Chef Deborah Scott announces new executive chefs
Cohn Restaurant Group (CRG) recently announced that partner and local chef Deborah Scott has named three new executive chefs for Indigo Grill, C Level/Island Prime, and Vintana. Scott will partner with the chefs to create new dishes as well as maintain her popular classics in each restaurant. Executive Chef Mike Suttles, who has worked with CRG for 11 years, will lead the group’s premier waterfront dining destination C Level/Island Prime, while Jason Maitland, formerly of Red Light District Dining Room & Social House, will be the executive chef at Little Italy’s Indigo Grill. Vintana, located in Escondido, will be managed by Executive Chef Greg Stillman. According to the release, Scott’s creation of this elite team of chefs comes on the heels of a bigger partnership role for herself within CRG.
Top of the Market gains new executive chef
Award-winning San Diego Bay restaurant Top of the Market welcomes Ivan Flowers as their new executive chef, according to a press release. Chef Flowers has a collective 25 years of fine dining experience, previously owning Fournos restaurant in Arizona. He also recently won the Meals on Wheels Gala appetizer chef challenge, in which he competed against other local chefs. “We’re honored and excited to have Chef Flowers lead the Top of The Market team, and to share his creative mind and passion for food with our guests,” said Dwight Colton, vice president of operations at Fish Market Restaurants in the release.
Nation’s best ballpark food is at Petco Park
Phil’s BBQ and the San Diego Padres have been voted as the best ballpark food nationwide in a recent “Stadium Food King” social media challenge run by USA Today Sports, according to a press release. The Phil’s BBQ El Toro tri-tip sandwich first beat out the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Sonoran Dog, the Milwaukee Brewers’ pull pork parfait and in the final, the Kansas City Royals’ Cheesy Corn Brisket-acho, to win the national title. “Anytime you can beat out a great BBQ state like Kansas, it’s a good day,” said Phil’s BBQ owner Phil Pace in the release. “Being located inside the ballpark has been a lot of fun for our BBQrew, and we look forward to serving many more fans at Petco.” Phils’ opened at Petco last year and will continue to expand its brand at the San Diego International Airport Aug. 13. “The Padres are committed to showcasing the best food San Diego has to offer, and having Phil’s in the ballpark this season has been a fantastic addition to our concessions lineup,” said Scott Marshall, vice president for concessions and retail in the release.
Wine Spectator recognizes Marina Kitchen
Marina Kitchen, located Downtown adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center, has announced it has received the Award of Excellence in Wine Spectator’s 2013 Restaurant Wine List Awards. Given to restaurants with a wine list featuring a well-chosen selection of quality producers that match the dinner menu’s theme, the Award of Excellence is an honor to receive. “This award is a testament to the effort that both our staff and myself have put into developing, executing and constantly improving our wine program,” said Joshua Orr, in-house sommelier and bar manager in the release. “We look forward to continuing to share our passion for great wine and food with our customers by offering them the best possible wine and food selections.” Marina Kitchen’s wine program aims to make wine accessible for everyone, offering a selection of quality wines that fit any budget, according to the release.
Local agents honored in WSJ “Top 1000”
Two local realty agents were recently honored among the “Top Thousand” national award ranking system featured by the Wall Street Journal and measured by REALTrends.com. The Top 250 agents and teams are identified in both sales volume and transaction sides. Prudential California has more than 3,200 sales associates across Southern California and the Central Coast. Of those 3,200 realty professionals, 17 made the WSJ list, including San Diegans Gregg and Debbie Neuman. For 2012, the Neumans had a combined sales volume of $101,514,279, ranking them 82 of the Top 250 in their category. Their local agency, Neuman & Neuman, which is affiliated with Prudential California, is located at 516 Fifth Ave., Downtown.
