If you have a hankering for comfort food on a chilly night, try the “Slow-Cooked Sunday Supper” at West Steak & Seafood in Carlsbad. Entrees, inspired by chef Eugenio Martignago’s Northern Italian roots, include fall-off-the-bone pork Osso Bucco in tomato demi-glaze, beef short ribs in red wine, and lamb shank with wild mushrooms. Included in the $29.95 per person price are corn chowder or salad, and generous sides that are served family style, from mashed potatoes to mac ‘n cheese. On Sunday night, wines are half-price.
For something a bit lighter, “Sips and Bites” pairs specialty cocktails with a seasonal menu. Take, for example, a pumpkin-spiced martini served with a twist on PB&J — a peanut butter, balsamic strawberries, and marscapone sandwich. The ginger rosemary lemon drop comes with a grilled peach and gorgonzola wrapped in prosciutto. And the spicy cucumber martini is served with chipotle-smoked salmon on cucumber with lime aioli and chive foam.
The restaurant’s “Dinner in the Bar” menu, including filet mignon sliders, seared jumbo sea scallops, and spicy smoked salmon salad, has proved so popular that the space has been expanded, good news for locals who flock to the weeknight happy hour from 4:30-6:30pm. (760/930-9100, www.weststeakandseafood.com) ANDREA NAVERSEN
