$20-30

he guys that started Stone Brewing Company truly love their beer, and seem to hire folks that share their passion. Ruination is among their best brews. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and lets you take your time with the interesting menu. The ambience is that of medieval castle meets urban airport chic, with tasteful stone statements amidst soaring steel and glass windows that slide open to the gardens. Even since our first opening visit, the kitchen is struggling to find its way through the eclectic world menu. Many dishes don't work well. A starter of Spud Buds, mashed potato balls that are dusted with cornmeal and deep fried, grows on you as you taste a sampler of the stellar Stone Brew beers. The Garlic Cheddar Ruination IPA soup needs some work to be truly great, as it tastes too much of fresh beer. In fact, that is the downfall of the menu – everything is made with beer, even most of the desserts. While we love beer, this is just too much. You need counterpoint flavors to really enjoy the nuances of the great microbrews that Stone offers. You can find such counterpoints in Jerk Chicken Smithereens, with coconut black beans and chunks of mango. The Bruschetta BLT has fresh tomato and arugula that liven up the palette. Carlsbad Aquafarm Clams and Mussels, fresh and sweet, are swimming in a beer broth that drowns the subtleties of the diced fennel and red pepper that you find at the bottom of your bowl. How about a “Real Beer Float” for dessert? (root beer can be substituted). The wine and beer menus are very good, with reasonably-priced, well-chosen wines and an extensive selection of beers, other breweries included. We’ll be back, as we are confident that with the attitude and craftsmanship that Stone brings to its beers, it will move its menu to the same excellent quality. Take home a growler of Ruination - very satisfying.

This place is a little hard to find: 15 N - L Auto Parkway - L Andreason - R Citracado Pkwy. On your left.

78 E - R Nordal -> Valley - R Andreason - Citracado Pkwy. On your left.
reviewer:Mark Beaulieu  3/2/2008 11:04:00 AM

• I am a recent Diner and I want to review it.
• I am the Owner, manager or chef and have new information.
•  I want to send comments in email to USRG.
•  Remember this place.