What: Mediterranean branzino
Where: Bougainvillea Fresh Cuisine, 555 S. Sunrise Way, Suite 108, Palm Springs
How much: $38
Contact: 442-307-9017; www.bougainvilleacuisine.com
Why: The relish brought the dish together.
When I learned that a sit-down, fine-dining restaurant was taking over the space formerly occupied by the late, lamented Guacamole’s, I was rather surprised—because the room is small.
Sure enough, Bougainvillea Fresh Cuisine opened in the space last fall—and the food by owner/chef Alex Hernandez instantly started earning raves. The hubby and I made our first visit there for dinner once recent evening, and I now understand all of the buzz.
I counted 22 seats inside, and tables are rather close together, meaning things can get pretty loud. (There is patio seating, too, for the times of year when temperatures drop below “convection oven.”) The menu is also on the smaller side, with three appetizers, three salads, three pastas (including a house-made pasta rigatoni) and six mains.
For starters, I ordered the Caesar salad ($13), with a strong, tart dressing that I enjoyed. The hubby got the burrata and beets salad ($19); while the pickled grapes added a unique touch, the salad could have used more of the vinaigrette dressing, or some other form of acid.
For mains, the hubby ordered the white bolognese with pappardelle ($33); it was fantastic, thanks to the creamy parmesan sauce and the pork-and-veal bolognese. It was not the largest portion, but it sure was delicious.
While I liked the bolognese bites I had, I enjoyed my branzino even more. The fish by itself was tasty, thanks to the Zarandeado house marinade, but it was taken to a whole other level thanks to the green tomatillo relish. Next time, I may ask for more of the relish to make sure I get some with each bite.
Chef Alex knows what he’s doing. See for yourself what all the buzz is about.
