On this cold, drizzly night I met my mom at Mimosa in downtown Santa Barbara. Mimosa was located at a different location for many, many years...way off the beaten path in an old, drab atmosphere. I was excited to learn of their new location on State Street, look, and jazzed up menu.
I was welcomed in by two lovely waitress/hostesses and a warm ambiance. The simple yet elegant look works nicely in the space and their location in the middle of downtown must be bringing loads of visitors. The menu is split into appetizers, mains, and small plates. We shared one of their small plates just because it sounded really interesting - Stilton and Lavender Savory Cheesecake, on fresh arugula and lemon vinaigrette. Yep. It was called cheesecake, and had the consistency of a cheesecake, but I still may not classify it as a cheesecake. It was quite good. I enjoyed the strength of the lavender and the subtleness of the Stilton. Heads up as the small plates are, as they are called, small.
My mother enjoyed the stuffed mushrooms for her starter. Stuffed with spinach, onions, and Fontina with a Balsamic reduction. Judging from her ooo-ing and aw-ing, I think she liked them.
As I was still chilled, I enjoyed the onion soup. Very satisfying and deliciously onion-y. The cheese and bread on top just really does it for me. I am a salt LOVER, but about 3/4 of the way through I started to feel the saltiness was too much. However, I finished it anyhow...yum.
Quack. As my main course I chose the duck served in a Port reduction with pears. I found the pears to be my favorite flavor combination with the duck. The veggies on the side were quite buttered, but I seem to have a complex about broccoli on my plate...even if it's the best broccoli, I just have this odd reaction to it and I love broccoli. I think I must have been traumatized by undercooked, tasteless broccoli vegetable sides all too often, or something...Other than that, I really enjoyed it. My mother and I both chose the Bordeaux by the glass to accompany our meal.
The desserts were quite tempting, but just no more room. For next time!
The waitresses were very nice and helpful, but not overbearing. They were well informed and if they didn't know the answer to my odd question, they did not hesitate to go in the back and ask, which I admire very much.
I'll be going back, as I had a hard time choosing what I wanted to eat, as many things intrigued me. Plus I heard about their dessert special for today (which they had run out of) that involved chocolate and bacon...yep...I'm going back...
Mimosa - 714 State Street
