Frank Sabatini Jr. | Uptown News

San Diego chef Mike Alamos is up and running with his first-time restaurant venture, Circa, in the space formerly occupied by Farm House Café. Fresh paint, new upholstery and a “whole tree” used as the bar top now define the space.

The menu, which Alamos describes as “local, rustic, comfort fare,” features several dishes incorporating craft beers, such as bratwurst braised in pale ale, meatloaf draped in red ale gravy and an apple-caramel dessert spiked with smoked porter. A variety of small plates are also available as well as savory skillet dishes served during Sunday brunch (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Alamos has upped the cool factor by also bringing in a “new vintage” sound system for playing vinyl records. 2121 Adams Ave., 619-269-9152.

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The much-anticipated Ironside Fish & Oyster opened recently in Little Italy by CHProjects, which is behind several San Diego hotspots such as Noble Experiment, Craft & Commerce and El Dorado Cocktail Lounge. In this latest venture, Chef Jason McLeod brings a seafood-rich menu to the table that includes daily offerings of oyster flights and various shellfish platters. In addition, “cocktails in the half shell” are available, which pair a single raw oyster to a libation. Situated in a circa-1920 warehouse, the 4,500-square-foot space also includes a bakery, a European-style open kitchen and a lobster tank. 1654 India St., 619-269-3033.

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I recently received a few inquiries regarding the shuttered Mandarin House in Bankers Hill, as to whether it has reopened since closing in November. The answer is no. One reader in particular was confused by a Yelp review dated Feb. 7, 2014 touting the Mongolian beef. The post was apparently meant for the restaurant’s La Jolla location (6765 La Jolla Blvd.), which remains in business and features the same menu as the former Fifth Avenue kitchen. When speaking to a manager in La Jolla, he cited high rent as the reason for last year’s closure, adding that there are “no plans at this time” to open a replacement.

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Restaurateur John Ealy says that there wasn’t an empty table in the house on his first Friday night in business at Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar in Mission Hills, which opened April 22 in place of The Gathering. His menu comprises several “homeruns” from other restaurants he owns, such as The Boathouse on Harbor Island and kitchens in Maui and Santa Cruz. Those dishes include pan-fried salmon and blackened rib eye, along with new offerings like bone-in pork chops and short ribs. The restaurant was given an interior facelift and maintains its central, full bar. Harley Gray is open for lunch, happy hour and dinner. 902 W. Washington St., 619-955-8451.

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The Cadillac of all food events to benefit Mama’s Kitchen takes place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., May 9 at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla. Now in its 23rd year, “Mama’s Day” will feature more than 55 local restaurants and caterers putting their best foot forward with an array of gourmet food samples. Participating businesses include D Bar, Great Maple, Uptown Tavern, R Gang Eatery, Gossip Grill, Wang’s North Park, Hillcrest Brewing Company and more. The event will be emceed by Sam “The Cooking Guy” Zien and feature a silent auction. General admission is $125; VIP tickets are $250, which include early admission at 5:30 p.m. and access to The Cabana Lounge inside the venue. Tickets can be purchased at mamaskitchen.org or by calling 619-233-6262. 3777 La Jolla Village Drive. 

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Wholesome breakfast and lunch fare can be found at the newly opened location of Swami’s Café, which moved into the modern-industrial digs that previously housed Casa de Luz in North Park. The menu is similar to the Swami’s in Encinitas and Carlsbad, which includes everything from acai bowls and egg dishes to sandwiches and burritos. The kitchen is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The owners are considering installing a full bar on the second floor, although for now, alcohol isn’t served. 2920 University Ave., 619-269-3797.