Executive chef Sean Fisher brings his love of European food and globally-inspired wines to a sleek and intimate restaurant in the heart of downtown Encinitas. “We are a food and wine pairing restaurant,” says Fisher. “I never purchase anything based on scores. I buy wines based on taste and quality.” Don’t miss the Warm Roasted Beet Salad, the Braised Veal Osso Buco with Butternut Squash & English Pea Risotto, or the New Zealand Baby Lamb Rack Chops with Cider Poached Blueberry Shiraz Reduction. From vivacious bubblies and opulent reds to luscious whites and dazzling rosés, Tastes will have you singing its praises long after you’ve left the restaurant. “I have wines from every appellation and all my dishes are created around these wines,” says Fisher. (760/942-9549, www.tastesencinitas.com) MARIA DESIDERATA MONTANA
