The Plaza Cafe

The Plaza Cafe Restaurant Review:

The bucolic adobe where chef-owner Douglas Gulija welcomes loyal patrons to The Plaza Café is tucked behind a movie theater. Yellow walls and soaring ceilings adorn the airy dining room, giving it a distinctive country feel, but the emphasis is on the sea --- specifically seasonal seafood. This makes for some interesting reinterpretations of classics, like Gulija’s oceanic shepherd’s pie: a mix of lobster, shrimp and wild mushrooms under a blanket of thin potato slices. The macadamia-encrusted mahi mahi and horseradish-encrusted cod are tasty options as well. Meat lovers won't be disappointed, with the sage marinated pork tenderloin or grass-fed strip steak with pommes frites. While waiting for your meal, take in the work of local artists that frequently adorns the walls. Don't miss the domestic cheese course, served with fig compote and hearty walnut-raisin bread. All of the desserts --- from the Meyer lemon tart with honey ice cream to the white chocolate cheesecake --- are made in-house. A fine selection of American wines rounds out the experience.