This was our view last night as we dined at The Grand Del Mar‘s Amaya Restaurant.  The Mediterranean influenced architecture of this place is absolutely stunning.  You feel as though you have been whisked away to an important historical property, yet The Grand Del Mar is only 3 1/2 years old.

The Amaya offers seating both indoors and out, and as it was a beautiful night we eagerly opted for the exterior seating.

Carol w/ waiter Andrew

As has seemingly become customary, we ordered a nice Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, enjoyed some piping hot pretzel bread, and began to study our menu.

For starters, Carol ordered their Catalan-Style Shrimp (Chile and Lime Broth, Grilled Baguette), while I opted for their Braised Short Rib Cannelloni (Beach Mushroom Ragout).

Wow!  Both of these dishes were outstanding.  I also found myself under constant barrage as Carol’s fork kept finding its way into my short ribs.  We settled a truce by sampling out a portion for each on our bread plates.  I also greatly enjoyed one of Carol’s grilled baguettes soaked in the chile and lime broth.  YUM!

Sautéed Halibut

For our entrées, Carol picked Center Cut Rotisserie Pork Chop (Mushroom and Potato Hash, Blue Cheese), while I decided to lighten things up a bit with Sautéed Halibut (White Asparagus, Pickled Mushrooms, Pinot Noir Sauce).

While these dishes were both more than excellent, I’m afraid that our starters completely stole the show.

For desert we shared a dark chocolate flour-less cake, with a dab of house-made ice cream on top, as Carol sipped her French-pressed coffee, and me,  my much loved espresso.

After a very enjoyable dinner, we strolled around the beautifully lite gardens, shot a few photographs, and then retired to our beautiful 1,100 square-foot Veranda Suite.

Oh, I nearly forgot!  As we were strolling around the gardens, there was an earthquake that hit 5.7 on the Richter Scale.  Surprisingly, we didn’t feel a thing, but others were running around asking, “did you feel that?”

What a most wonderful dining experience.  I look forward to sharing more with your about the beautiful Grand Del Mar Resort in the coming days.

Disclosure:  this wonderful dining experience was provided by The Grand Del Mar.