Del Mar Rendezvous   

Denizens of Del Mar dining are pretty finicky. They don't allow just any old restaurant into their midst, and it takes more than your average noodle house to sate appetites for Chinese fare. Rendezvous blends the stylish-casual ambiance of popular neighbors like Epazote with the culinary prowess of Asian masters. The restaurant makes a great choice for a light lunch or a blowout feast. The kitchen's concept revolves around an extensive tapas menu, from which you can order enough for a nibble or a spread to be shared with a group. Soft shell crab caramelized with ginger glaze gets tossed in a salad and crispy cheese-filled rangoons always delight. Honey glazed spare ribs will have you licking your fingers clean -- just don't get caught licking the sauce off the plate. There are also a number of individual entrees that you'll want to guard from your guests' prying forks, like Mongolian rack of lamb with a side of mashed taro root and the walnut shrimp.