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News for Restaurants in San Diego
March 2015 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

Jon Mangini of URBN Restaurants (BASIC Bar/Pizza in East Village, URBN Coal Fired Pizza in North Park, Vista and URBN Brewing Co. in El Cajon) has expanded his collective with a fourth URBN Coal Fired Pizza location in North County. The latest addition to Mangini’s restaurants is in Encinitas and has the same industrial feel of his other popular venues. The menu features thin crust, coal-fired pies reminiscent of the famous pizzerias found in New Haven, Connecticut. A choice of craft beers from the collective’s El Cajon brewery operation, URBN Brewing Co., is be available, alongside an extensive list of international ales. URBN Coal Fired Pizza Encinitas, 764 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, CA 92024, 760-943-8620.
 
The East Village is home to Water Grill, which offers a wide range of seasonal seafood, whole fish, meats and a raw bar. The new restaurant also boasts two spaces for private dining, including a larger room upstairs for 50 guests overlooking J Street with vaulted wood ceilings. San Diego native Fabrice Poigin oversees the San Diego eatery. Water Grill, 615 J St., San Diego, CA 92101, 619-717-6992.
 
Located next to La Jolla Playhouse in the former space of Jai by Wolfgang Puck, James' Place appeals to theater patrons as well as UC San Diego students and local office workers. The restaurant is a concept from sushi chef James Holder, who was born and raised in Japan. The eclectic menu ranges from tacos and burgers to sushi and Japanese noodles such as tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen. James' Place, La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037, 858-638-7778.
 
Arturo Kassel and Ryan Johnston of Whisknladle Hospitality opened CATANIA Coastal Italian. Inspired by a road trip through Italy, Catania is the newest concept for this restarateur duo, who are also behind Whisknladle and Prepkitchen Del Mar. Designed by Bluemotif Architecture, the space occupies 3,750 square feet on the top floor of La Plaza, which once housed Jack's La Jolla. Catania, La Plaza, 7863 Girard Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037, 858-551-5105.
 

News Bytes

Hillcrest's Local Habit Transforms into New Orleans-style Eatery
Hillcrest’s farm-driven eatery Local Habit has undergone a major renovation and reopened as a Cali-Creole concept with a new interior and New Orleans-inspired cocktails designed by local mixologist Adam Lockridge. Lousinana-born, consulting chef Nick Brune, Jennifer Lopez's former private chef, is overseeing the new Creole menu with all items under under $15. The owners envision this as a locals' hangout with New Orleans jazz, funk and brass, as well as good eats. The new Local Habit is open for Sunday brunch, Friday and Saturday lunch, happy hour, dinner and late-night service. Local Habit, 3827 5th Ave., Hillcrest, CA 92103, 619-795-4770.
 
Special "Expo Prixe Fixe" Menu and Milan Trip Giveaway at Monello
Monello will be hosting a celebration of Milanese cuisine and culture at its Little Italy restaurant March 1-June 30, 2015, that honors the Expo Milano 2015. Monello’s owners, Valentina Di Pietro and Guido Nistri, are passionate about sharing their love for the Milanese lifestyle, as well as the mission and messages of Expo Milano --- “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.” Monello will offer a new “Expo Prixe Fixe” menu, priced at $50, excluding tax and gratuity, featuring authentic Italian dishes such as cabbage wraps stuffed with veal meatballs, or cheese flan with sautéed porcini mushrooms. Anyone who orders this menu will be entered to win a trip for two to Milan, featuring an itinerary curated by the couple. The winners will be drawn July 6 at an aperitivo event at the restaurant. Monello, 750 W. Fir St., San Diego, CA 92101, 619-501-0030.
 
New Sunset Happy Hour Menu at Humphreys Restaurant
Guests can enjoy a lovely sunset over the bay at Humphreys Restaurant and a three-course meal for $25, Sunday through Thursday evenings from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. Start with either root vegetable salad with sherry truffle vinaigrette or wild mushroom soup, and then select from a roster of entrees including red snapper, chicken pot pie, five-cheese ziti, cioppino or English-cut prime rib. Dessert options are chocolate cake with salted caramel frosting or Uncle John’s bread pudding. Wines by the glass are available for $5. Reservations can be made by calling 619-224-3577. Humphreys Restaurant, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego, CA 92106, 619-224-3577.
 

Chef Shuffle

Check back soon for more news.


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.

Bijou French Bistro has closed Bijou French Bistro has closed. Addison executive chef William Bradley had served as culinary director at the La Jolla restaurant. Bijou French Bistro, 1205 Prospect St., La Jolla, CA 92037, no phone.
 

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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