Restaurant review: Finch’s Bistro

By Eva Trieger

Eva Trieger

LA JOLLA, California –When it comes to good taste, it’s all relative, especially if you keep it in the family! Linda and Tiana Ravden have created an extremely tasty haven in La Jolla, filled with divine, unique and creative sensations. Finch’s Bistro and Wine Bar is the newest darling of Girard Avenue in the sweet spot of La Jolla. The aura is fresh, simple and welcoming. The ambiance is intimate and sexy. The background music of a Brazilian samba exudes an aura of relaxation reminiscent of a party.

On my lunchtime visit I encountered a decent lunch crowd of pairs and triplets occupying the interior and courtyard tables. There was one fellow dining solo in the bar area, alongside a beautiful long marble topped bar. Several foreign beers are served as well as unusual wines from boutique vineyards. Though I’d come late on a Thursday about 2/3 of the tables were occupied.

When Linda Ravden was able to break away from the “lunch rush” she sat with me in the very chic and inviting bar area. Linda, a South African, came to America and raised her children in a secular environment. When her son first brought his intended to San Diego to meet the parents in 2010, Linda was delighted to learn that Tiana, too, was a “foodie”. The two couples enjoyed eating out together, critiquing and improvising on menus shared. The four would discuss compostion, presentation, and taste, bringing them together over this shared delight.

One day, Linda asked if the two couples could schedule a family meeting. She had gotten a lead on a space that was available in La Jolla and zoned for a restaurant. Initial responses were “You’re nuts!” or “Linda is romanticizing the situation” but after attending a SCORE seminar with the fellow who was the CEO of Boll Weevil restaurant chain, the foursome decided to jump in with all eight legs.

Tiana’s background was the fashion industry, and she was not equipped to deal with all of the restaurant chazerai. Linda, as a writer, was familiar with certain components of communication and travel, but also lacking in day to day skills of running a restaurant. The four were relying on each other and Linda noted that as fast learners they “never made the same mistake twice”.

Though Jewish holidays did not factor largely into Linda’s life, family has always been a focal point. Many of the recipes created in the kitchen celebrate her South African roots, as well as the Eastern European roots of Linda’s paternal grandparents. For Tiana, who identifies herself as a Conservative Jew, her youth included a weekly Shabbat dinner with the whole family. Often the entire mishpochah ushered in the Shabbat Queen at a restaurant, and the memory of this ritual is deeply embedded and richly embraced.

The most commonly heard responses from diners echo the sentiment the owners intended. People often feel that they “had a birthday celebration” or that staff is “happy you’re here.” Indeed, there is a celebratory aura about the lovely eatery. It evokes an air of Europa, intimacy, joie de vivre and unique culinary treats. The eclectic menu truly elevates the creations of land, sea and air with its delectable offerings of fish, chicken, lamb, beef and vegetarian offerings. Desserts are decadent and artistic works. I observed, first-hand, the Chocolate French Toast Sandwich being shared by Two Ladies Who Lunch. They nearly licked the plate clean. This ambitious dish combines French toast in a chocolate sauce with bourbon, maple syrup, and a surprising ingredient all topped with Vanilla Bean ice cream. One of the women told me that she was glad it was calorie free, as she hadn’t had breakfast and wasn’t this called “French Toast?”

The most beautiful part of this restaurant is the apparent mutual respect and obvious love shared between the two owners, Linda and Tiana Ravden. They are vociferously proud of each other, and delighted that in working together they have discovered a friendship not usually observed between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Linda told me that she appreciates Tiana’s “generosity of spirit and her upbeat demeanor.” Tiana shared how she admires Linda’s “creative passion” that is apparent in the menu, décor and ambiance of Finch’s Bistro and Wine Bar.

Their shared vision has birthed a warm, cozy and intimate setting that once visited, begs a diner to return and bring loved ones to join the party. The wait staff is professional, knowledgeable and above all, friendly and genuinely happy to serve. They too, are part of the Ravden family by whom we’ve all been invited to slowly sip a glass of wine while listening to live music, sample pistachio crusted salmon or share a rich and well earned dessert.

Finch’s is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. A daily happy hour from 3-6 features small plates and great discounts on wine and beer. You’ll be tempted to keep this hidden gem a secret, but what could be more fun than sharing a European adventure with your loved ones, no passports required? Come introduce your family to the Ravdens and join theirs for a celebration, a Friday night dinner, a birthday or an evening out. And don’t be a stranger, after all, it’s family! Visit the website for for more details on this charming spot.

Finch’s Bistro & Wine Bar, 7644 Girard Avenue La Jolla, CA 92037 Tel: 858 456 4056; www.finchslajolla.com

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Trieger is a freelance writer who specializes in the arts.  She may be contacted at eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com