There are a few sureties when heading to the House of Blues San Diego — inevitably you’re going to get great music and a great time. But great food? That might have been stretching it before. But since the House of Blues’ team partnered with celebrity chef and Food Network star Aaron Sanchez, the menu at House of Blues San Diego has completely changed tunes. After all, Sanchez is not only a Latin star with his own TV show, but he is also the part owner of New York’s Centrico and a James Beard nominee. Last month, House of Blues officially launched the new “Crossroads at House of Blues” — offering items that had already premiered at the Los Angeles and Las Vegas locations. It’s obvious Sanchez didn’t have trouble putting a spin on old traditional HOB menu items, adding a whole lot of “wow” with Latin flavors and spices to reveal a personal twist on the chain-restaurant quality cuisine the restaurant was known for. It’s not difficult to see where Sanchez packed a few more ingredients into favorites, like the jambalaya and buttermilk fried chicken — but the dishes that stood out were new additions like pulled pork sliders, St. Louis Ribs and chile-braised short ribs. House of Blues San Diego has never had trouble getting foot traffic, with Gaslamp residents and tourists traipsing through its downtown doors at all hours of the night. But with this new inventive menu from such an experienced chef, who not only transformed the entire properties site menu but also added a few signature dishes to the San Diego location, there should be even less of a problem gaining traction. In particular, starters might just be the highest note of them all. Melding with today’s foodie trend, Sanchez delivers stereotypically chic comfort food like lobster mac and cheese. The surprise factor comes in sensationally crispy, hand-stretched flatbread topped with prosciutto and exotic cheeses, or the melt-in-your-mouth short ribs that have been left simmering for hours. The only downside to the unusually energetic atmosphere might be its proximity to the House of Blues bar — while diners mesmerize over the new cuisine or sip on signature cocktails, enthusiastic karaoke patrons might be belting out tunes or a rowdy bachelor party might have just started. Luckily for locals, San Diego’s near-perfect weather calls for an active outdoor space, so if you’re inclined for a little breeze and Gaslamp character spying, the patio might just be the place to savor.
