By Frank Sabatini Jr. | SDUN Reporter
In what is being touted as San Diego’s only authentic dim sum restaurant outside of Convoy Street, the new French Concession in Hillcrest has arrived.
The newly opened 3,500-square-foot restaurant was conceived by restaurateur Alex Thao, who decided to replace his Thai-themed Celadon with a menu reflecting Shanghai dishes from the 1930s, when the French were in power. The dinner and brunch menus feature nearly 30 dim sum items, classic Chinese dishes and a hefty selection of local and Asian craft beers. Overseeing the menus is Executive Chef is Andrew Kwong, a Hong Kong native who previously worked at several restaurants throughout China. 3671 Fifth Ave., 619-297-8424.
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Chef Ricardo Heredia of Alchemy has brought home the bacon with a $10,000 first-place win at the World Food Championships held recently in Las Vegas. The victory occurred when cooking in the bacon category against 450 other chefs. His winning dish, however, is being kept secret until it’s revealed in a broadcast of the competition, due to air early next year on the A&E network. To celebrate, Heredia has introduced a few bacon-inspired dishes at the South Park restaurant such as the “six degrees of Kevin Bacon” featuring six strips of applewood-smoked bacon with a choice of bacon-infused sauces that includes bacon fat Hollandaise. 1503 30th St., 619-255-0616.
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After receiving oceanic treasures to its kitchen by local fishermen for more than five years, Sea Rocket Bistro in North Park is bidding us fond adieu with an announcement that its last day of business will be Dec. 8. In a blog post on the restaurant’s web site, co-owner Elena Rivellino cites growing overheard costs as the cause, adding that “we hope to see you again through the next open door, wherever that may lead.” 3382 30th St., 619-255-7049.
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Vegetarians and carnivores can take comfort in a couple of weekly dinner specials offered at Urban Solace in North Park. From 4 to 10 p.m. on Thursdays, the sous chefs present three-course vegetarian meals for $30. The dishes change every few weeks and have included creamy celery root and quinoa Napoleon, cornbread-stuffed acorn squash and apple-yam tarts with whipped brie. For those craving grass-fed beef, look no further than the 12-ounce prime rib dinners served from 5 to 9 p.m. on Sundays. The plates come with potatoes and vegetables and cost $34.50. 3823 30th St., 619-295-6464.
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Black and white truffles imported from Italy will grace a variety of dishes throughout a brief dinner series at Solare Ristorante Italiano Bar Lounge in Liberty Station. The prized fungi are scheduled to appear in dinners on Dec. 5 and 18, and Jan. 10. Reservations are required since seating at each event is limited. 2620 Roosevelt St., 619-270-9670.
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Considered the highest rooftop bar on the West Coast, Altitude at the San Diego Marriot Gaslamp Quarter will be conjoined in mid-December with a new, separate venue named City Sights. Situated 22 floors above street level, the space replaces a fitness center and will be marked by a glass-enclosed balcony and a lounge filled with modern, modular furniture. The panoramic views go without say. 660 K St., 619-696-0324.
