It’s one thing to list the vintages of your wines, it’s another to list them for your cocktails. But that’s what Sly’s (686 Linden Ave., 684-6666) in Carpinteria does, instantly asserting its respect for tradition. The just-opened restaurant is a comfortable-in-design yet upscale-in-food quality (and price) seafood and chophouse, which isn’t a surprise given it’s owned by James and Ann Sly, and James was the original chef at Lucky’s in Montecito. While its official opening night had some of the usual jitters, the kitchen is already achieving wonderful things, like a perfect Kansas City New York bone on steak served with a Cognac sauce that helps the meat’s sweet juices sing. The pan-fried scallops provencale were equally good in a very different register, especially when napped with a tomato confit that was the zenith of summer. Sides—such as a creamed spinach that is emerald rich and just bound, not drowned, in cream—come a la carte but are hard to resist. Incredibly fine dining comes to Carp.
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What a great time we had and we needed it!
Not only was the food great and menu extensive but the whole place was fun. Reminded me of a cross between
a neighborhood English pub and New York steak house. We came in at 7:45 and would have been promptly seated except that it took us 10 minutes to get to our table because we were saying hello to half the people in the place that we knew. What a delight! I had the Dover sole. Wonderful and boned at our table. Alice had the Italian steak which is filet mignon sliced and placed on a bed of arugula. Also delightful. We split a side of creamed spinach and then ordered another one.
We made a reservation to return on our way out and will be back again and again. It's like going to a party at Sly's house or having one and not having to clean up after is over. Just perfect for us.
Michael
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Michaelmarketing (anonymous profile)
September 17, 2008 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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