FuSiON COCkTAiLS

Since its opening, the mission statement for Opal Restaurant owners Richard Yates and Tina Takaya has been to offer their customers an eclectic collection of dishes inspired with creative influences from around the world…a fusion of flavors, if you will. This passion also extends to Opal’s cocktail menu, a rich list of distilled concoctions that rivals any bar in any city. “We love to experiment with new ingredients,” says Yates. “We use fresh herbs and spices in every drink we make. Fresh fruits and vegetables, too.”

Several house favorites include the Some Like it Hot Margarita, featuring Sauza Hornitos Reposado tequila, mixed with fresh lime juice and a house-made fresh blackberry-jalapeno simple syrup. And The George Clooney (or the Klooney), which features Kettle One Vodka and cranberry juice, mixed with fresh cucumber, lemon and ginger muddled with a dash of brown sugar. Even throwback drinks like Gimlets offer a twist, the signature Gimlet uses Comb 9 Gin, St. Germain Liqueur, fresh lime, muddled with fresh cucumber and dill. Comb 9 Gin is made from actual honey and a fragrant blend of nine botanicals. Truly amazing!

Opal bartenders have been well schooled on the proper chill and balance of a proper cocktail, whether you order something new and exotic like the Hanger One Mandarin Orange Ginger Cosmo, or a straight up vodka martini…shaken, not stirred, of course. —RB

Opal is open daily for lunch, dinner and cocktails. Private parties are welcome. 1325 State St, 805-966-9676

So Petit… So Elegant!

Petit Valentien isn’t so “petit” if one thinks three-dimensionally, with its towering dining room, or in terms of taste, as owner/chef Robert Dixon packs colossal flavor into his French food. The only things that are relatively small are the prices, especially at lunch.

The charming eatery is nestled in La Arcada along a cobbled walkway, but feels transplanted directly from France. The two-story, yet cozy dining room has golden hued walls offset by the dark wood bar that flanks one side. The outside seating is in the walkway, next to Bud Bottom’s iconic “Whale Tail” sculpture.

The menu changes daily, including very affordable lunch specials such as version of Croque Monsieur made with prosciutto and compté cheese, which came with a refreshing gazpacho or leafy green salad. Other specials include made-to-order risotto with shrimp (also available vegetarian) and grilled chicken Caesar salad.

The menu’s Small Plates are another delicious lunch option –they all cost the same price and can be shared – including crisp frog legs; crab cakes with roasted garlic sauce; roast quail with figs, olives and grapes; crostini of seasonal mushrooms; beet salad with goat cheese; oh-so-French escargot; and a selection of cheeses.

Petit Valentien lives up to its name as an intimate, romantic restaurant, but offers big rewards, both for the stomach and the budget.

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By Julia McHugh

Located in La Arcada (enter from E. Figueroa) 805-966-0222. Lunch Monday – Friday 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner nightly from 5 p.m.; Sunday from 4:30 p.m.