Smalltown

The restaurant is new and still finding its way. I have seen it be intermittently open for the past several weeks as it gets its feet wet and act together. The hours are a bit scrunchy.

Located almost directly across the street from my shop, I have been intrigued about the little snippets I was hearing regarding the new farm to table establishment opening in Fallbrook.

I cannot tell you how many different restaurants have been in the spot since Joanie's Lace Apron left so long ago. I've been across the street for twenty two years now.

And how many places have tried to serve quality food in this town only to be ultimately rebuffed? Michael still does. Fallbrook Grocery comes to mind in the wayback machine.

I had meant to try it for the first time with my wife but she is seeing music at the winery and I was hungry for lunch. So I walked across the street and sat at the bar, the place being a little crowded for Mother's Day Brunch.

The staff was young, friendly and attentive. Place looks good. I asked for their recommendations between the frittatas and the smoked salmon benedict and they said that all were good but the latter was great. I was convinced and followed their lead.

I received a beautiful plate and all the individual components were delicious. Unfortunately elements of the dish were quite cold, the purple cauliflower was really cold and when mixed up it was a little bit of a downer. This may be because of the rush and it may be because of the available equipment.

I didn't want to be Mr. Complainer and send anything back, especially the first time over. They were busy and they are figuring it all out. They are trying to do things right and operate without a heat lamp. But something is probably necessary if they are going to run a production kitchen. Cold toast points are a drag.

Still they get major points for trying, for serving me delicious salmon and hollandaise, no matter the temperature. Eggs were perfect. I can't think of a dining establishment in this town since Robert shut down Le Bistro that had food of this quality and that was obviously paying so much attention to what they were doing.

I wish them the best and also look forward to coming back for dinner with Leslie. Everyone I have talked to that has had dinner there has thoroughly enjoyed it. I talked to the general manager after my meal, praised it but also honestly explained the problems I had with the cold elements of the dish. She was apologetic and sweet and offered me a discount because of my experience that I felt somewhat sheepish accepting.

May Smalltown have a long and successful life on Main Avenue. I think that it will ultimately be a real winner.

Smalltown
118 N. Main Ave.
Fallbrook, CA 92028
760-990-9081
Wednesday – Saturday from 5:00p – 9:00p and Sunday Brunch from 11:00a – 3:00p.