The Daisy

I passed by this terrific little spot several times before entering. Now that I have eaten at The Daisy, it has become one of my very favorite places. Getting there is a 20 minute ride from my home. As usual when heading downtown, I hop on the bike path by my house near Goleta Beach, take it all the way to Mission Street, and then zig-zag through the Westside, over Micheltorena, and then to State Street. The Daisy is across the street from The Granada, on the 1200 block.

If you choose to eat on the front patio, you will be surrounded by lush ferns and other greenery. Inside, the tables are spread out and the lighting is warm and inviting. I like the small pantry section at the back (near where you order) where you can find tins of smoked fish, dried beans, and intriguing condiments.

My first meal at The Daisy was lunch with Debbie, and the place was hopping. The outdoor tables were full, and the inside tables were filling up quickly. Instead of regular service, you go to the back of the restaurant, order and pay at a counter, and then the food and drinks are delivered. Debbie and I remarked on how each person who helped us was polite and gracious. When I asked the cashier if she had tried what I was considering ordering, the “house smoked trout dip,” she enthused that it was one of her favorites that she ordered “all the time.” Debbie ordered the chicken salad sandwich, and she thought we were on our way to a table when I realized I hadn’t ordered dessert. How very unlike me! I asked that a piece of citrus olive oil cake be set aside as well as a tahini chocolate chip cookie.

I realize that the words “smoked trout dip” are not very alluring at first glance. However, even one bite of this unusual dip will make you a fan. The trout is not whipped into a fine, smooth texture. Instead, it contains various sized pieces of unctuous, briny fish, parsley leaves, and a sour, creamy base. It reminds me a bit of the best chunky chicken salad you’ve ever had. Alongside the dip were brightly pickled vegetables: red onions, baby carrots, bright, turmeric cauliflower, and radishes. Every time I smeared some trout dip on the perfectly toasted, fabulous house made sourdough bread, I added one of each of the vegetables and was pleased with my mini tartines over and over.

According to Debbie, her chicken salad sandwich was perfect, with perky leaves of red trimmed lettuce and a velvety smooth avocado on the aforementioned bread. She gave me the crunchy pickles which accompanied the sandwich (had I been that obvious in my interest in them?). The desserts which I ate later at home were also marvelous. The olive oil cake was light and tender, with a hint of orange flavor, and the cookie struck just the right balance with its bittersweet chocolate and savory tahini.

When my daughter Jane came for a visit this summer, I could not wait to take her to The Daisy, and we shared a fantastic meal there together. This time, instead of simply getting the smoked trout dip, we ordered the House Fish Plate. I didn’t think anything could top my previous fish-centric meal here, but this plate was a wonder. Along with the craveable trout were wafer thin slices of cold smoked salmon, a nice chunk of hot smoked salmon, pickled onions, cucumbers, and creamy, delicious labneh. We spent a leisurely lunch making delectable layered fish bites, sometimes on the bread, sometimes rolled up in sprightly leaves of green butter lettuce.

In addition to the fish plate, we ordered french fries. After her first bite of fry, dipped in garlic aioli, Jane announced: “Every restaurant should learn to make french fries exactly like this.” I could not agree more. Each potato wedge was delicately fried golden brown, producing an ideal crispy/crunchy bite every time. We also liked our drinks: I had an Arnold Palmer while Jane sipped on a lavender infused matcha latte. I cannot wait to return to The Daisy, and have vowed to give other menu offerings a try (while subtly urging one of my dining partners to order the House Fish Plate).