Rubio’s Coastal Grill
Langostino lobsters have made their annual return at all locations of Rubio’s Coastal Grill, including those in Pacific Beach and Point Loma. The shellfish, which is technically related to hermit crabs, shows up as bite-size pieces in tacos, burritos, and bowls at this time of year.
Trawled off the coast of Chile, the items are available through Jan. 2. The locally-based taco chain was founded in 1983 as a walk-up stand in Mission Bay and has been sourcing the langostino for more than 20 years. rubios.com. Little Cay
Embargo Grill in Loma Portal is now called Little Cay. A manager said one of the two owners left the company, and that the remaining proprietor had to legally change the name because of it. The menu, however, remains exactly the same.
Located in the Midway Towne Center plaza, the 16-year-old restaurant specializes in cuisine from Cuba, Jamaica and Puerto Rico and some South American countries. 3960 W. Point Loma Blvd., 619-786-7522, littlecayob.com. Dirty Birds
A new location of Dirty Birds has flapped into Ocean Beach with its established menu of chicken wings available in nearly 40 flavors. Founded 11 years ago in Pacific Beach, the brand has since expanded into the College Area and Liberty Station as well. Situated in a newly built structure, the widowed space features indoor-outdoor seating, more than two dozen craft beers on tap, and multiple flat screens for viewing sports games. 1929 Cable St., 619-241-2922, dirtybirdsbarandgrill.com. Mess Hall
Mess Hall in Point Loma has partnered with Wreaths Across America to pay tribute to the servicemen and women who served at this former naval base before it became Liberty Station.
With the purchase of every spiced pear martini at Mess Hall, the establishment will sponsor a wreath to be laid on the grave of a fallen hero at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. The effort continues through Dec. 14, which is when the wreaths will be placed at the cemetery. The special cocktail costs $20 and features pear-infused vodka, muddled pears, St. Germain, lemon juice and house-spiced syrup. 2820 Historic Decatur, 619-255-8360, bluebridgehospitality.com. Sabor de Vida Construction is underway for the impending Midway District arrival of Sabor de Vida Brazilian Grill, which took over the space previously occupied by Gaglione Brothers before that eatery moved into larger digs one door away last year.
Sabor de Vida opened six years ago in Encinitas and remains a draw for Brazilian specialties such as pastries filled with meat and cheese (pastels), guava-braised beef, and grilled meats. The restaurant is expected to open in January at 3944 W. Point Loma Blvd. For updates, visit sabordevida.com. The Marine Room
The late-fall “high tide breakfasts” at The Marine Room will be held from 7 to 11 a.m. Dec. 14 and 15. Executive chef Bernard Guillas presents an upscale buffet for the occasion, which features more than 15 sweet and savory dishes in addition to up-close views of the rising waters as they sometimes lap against the restaurant’s exterior.
The cost is $60 per person. Check the web site for subsequent high-tide breakfasts that will be held through March. 2000 Spindrift Drive, 858-459-7222, marineroom.com. Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar A grill fueled by hardwood charcoal sits at the heart of La Jolla’s new Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar. The kitchen is headed by chef-owner James Pyo, a native of Korea who initially opened Love Boat Sushi in Oceanside as well as another Blue Ocean sushi house in Carlsbad.
In addition to a number of crafty salads and sushi rolls, the menu extends to dishes cooked on the grill (robato) such as ribs, pork belly, wagyu beef meatballs, and eggplant. The new venture shares space with Harumama Noodles and Buns, which is also owned by Pyo. 1250 Prospect St., 858-999-0323, blueoceanrobatasushi.com.
