Buzz is back after a much needed hiatus. So here we go with the latest in San Diego’s ever growing food scene.

Notable is the explosion of new restaurants in Little Italy, with the latest additions at Beech Street and Kettner Boulevard in the 22 story Ariel Suites luxury apartments.

Baja’s celebrity chef Javier Plascencia secured the corner ground and balcony level (balcony with views of the bay and city), while Pan Bon comes from Italy to open their first US outpost, with a bakery and fine dining spot in the bi-level space. Should anyone want to cook at home, Hanson Market will occupy a large space for organic and natural foods. Don’t expect to be eating too soon as it will likely be some months before the spots open for business.

Also on Kettner, a bit north between Juniper and Ivy Streets is one of the hottest new places: Juniper & Ivy featuring some very good and innovative food from Atlanta’s celebrity chef, Richard Blais.

For a perfect espresso or cold brewed coffee in a tranquil setting on north India Street is James Coffee.  The coffee bar is in Vi-Star, a unique large space, filled with unique gifts for babies, dogs, people and homes. You can browse as you sip or sit and eat a very light, classic quiche Lorraine supplied by a local chef named Mark. 2355 India St. San Diego, coffee Monday to Friday, 7am to 4pm and weekends 8am to 4pm.

ICYMI: For those of you who may want to delve deeper into food related news stories, here are a few that Buzz found worthy: Mark Bittman on “Rethinking the Word Foodie”; and Paul Greenberg on “Why Are We Importing Our Own Fish?”. Both stories worth contemplating. And finally, some great press for San Diego from The Wall Street Journal on four top places to buy and drink wine.