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News for Restaurants in San Diego
November 2012 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

Rancho Valencia has a new restaurant called Veladora, after its $20 million renovation. The hacienda-style setting offers fireside al fresco dining under the stars with massive communal tables as well. Inside, a stunning Damien Hirst butterfly art piece anchors the room, where diners tuck into spacious booths to enjoy chef Eric Bauer's Coastal Ranch cuisine. Sommelier and director of wine Jayson Knack has produced a fetching wine list, so stay tuned for wine dinners with top vintners. Veladora, 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067, 858-756-1123, 800-548-3664.
 
After a $20 million renovation, Rancho Valencia is more gorgeous than ever, and sports a new watering hole called The Pony Room. Its design nods to the rich equestrian history in the area, and executive chef Eric Bauer serves up upscale rustic bistro food like carne asada tacos, lamb and artichoke flatbreads and chicken wings coated in a honey-ginger-lemongrass glaze. Whether you’re outside by the fire pits or bellied up at the marble wraparound bar, it’s the new social stomping ground for festive libations, with more than 100 tequilas, fine wines and craft beers. The Pony Room, 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067, 858-756-1123, 800-548-3664.
 
Tracy Borkum has announced that Cucina Enoteca will descend upon Del Mar at Flower Hill Promenade, where the Chevy's once stood. North County foodies eagerly await this sister eatery to the extremely popular Cucina Urbana in Bankers Hill. The 7,000-square-foot property will host her most ambitious artisan project to date, with in-house produced cheese, house-made charcuterie and sausage, handcrafted confections, and a selection of artisanal breads and pastas prepared from scratch. There will also be a wine shop and a retail shop for home furnishings, based on Borkum's restaurant design and favorite things. Cucina Enoteca is set to open in May 2013. Cucina Enoteca, Flower Hill Mall, 2720 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014, no phone.
 
Valentina DiPietro and Guido Nistri, owners of the much beloved Bencotto Italian Kitchen, have opened a new eatery next door called Monello, which translates to "naughty little boy." Executive chef Fabrizio Cavallini serves up Milanese and Northern Italian street fare --- a cornucopia of homemade spaghetti, flatbreads, pizza, polenta, roasted meats and seafood. Divine desserts, fresh breads and pastries are made in-house as well. Dinner nightly. Monello, 750 W. Fir St., San Diego, CA 92101, 619-501-0030.
 

News Bytes

Holiday Craft Beer Dinner at The Grill
The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, in partnership with The Lost Abbey, will present a Holiday Craft Beer Dinner. The event will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Executive chef Daniel Boling will prepare seasonal dishes paired with craft beers. The menu will include duck and fig mince pie paired with Gift of the Magi and cocoa braised beef cheek paired with Deliverance. The event costs $75 per person and includes dinner, craft beers and valet parking. To make reservations, call 858-777-6645. For more information, visit www.lodgetorreypines.com. The Grill, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, 11480 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037, 858-453-4420.
 

Chef Shuffle

Chef Paul McCabe has ended his partnership with Delicias owner Owen Perry after a one-year stint at the Rancho Santa Fe restaurant. A San Diego favorite, McCabe has landed at La Valencia Hotel as executive chef. McCabe, who formerly helmed Kitchen 1540 at L'Auberge Del Mar, claims to prefer the hotel environment and will now oversee The Mediterranean Room, The Whaling Bar, The Sky Room, La Sala and Ocean View Terrace. A 10-million renovation will follow. We look forward to seeing what his culinary plans are for the iconic Pink Lady of La Jolla. Delicias, 6106 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067, 858-756-8000.
 


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.

MerK Bistro Italiano in the Gaslamp Quarter has closed. Brick + Mortar, a second outpost of Brick + Mortar in Los Angeles, has opened in its space. MerK Bistro Italiano, The Keating, 820 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101, no phone.
 
After 44 years of service, the formal dining experience at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, El Bizcocho, closed it doors after brunch on October 14, 2012. The iconic restaurant was home to many interesting chefs and memorable meals, but now the setting will be transformed to the tune of $2.5 million. We are excited to see what executive chef Nicholas Bour has in store for his new menu. El Bizcocho, Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., San Diego, CA 92128, 858-675-8550.
 

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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VALENTINE'S DAY WINES

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CHAMPAGNE COCKTAILS

For a rosé bubbly Valentine's Day celebration.

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