Hidden down the aisle of La Arcada Plaza in downtown Santa Barbara is a quaint French Restaurant called Petit Valentien. It is located next to the Santa Barbara Art Museum. They have a lovely dining room with patio seating in front of the restaurant which is off the main street. Their menu showcases a smaller list of items that they master to perfection and they alter it throughout the year to keep it seasonal. Service there is friendly and efficient.
It was my evening out for light fare due to too many fine dining experiences of late, so each item had to be selected carefully! Beginning with the Lacquered Quail was not a difficult choice. I love quail done correctly and their version of glazing it with a sweet slightly spicy coating sounded delicious. It was served alongside a helping of asparagus spears that were carefully prepped to ensure not a hint of toughness. All of this on top of an aromatic sauce to finish the dish. It was quite delightful!
My guest and I ordered two main entrees to share. The first was a prime cut Flat Iron Steak served on a bed of the creamiest mashed potatoes over slivered haricot verts and a red wine sauce. The cut of the meat was an excellent choice and it was prepared perfectly. The entree was plated well and each item created with care and precision. It was a delicious entree showcasing a basic french meal.
The second entree was their pan seared Duck Breast served over the same creamy mashed potatoes and fresh greens on a blood orange plum sauce. This was probably the best duck breast I have ever had and the sauce was so delicious that I was tempted to lick the plate! I will be dreaming about this entree for a long time and may even venture to try and recreate it in my own kitchen. One thing is for sure; I will be going back there to have it again!!
Not knowing that the entrees were accompanied by a vegetable and a starch, we ordered a side of vegetables. I guess I should have asked, as their menu offers two side items listed as: Vegetables, potato and seasonal. I’m going to take the blame on this one as the accompaniments for their entrees were well thought out and delicious. I was disappointed in the vegetable side option as it was a mix of a sautéed tri-colored peppers and onions. Although they were tasty, I did not feel that they complimented the menu in any way and were a bit too greasy for me. They would have been perfect cooked along side a bratwurst or polish sausage, but in my opinion they did nothing to enhance the menu items at this restaurant.
No room for dessert this time, so I finished off my meal with a cappuccino. I had to take a photo of the adorable cup and saucer that it was served in. A perfect French adornment to a yummy espresso drink.
Yes, Petit Valentien made the mark. A delightful meal in a lovely setting served by a talented wait staff. That’s a recipe for success!
Petit Valentien, Santa Barbara,