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Fig Restaurant Tantilizes Taste Buds

By Pete Allman

The Fairmont Miramar Hotel has celebrated the tradition of the famous Moreton Bay Fig Tree since 1921. Located inside the gate of The Fairmont Miramar, the tree's lofty, 80-foot height and breathtaking 120-foot network of branches make it the second largest tree of its kind in California. It is also the inspiration for The Fig Restaurant.

Just a few months old, The Fig Tree Restaurant is a joy and splendor. On one recent Easter Sunday, I invited business broker Alex Ayzin as my guest to enjoy brunch. I must admit that the brunch served that afternoon was one of the highlights of my dining journeys.

The former restaurant at the Fairmont Miramar was charming with that old-world charm, the type of place many top stars would dine. However, the newly remodeled Fig Tree is refreshing with an all-new menu.

The Executive Chef, Raymond Garcia definitely receives top scores for his wholesome recipes. May I recommend the Roulade of Sole with Tomato and Leeks? This entrée has just the right amount of spices, and it's prepared as a broiled or baked selection.

Sometimes my eyes are bigger than my stomach. I had Alex try the Roasted Squid with carrots and Farro.

"This is a delight, and it's not gummy," Alex commented.

This certainly was a great way to start the afternoon. With excellent service, on a sunny afternoon overlooking the pool, there was nothing overlooked. In fact, one of the unique features of the Fig Tree is their own water similar to Pellegrino ®.

They also serve their own bread baked for them on Fig tree planks, along with presenting the menus composed of wood. This should give you a taste to help your imagination.

Other delightful items on the menu include Grilled Prawn and Fava Bean Salad, Poached Duck Eggs with Asparagus and Prosciutto, Honey Glazed Pork with Stone Ground Polenta.

For a light taste, one may indulge in these appetizers, which include lobster and English Pea Salad, Grilled Mortadella with Pink Lady Apples, Tomato and Buffalo Mozzarella, and Chicken Liver Parfait served with Fig Marmalade with a Grilled Baguette.

Now, here are the desserts: Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Torte, Chantilly, along with assorted sorbets and Pecan Pie.

All the desserts are prepared in the kitchen. They all are scrumptious!

Ah, there is one more little detail that I should highlight: the waiters.

The applause goes to Allen, Jeffery and Will for their attentiveness and wonderful attitude.

We thank the entire staff of The Fig Tree Restaurant, and special thanks go out to Matthew Leman, the Assistant Director of Food and Beverage of The Fig Restaurant and Michelle Benva, the restaurant manager. CSN rates The Fig Tree a 10.

NOTE: *Over 120 years old, the Moreton Bay famous fig tree is believed to be the largest of its species in the nation. The trunk of the ficus macrophylla, or strangler tree, is about 38 feet in circumference. In September 1970, it was designated as the City of Santa Barbara's official "tree of notable historic interest."*

Pete Allman is a Las Vegas-based commentator, broadcast personality and celebrity interviewer. He also produces inspirational messages for television and other media. Contact him at peteonthescene@yahoo.com or (702)265-9099. Visit www.CelebrityScene.com