Your Taste Buds Will Thank You
Written By: Carmen Varner
Photography Provided By: Ranch 45 Ranch 45 Solana Beach
Ranch 45, located in Solana Beach, has some flavorful goodness that you need to order before the ingredients go out of season. “You could say our restaurant is farm-to-table,” says Pam Schwartz, Ranch 45’s co-founder. “It really is just the way that I grew up eating [and] the way my chef has grown up, just taking care of the land and the people around us.”
Schwartz is an accomplished manager and sommelier with vast experience working in the culinary realm, from lead line cook at Nobu to developing and teaching wine list creation and management courses as an instructor at San Diego State University. Schwartz tells us about some of Ranch 45’s most popular fall dishes, the ingredients used and what makes each one so enticing.
1 | Brandt Beef Ribeye Cap Sope
Ingredients: Ribeye Cap, Beans, Avocado, Mexican Crema, Masa Sope
Inspired by the rich flavors of Baja California, Ranch 45 initially created this dish for a private event. It was loved so much they ended up putting it on the menu for everyone to enjoy. The textures of the crispy carnitas-esque meat, beans, crema and masa sope mesh together like magic on your taste buds.
2 | Grilled Maine Lobster Tail Ranch 45 Solana Beach
Ingredients: Lobster Tail, Mexican Street Corn, Poblano Aioli, Cotija Cheese, Scallions
Lobster is decadent, of course, but it’s the elote from Chino Farms that makes this meal a shining star. Ranch 45 has an attention to detail when it comes to their ingredients; Schwartz says Chino Farms, a local San Diego farm, has the best corn in North America. Corn season is almost over, so get it while you can—like, right now!
3 | Fried Chicken Sandwich Ranch 45 Solana Beach
Ingredients: Brioche Bun, Fried Chicken, Thai Slaw, Pickle, Spicy Mayo, Fries
Ah, the fried chicken sandwich is a classic. It’s one of the top sandwiches that come to mind when you think of comfort food. “We put the fried chicken sandwich on the menu as an option to not have beef, because we really are a beef-focused restaurant,” says Schwartz. The added touch is the Thai slaw, which is made with savoy cabbage, carrots, soy sauce, vinegar and sugar.
4 | Veal Milanese Ranch 45 Solana Beach
Ingredients: Breaded Veal, Arugula, Shaved Parmesan, Prosciutto, Charred Lemon
The veal Milanese is a classic breaded-and-fried comfort food that’s coming back in style, since not many restaurants have it on the menu these days. Schwartz says one customer comes in each week for the dish and pairs it with a bottle of sauvignon blanc. Bonus points because this meal, as well as the fried chicken sandwich, can be made gluten-free.
5 | Butcher’s Shop Selection
For patrons looking for a la carte options or various cuts of meat, the Butcher’s Shop Selection allows you to pick a protein, two sides and a sauce to top it all off. Proteins include Brandt Prime Filet Mignon and Kagoshima A5 Wagyu; sides range from turmeric rice to seasonal veggies. This is perfect for families or people who want to grab and go to create a masterpiece at home.
Proteins:
Brandt Prime Ribeye (12oz) $45
Brandt New York Strip (12oz) $32
Brandt Prime Filet Mignon (8oz) $40
Brandt Prime Flat Iron (8oz) $30
Imperial Valley Ranches New York Strip (12oz) $25
Kagoshima A5 Wagyu (3oz minimum) $25/oz
Sauces:
Chimichurri, Red Wine Sauce, Béarnaise
Sides:
Seasonal Vegetables, Chino Farms Vegetables, Asparagus, Spinach, Turmeric Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Fries
Ranch 45
512 Via De La Valle, Ste 102
Solana Beach, CA 92075
858.461.0092
