Restaurant Review

May 28th, 2009

Paradiso and Dominic’s
A Restaurant Review
by lyle e davis

Those who know me are aware that I don’t miss too many meals, that I enjoy fine food, fine wines, and fine company. I find all at two great restaurants in Escondido that are mere yards apart from each other. Both have International Chefs at their helm, both of whom are good friends. Technically, they’re competitors, but their friendship is far more important to each of them.

They both have similar philosophies when it comes to serving the public fine food. “You use only fresh food, you make it fresh daily, and you give the customer more than he pays for, and you give him prompt, courteous service ” they both say, almost in unison.

The only real difference is one of cuisine and, perhaps, atmosphere. Paradiso features Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Dominic’s features a hearty Italian and Sicilian cuisine. Both deliver lots of friendly smiles as well as delicious food.

Fardad Raouf was raised in Paris, France. Not the worst place in the world to learn about fine foods. He has worked in restaurants throughout Europe and is familiar with most cuisines. He just decided on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine as that which he wanted focus on. His restaurant, Paradiso, is located at 340 W. Valley Parkway, in the Regal Theater Shopping Plaza.

Evelyn Madison and I have found Paradiso to be a “mood" restaurant. There are times when we have such a craving that only their delicious Gyro Plate will satisfy that lust for food; it comes with a delicious Greek Salad, adorned with tasty Feta Cheese, an outstanding salad dressing, classic Mediterranean Rice . . . all of which just comes together perfectly with their special dipping sauce and Pita Bread.

If I’m in the mood for a hearty Italian or Sicilian meal, I tend to head toward Dominic’s. Recently, I had his Marco Polo Chicken and even though I loved it - I could not finish it (and I have a pretty hefty appetite). We often take our uneaten meals home, to enjoy the next day . . . and, perhaps, even the next.

Another thing I like about Dominic’s: when you order a glass of wine . . . you get a glass of wine! Some restaurant have been known to irritate me by giving me a thimblefull of wine, yet charging full price.

Not at Dominic’s. You are fed, and fed well. John Moetam, the International Chef that heads up Dominic’s, is the new owner and manager of this long time Escondido landmark. Dominics’s is only about 50 yards away from Paradiso.

John still owns and operates Jay’s Gourmet Restaurant in Carlsbad, which he has owned and operated since 1991.

Dominic’s features Italian, Seafood, and Pasta. It has an excellent wine list.

On any given day you can likely see John and Fardad laughing, chatting together, enjoying a glass of wine together, and discussing, what else? Food, service, and fine wines. They both agree, and practice, a restaurant, no matter what cuisine, has to keep a spotlessly clean kitchen, be very health conscious, and serve only fresh food, prepared fresh daily. They are both proud of the fact that they are not some corporate type restaurant, but local owners and operators, the type that knows, and gives personal service to, their clientele.

Call ‘em: Paradiso, 760.480.7279. Dominic’s, 760.480.1704.

Tell ‘em Lyle & Evelyn sent you.