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News for Restaurants in San Diego
March 2013 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

Amaya La Jolla, a sister restaurant to the The Grand Del Mar original, has opened The Grand Del Mar’s executive chef Camron Woods has descended upon La Jolla with a sister restaurant to his successful Amaya restaurant. Amaya La Jolla opened mid-March to the delight of locals. It's lovely main dining room seats 118 guests and features a Contemporary American menu of Woods’ creative cuisine like a slow roasted pork chop with sweet potato bread pudding and roasted apples. He also infuses the menu with new rustic southern classics “reinvented” and served family-style as a tribute to his culinary beginnings in Charleston, South Carolina. Amaya La Jolla, 1205 Prospect St., La Jolla, CA 92037, 858-750-3695.
 
Chef Matt Gordon will open his third restaurant this summer, Sea & Smoke, in the former Paradise Grill space, located in Del Mar’s Flower Hill Promenade. With the solid success of North Park’s Urban Solace and his Encinitas eatery Solace & The Moonlight Lounge, Gordon and his wife, Young-Mi, will create a stylish American brasserie fare with an expansive bar/lounge downstairs. Culinary-inspired cocktails with small-batch spirits, boutique wines, craft beer and a wood-fired oven will set the culinary tone, along with sustainable products and natural ingredients. Sea & Smoke will be designed by Bells & Whistles Design Firm. Sea & Smoke, 2690 Via De La Valle, #D210, Del Mar, CA 92014, 760-753-2433.
 

News Bytes

Easter Brunch at L'Auberge Del Mar
Enjoy Easter Brunch on the Waterfall Terrace at L’Auberge Del Mar, as chef Scott Thomas Dolbee and his team will be preparing a culinary feast. Brunch includes traditional stations from fresh juices and pastries to eggs, salads and breakfast sweets, along with a carving station with dishes like maple-roasted leg of lamb and roasted chicken breast. The cold seafood station will host delicacies such as oysters on the half shell, smoked salmon with American caviar, and poached shrimp. Running from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., the brunch is $65 per adult and $29 for kids ages five to 12. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made at 858-793-6460. For more information, visit www.laubergedelmar.com. L'Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014, 858-259-1515, 800-553-1336.
 
Vintana’s Thursday Night Live
Vintana Wine + Dine is adding a little pulse to the inland North County nightlife with Thursday Night Live on the rooftop terrace every Thursday from 6 p.m.-9 p.m., starting March 21. Guests can enjoy live music, cocktails and food by the fire pits. Drink specials include $7 vodka drinks or half-price on select wines. Entertainment will vary week to week with jazz, blue, acoustics and R&B acts, featuring local and regional singer/songwriters. Enjoy the lanai menu with tasty items like crispy chickpea calamari and sesame-crusted Brie. Vintana Wine + Dine, Lexus Centre, 1205 Auto Park Way, Escondido, CA 92029, 760-745-7777.
 
A Spirited Lineup
Head to the San Diego Spirits Festival in San Diego, CA, on August 24 and 25, 2013 for competitions, tastings and seminars sponsored by a lineup of national spirit brands and local restaurants. Tickets cost $90 per person per day and include unlimited tastings of spirits and food samples. More information can be found at www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com.
 

Chef Shuffle

Kelli Nicole Crosson has been promoted to chef de cuisine at A.R. Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Crosson has been working with chef Jeff Jackson since 2009, and most recently served as sous chef for the respected LA Jolla restaurant. She is a graduate of The French Culinary Institute in New York City, where she achieved a diploma in culinary arts and the fundamentals of wine. In her new position, Crosson will select menus based on seasonal ingredients, in keeping with A.R. Valentien’s commitment to its seasonal, farm-to-table concept. A. R. Valentien, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, 11480 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037, 858-777-6635.
 


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.

Anthology has closed temporarily, citing "refurbishment upgrades and repairs" on its web site. The Little Italy restaurant took its inspiration from supper clubs of the '30s and '40s and hosted local and international musicians. The restaurant and club occupies three levels and includes the Fireside Lounge with an 18-foot fireplace, outdoor Bayside Balcony and a private dining room. Anthology, 1337 India St., San Diego, CA 92101, 619-595-0300.
 

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

Add wine to the celebration of love, curated by GAYOT´s Wine & Spirits Editor.

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CHAMPAGNE COCKTAILS

For a rosé bubbly Valentine's Day celebration.

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