Tamarind Martinis and Tangerine Glow at Tabule in Gaslamp

Enlarge Photo

The motto: "This is your living room" is in no way an overstatement when it comes to the comfortable ambiance at the five-week-old Tabule Restaurant and Bar on Fourth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted with warm hospitality and smiles from ear to ear.

With 37 signature martinis, an international fusion menu, and a sleek sexy dining style, I couldn't wait to start my Tabule experience. A Tamarind Martini was the aperitif of choice, suggested by Owner Moji Sadighian, and she couldn't have been more right on the money. The Tamarind Martini is a perfect blend of spice and citrus - and the tableside shaker provided enough elixir to fill up the glass twice.

My party and I had reservations at 7pm, with the choice to sit on the patio and people watch during the warm summer evening or take in the undeniably sexy atmosphere on the inside. We decided to enjoy the inside décor; soak into plush chocolate colored booth seats along the wall and relax under edgy amber-honey lighting, admiring the fireplace peeking out from behind the bar. Needless to say I wasn't disappointed with my decision.

Our neighboring diners ranged from a twenty-something couple enjoying cocktails at the bar to a charming young family with a couple kids, couples varying in age talking over dinner and a bottle of wine on the patio, and a handful of attractive men making laps with beers in hand. Standard crowd diversity for a downtown restaurant - and Tabule well catered to all clientele needs.

The bread assortment arrived before our first course, and was accompanied by a choice of garlic and dill aioli sauce and a habanero dip. I am a spice girl, so I immediately fell in love with the habanero dip. But guests should beware, it is for the serious pepper eaters. Shortly after, the first course arrived: Shrimp and Octopus Ceviche served with sweet strawberries, avocadoes, onions, kiwis, lime, apples, and cucumbers. The freshness of the Ceviche was well complemented by the tartness of lime.

And every bite seemed to taste fresher when I learned that all restaurant food is bought fresh daily. It's so fresh that Tabule does not even have a freezer. Ok, they do have a little freezer in back just for the ice cream, but not a piece of meat, seafood or vegetable will be frozen. Furthermore, Tabule's seafood selection is also all wild and the meat is all prime.

With our Ceviche we continued to enjoy more of the Tabule martini selection, including the famous salt-rimmed Pomegranate Martini and the Moji-tini. The Moji-tini is Moji's signature drink, a borderline secret potion that goes down like candy.

Next on the list, we enjoyed the succulent duck wraps. I don't know if it was the duck, the cucumber, cilantro or plum sauce - or just the whole fusion of flavors and textures - but I would go back to Tabule to just snack on a duck wrap again.

For the main course, my party and I shared the Chilean Sea Bass and Cowboy Cut Bone-In Steak served with sautéed vegetables and rice. The Sea Bass was flattered by the accompanying mango, black beans, and tomatoes. The portions were very generous, enough for us to take home a second dinner.
.
The new Tabule Restaurant and Bar opened a mere five weeks ago in downtown San Diego. Although it might be new to the area, it's definitely not new to the industry - Tabule knows how to create a successful dining and nightlife atmosphere, with the menu to back up the ambiance. There are already four Tabule locations in Tijuana, and the newest Gaslamp venue is only half the size of its southern sister establishments.

The management team consists of Executive Chef Mo Sadighian, his older sister Moji Sadighian, and a third silent owner. Don't be surprised if you see or talk to Moji when you dine at Tabule, as she easily engages guests, and you won't be able to help but notice her passion for the business.

New venue expansions are in the making for Tabule, aiming to push the bar further back for dining space, and rumor has it a sushi bar may also join the international fusion mix. Enjoy fresh food, quenching martinis and good company at Tabule Restaurant and Bar that guarantees the utmost experience - great food, service and comfort.

Insider Tip: The Tabule business also offers a convenient shuttle service from Tijuana to San Diego. And the Sadighians aren't stopping at Tabule, they plan to open another restaurant in Gaslamp, focusing on authentic Mexican Cuisine.