Say Yum: Urbana

K and I had the chance to dine last night at Urbana, Hotel Palomar's hot restaurant. I'd never been, but what better excuse than the restaurant's new executive chef, Alex Bollinger. While I'm normally not much for hotel restaurants, (they're underwhelming and overpriced as a general rule) ... Urbana was a definitely pleasant surprise.

It's a "cozy" space, as K describes it - blue/gray lighting, intimate seating, and a subterranean setup that feels comforting, not confining. To quote her again, "this would be the perfect place to go when it rains!"

Highlights:

• the "focaccetta" - cross between foccacia and bruschetta with mozzarella and prosciutto. YUM.
• butternut squash ravioli - sweet, rich and filling, but not gratuitously overwhelmingly.
  
• halibut with asparagus faro "risotto" - a perfect compliment of flavors.
  
• our fabulous and conscientious server. Thank you!
  

Overall, a great experience. I'll definitely be back.