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News for Restaurants in San Diego
December 2013 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

The long wait is finally over and San Diegans can now head to Pizzeria Mozza. Mario Batali, Nancy Silverton, Joseph Bastianich and executive chef Matt Molina have a new incarnation of their successful eatery at The Headquarters at Seaport District, downtown. Diners may enjoy their wood-fired pizzas, local craft beer, bruschettas, carne, and more in the sleek vibrant setting that favors natural woods and the color orange. Pizzeria Mozza, 789 W. Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101, 619-376-4353.
 
Chef Colin MacLaggan, the former owner of Avenue 5, has joined the Ballast Point Brewing Company team and now helms their third outpost in Little Italy called Ballast Point Tasting Room and Kitchen. The stunning modern-style tasting room offers approximately 25 of their award-winning beers, and MacLaggan's kitchen produces an innovative menu that nicely complements the craft brews. Dishes include duck confit salad, braised short rib lettuce wraps, juicy burgers, charcuterie plates, artisanal cheese, herbed gnocchi, and sausage rolls in puffed pastry. Ballast Point Tasting Room and Kitchen, 2215 India St., San Diego, CA 92101, 619-255-7213.
 

News Bytes

'Tis the Season for Dining at Rancho Valencia
A holiday paradise with its sprawling grounds and twinkling lights, Rancho Valenica plans to celebrate with Christmas cheer, carolers and haute cuisine. Executive chef Eric Bauer has planned a merry feast filled with fine food and drink at Veladora. On Christmas Eve, a four-course dinner will feature dishes like roasted winter squash bisque, braised duck tortelloni, 18-hour braised beef short ribs, and a sweet finish of dark chocolate mille-feuille. Christmas Day calls for a four-course dinner with roasted beet carpaccio and Maine lobster salad, line-caught swordfish, and butterscotch and vanilla bean budino. Both dinners are $95 per person. Call 858-759-6246 for reservations. Rancho Valencia, 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067, 858-756-1123, 800-548-3664.
 
Holiday Dining at Morada at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, executive chef Todd Allison will present a three-course tasting menu at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Allison's California cuisine features produce from local farms and fine meats and seafood. Dishes include roasted butternut squash soup, Maple Leaf Duck Farms duck confit with poached pears and arugula, honey- and citrus-glazed sea bass, wild mushroom risotto, and braised short rib pasta, along with dessert choices of pumpkin crème brûlée and dark chcoalte molten cake. On Christmas Eve, local carolers will to add to the holiday spirit from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Or celebrate New Year's Eve at The Inn with a four-course meal, Champagne and live music. Morada's menu will feature Maine lobster bisque, pink grapefruit and watercress salad, braised beef short ribs and diver scallops, and a dark chocolate soufflé. Morada, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, 5951 Linea del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067, 858-381-8289.
 

Chef Shuffle

With the shuttering of Sea Rocket Bistro in North Park, chef Tommy Fraioli has found a new home at Beaumont's in Bird Rock. Fraioli joins long-term pal, executive chef George Morri, as chef de cuisine, adding some more culinary creativity to La Jolla. Beaumont's continues to be a local favorite with its Modern American cusine, festive brunches and live music. Beaumont's, 5662 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, CA 92037, 858-459-0474.
 
Chef Steven Molina, who followed chef Paul McCabe to Delicias, is now exiting the Rancho Santa Fe restaurant to join chef Matt Gordon's team and helm Solace & the Moonlight Lounge. The Encinitas eatery is Gordon's second in his trio that also includes North Park's Urban Solace and Sea & Smoke, an American Brasserie, in Del Mar. Molina is excited to create some new menu items in the New Year, once he settles into his new role. North County applauds the team for adding great dining to the local scene. Solace & the Moonlight Lounge, 25 E. E St., Encinitas, CA 92024, 760-753-2433.
 


Closings

CLOSED FOR GOOD
Take your taste buds on a walk down memory lane! Check out our exclusive closed restaurant database for San Diego to virtually visit your favorite dining spots from the past. Mr. Tiki Mai Tai Lounge, R.I.P.

Check back soon for more news.

CULINARY EVENTS
Want to
learn to cook? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.


View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in San Diego

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