server suggested trying the Bibb Lettuce Salad with White Balsamic Espresso Reduction. I love a good salad and this salad was GREAT. Both of us agreed, this salad will call us back to Splashes before the month is out. This salad is truly amazing.

While waiting for our main course, Chef Butler tempted us with a sample of the Parmesan Crusted Wild King Salmon, with Maine Lobster Angel Hair Pasta with a light Tahitian Vanilla Sauce. This is a fantastic fish dish with awesome flavors. The parmesan crust really made the dish.

Our entrées were incredible. I had the Seared Viking Village Scallops. The Butternut squash risotto and crispy sage were the reason this dish caught my eye on the menu. Large sweet scallops and petite vegetables over the risotto were a perfect combination of California classic cuisine.

Kevin went with our servers recommendation, Roasted Imperial Valley Jidori Chicken Breast with Black Garlic mashed potato spring rolls and green beans and Mandarin Orange sauce. Wow! The black garlic mashed potatoes have the most unique flavor. Capturing all three flavors in on bite made for a most excellent chicken entrée.

While we sat in this charming mellow eatery, listening to the waves crash on the beach below us, we felt peaceful and tranquil. I could have stopped there and it would have been the perfect evening. But, I could smell the most ideal cup of coffee. Just 2 tables away, a lucky couple was sipping some coffee with their desserts. So I needed to order a dessert and coffee to. Hands down- the most rewarding cup of Decaffeinated coffee in my life.

The Ricotta Cheesecake was out of this world! Light and fluffy, while it floated on a sea of Raspberry.

The Chocolate Flourless Cake with Limoncellowas sinful. The moistest cake I have ever tasted. Limoncello sorbet went so perfectly with this rich dessert. All topped with a stellar chocolate star.

My next visit to Splashes, I will bring the girlfriends for a sunset wine tasting and appetizer night.

The charm of this restaurant is its atmosphere, its amazingly talented and well trained staff and its master chef, Lewis Butler, all working together to make your evening a memorable and delicious one.