Rare Society in Solana Beach

 

Solana Beach has two personalities:  There is the laid-back beach vibe of Hwy. 101; Just a block inland, S. Cedros is packed with fancy interior design stores and boutiques.  Rare Society fits right in with this sophisticated street.  It is primarily a steak house, but my friend got a fantastic piece of snapper.  We started with cocktails.  I had a mezcal-based drink that was delicious with a wonderful grapefruit aroma.  For an appetizer, we shared the grilled artichokes.  I didn’t take a picture, because we started eating it immediately.  This is a less common preparation for artichokes and the slight char enhanced the flavor.

There is a range of cuts of meat and then there is a choice of sauces.  I had an eight ounce filet mignon with a classic bearnaise sauce.  It was excellent - very tender and well seasoned.  We split a side dish of asparagus which came with a hard-boiled egg dressing.  It was an ample portion and plenty for two.

This is an expensive restaurant, but the portions are generous.  My friend took home his fish and the rest of the asparagus for lunch.  The fish was $27.  The steaks were all $40+.  The restaurant also offers meat platters with a wide range of cuts.  A couple next to us were sharing one and said it was excellent.  Their platter, called The Associate, was $120 and it looked like a lot of food!

The interior is stylish.  This is a great special occasion place!  There are also sister restaurants in University Heights and up in Santa Barbara.

    Some nearby South Cedros Street art.