By Frank Sabatini Jr.
A second San Diego location of True Food Kitchen has opened in La Jolla’s University Town Center, which recently underwent a major makeover to its gardens, plaza areas and retail spaces. The restaurant, which has an established location in centro comercial valle de la moda, took over 9,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor space for the new outlet. Eco-friendly design elements include herb-filled garden basins, hardwood floors and chairs made out of recycled soda bottles.
The menu features an array of seasonally driven dishes rooted in the principles of Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet. True Food currently has 21 locations in several U.S. states. 4303 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 2100, 858-431-4384, truefoodkitchen.com.
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The relocated Casa de ceviches, which originally launched four years ago at local farmers markets and then opened as a brick-and-mortar eatery in North Park, is now up and running at its new home in Old Town.
The space is larger and more stylish in comparison, and with indoor-outdoor seating and signature ceviches inspired from different regions of Mexico.
Chef-partner Juan Carlos Recamier’s expanded menu features fresh oysters with mignonette sauce and several hot dishes such as grilled octopus and steamed or pan-seared local fish. 2415 San Diego Ave., Suite 109, 619-795-2438, cevichehousesd.com
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Trish Watlington, defensora de la comida de la granja a la mesa, está vendiendo su restaurante establecido desde hace mucho tiempo, la puerta roja, along with her newer, adjoining venture, Bar by Red Door. Both are lauded for serving locally sourced produce (some from Watlington’s Mt. Helix garden) and sustainable proteins.
El próximo propietario es Luciano Cibellia, nacido en Milán, Italia, y un chef consumado que ha cocinado en cocinas de toda Europa y en la ciudad de Nueva York. Él también evita a los grandes distribuidores y usa solo ingredientes que se pueden rastrear.
The sale is expected to close in February and we’re told that Cibellia will keep The Red Door name, at least until the community gets to know him. The businesses will stay open through the transition, after which Watlington plans on remaining active in the food community while continuing to support local growers through Farm-to-Fork Week, which is next scheduled for Jan. 14–21. 741 oeste de la calle Washington, 619-295-6000, thereddoorsd.com.
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Champagne expert Dustin Jones of Skurnik Wines will head up an informative tasting of French Champagne from 7 to 10 p.m., Dec. 22, at el amante del vino en Hillcrest. Los invitados pueden pasar en cualquier momento durante el evento interior y exterior para probar cuatro vertidos con tres blancos y un rosado, todos provenientes de la provincia francesa de Champagne. El costo es $35 por persona. 3968 Quinta Avenida, 619-294-9200, thewineloversd.com.
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The recent closing of Spitz Mediterranean Street Food en Hillcrest dará paso a Cocina y grifo de la Quinta Avenida en los próximos meses. Descrito por la firma de corretaje de propiedades, Location Matters, como "un divertido bar deportivo estilo bistró", el proyecto es una creación del comprador Ron Crilley, quien también es propietario El Kraken en cardiff y Taberna OC in San Clemente. The indoor-outdoor establishment will feature New Orleans-inspired cuisine. 3515 Fifth Ave.
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Matt tamiz de madison en el parque en University Heights ha creado una nueva ventana de comida para el bar del vecindario de al lado, Park & Rec. The service operates under the name Renegade and carries a retro ’80s vibe through nostalgic music and movie references as well as dishes such as assorted Tater Tots, shell pasta mac n’ cheese and various grilled sandwiches. The window is open from 5 to 10 p.m. daily and will eventually offer brunch. 4612 Park Blvd., 619-795-9700, parkandrecsd.com.
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This writer’s spouse recently discovered (and purchased online) what Bon Appètit magazine rated as “the best panettone in existence.” Coincidentally, so did local restaurateur Matteo Catteneo, who is carrying the tall-standing Italian sweet bread for the month of December at buona forchetta in South Park, as well as Officine Buona Forchetta en Estación Libertad.
Conocidos como "Panetton de Roy", los panes en forma de magdalenas son elaborados en el Área de la Bahía por el famoso pastelero Roy Shvartzapel, quien ha revolucionado la omnipresente confección festiva con levadura silvestre, pistachos y frutos secos de primera calidad, azúcar perla y masa que requiere 40 horas para curar y probar. El resultado es un panettone inusualmente aireado que se derrite en la boca y trasciende las marcas comerciales.
Catteneo sells it at his restaurants for $15 a slice or $65 for a whole loaf, which weighs 2.2 lbs. Consumers can also purchase it online for $50 a loaf (plus delivery) at estoesderoy.com.
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The annual tradition of turkey mole tacos and other holiday fare has returned to dining rooms throughout San Diego County at Bazaar Del Mundo Restaurants, including Casa Guadalajara in Old Town (4105 Taylor St.). The tamales, available through Jan. 1, are filled with roasted turkey as well as raisins, pecans and apples. They’re topped with rich mole sauce and sesame seeds.
Other restaurants serving them are casa de pico (5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa), Casa de Bandini (1901 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad), and Casa Sol y Mar (12865 El Camino Real, Del Mar).
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A new, casual spot for craft beer, creatively sauced chicken wings and other bar fare has opened near Windansea Beach in La Jolla. Nautilus Tavern replaces the La Jolla Tap and Grill with a refreshed interior, nearly 30 beers on tap and reasonably priced wines. The varied food menu includes marinated beef tips, “grown up” grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and wings in assorted flavors, such as maple-bacon-bourbon. 6830 La Jolla Blvd., 858-750-2056, nautilustavern.com.
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—Frank Sabatini Jr can be reached at [email protected].
