Enoteca Style in Little Italy bills itself as the best panini wine bar in San Diego. It’s the second concept from owners Maryjo Testa and Scott Thomas who created the popular downtown Salad Style for yummy salads that aren’t all lettuce. The new place features a small menu with eight $9 panini combos named for the streets of Little Italy such as Date (honey baked ham, munster cheese, arugula, spicy whole grain mustard) or Ash (salami, mortadella, provolone cheese, pickled peppers garlic aioli). Not a sandwich person? Try their salads (duck confit, soba noodle and ahi tuna or peppered steak), artisan cheese plates and innovative bruschetta (beyond tomato and basil) and of course, wine. Located on India Street between Ash and Beech, it’s an easy walk from Broadway so call your order ahead if you’re short on time. Open from 11am, closed Sunday, 619-546-7138.
Look for Point Loma’s newest addition, Roseville, to open by the end of the month. Executive chef Amy DiBiase’smenu will feature a French-Mediterranean twist using seasonal ingredients and seafood. DiBiase arrived in San Diego some years ago and worked at the original Laurel Restaurant & Bar as sous chef to Jason Shaeffer. When he left, she eventually became chef de cuisine and when the restaurant sold, moved on to Baleen at Paradise Point Resort. Her food is approachable and innovative so expect dishes from $8 to $27 and nightly specials, all complemented with a worldly and eclectic wine list.
No more Friday lunches at the popular Farm House Cafe. Too bad, as it was a perfect ending after a long week when I met San Diego food lover and blogger Alice and then by chance other friends, well-known Barbarella and her photographer hubby David Fokos. Buzz does understand the need to take a breath between service, especially in a small restaurant such as this so owner/chef Olivier Boiteau decided to keep it simple: Dinner: Tuesday through Sunday, 5pm to 10pm. Brunch: Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 2pm. Reservations suggested: 619-269-9662.
Executive chef, Brian O’Connor, left his post at Laurel Restaurant and Bar to go north for a position in San Francisco. Filling in and doing double duty from Laurel’s sister restaurant Chive is chef Joe Magnanelli.
Red Marlin now serves Sunday brunch from 10am to 2pm, buffet style, $39.95 per person, children (age 4 to 12) $19. Great panoramic views of Mission Bay, lots of entrees, omelet, waffle and dessert stations and, of course, mimosas.