Wine

For the those of you looking for a different type of meal, check out where the various food trucks of San Diego are serving up everything from cupcakes (Corner Cupcakes) and Asian fusion (Tabe BBQ) to espresso (Joes on the Nose) and ice cream (Sweet Treats).

The Hillcrest corner of Fifth and Washington that housed Sushi Itto will soon become Brazen BBQ on a ten-year lease for the 3300 square foot space. Two young guys, John Bracamonte and Brad Thomas, who are winners of some major barbecue competitions, including those sanctioned by the prestigious Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS), are the minds behind Brazen BBQ. Sounds like they may give Phil’s a good run for the money…San Diego could use some really swell and authentic barbecue.

And in case you missed it, also in Hillcrest, Kemo Sabe closed to relocate at some point to a coastal site in North County. The Cohn Restaurant Group will launch their food truck Chop Soo-ey in January at the Little Italy farmers market. In the meantime, they have their launch party in November and are doing private gigs. Their competition as recently seen on local NBC tv, is Miho Gastrotruck with creative food including pork belly sammy and lots of other goodies.

While we’re talking Cohn restaurants, they recently installed a hot new chef, Daniel Barron, at Blue Point Coastal Cuisine. This restaurant gets a huge share of convention business, and the place was full on a early weeknight. Barron has cooked around the country. However, there was disappointment in what was touted as one of his signature dishes, a 60 hour boneless short rib ($35). As explained by the server, this chunk of meat is cooked sous-vide and comes out melting in your mouth. Not. This was one tough hunk that needed lots more time, though it apparently was meant to be what was served. The horseradish hash browns were yummy, crisp and with a bite. Perhaps one needs to stick to the seafood.

There’s still time to join the fun at the San Diego Wine & Food Festival that runs from November 17 to 21. Famous chefs, lots of wine and a good crowd to boot.

If beer is your drink of choice, the annual San Diego Beer Week has many many options for you…Check out the schedule here.

Do something nice, support World Bicycle Relief (“WBR”) and treat yourself to a terrific seven-course dinner at Farm House Cafe WBR provides modified bicycles to children in Africa so they can travel safely to and from school. Key note speaker is 10^th place Tour de France Cyclist Chris Horner and there will be an auction of Tour de France items including Lance Armstrong cycling equipment. November 5, 7pm, $200 per person includes wine pairing, tax and gratuity. BTW, Buzz thinks Farm House Café is one of the best restaurants in San Diego. Reservations: 619) 269-9662 or www.farmhousecafesd.com.

Expand your taste buds and get over to Ocean Beach and The 3^rd Corner Monday, October 25 to try unique wines featuring 25 different grapes. 4pm to 7pm, $10, Information and reservations: 619-223-2700.

Lobster fans rejoice and enjoy the locally caught crustaceans at King’s Fish House in Carlsbad, Chula Vista and Mission Valley. They work with local fisherman to bring these seasonal beauties to the table. They also feature local swordfish caught off the Channel Islands. UPDATE: AS OF THIS WRITING, CHECK WITH THE RESTAURANT FOR LOBSTER AVAILABILITY, DUE TO SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS.

Hillcrest adds Ethiopian to their smorgasbord of ethnic restaurants in the block between Fifth and Sixth on University. Bayu Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine takes over the spot that Cafe Bleu had before relocating down the street on Washington in Mission Hills. Not familiar with Ethiopian food? Here’s a quick primer.

Red Leight isn’t a district but is a cleverly named and bottled Rosé. The vineyards are in Malibu on 37 acres and they have been producing since 2006. Howard Leight created Red Leight which is under the Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards label that produces award-winning Cabs along with a Syrah and Merlot. Buzz was lucky enough to taste the Rosé and Syrah along with San Diego’s top sommeliers, wine directors and distributors–and the wines are notable. You can purchase online at their website and soon (we hope) will have distribution here.

Just opened, Sessions Public, an odd name for a new contemporary place sandwiched next to the retro Catalina Bar at Voltaire and Catalina. The tavern style food is good and if the Cat Bar (as the locals refer to it) is too retro, the restaurant’s long skinny contemporary room features a full bar to go with the eclectic yet approachable food. There’s a mystery consulting chef who created the menu that includes an additive bowl of tender crispy chicken oysters ($9), duck confit with an Asian flair of udon noodles ($17), Nueske bacon tempura lollipops ($8), short rib sliders ($11) and lobster-scallop cioppino ($20). Happily, most of the menu is $15 and under. Four of us feasted well though we weren’t impressed with the miniscule serving of Serrano ham and artisan bread ($6).

Buzz wonders if the mysterious consulting chef at Sessions Public could be Jason Maitland who had been at Arterra for ages…until the axe fell on him and others of the dining management team. Maitland, is teaming up with Jerome Astolfi who just left the front of the house at Market Restaurant + Bar in Del Mar to become the general manager at Flavor. They will open late summer in the old Epazote Steakhouse in Del Mar Plaza.

Quality Social (site under construction) opened and Buzz expects it to be a hit. Where else in town can you get a very good gin and tonic (with housemade tonic) or a tasty Brandt beef hot dog that Chicago transplant and executive chef Jared Van Camp makes and smokes at the restaurant? These were two tasting items served at their opening party. Located in the former EXY space downtown at F & 6^th, the room includes two bars, lots of open space with high top seating and a very comfortable vibe. Buzz can’t wait to try the housemade charcuterie that includes pastrami, chicken liver pate and coppa, served with housemade pickles and mustard or goose fat fries for a change of pace. Local is the name of the game for ingredients: Crow’s Pass greens and Monterey Bay squid are but a few of the featured names. Oh, and forget about those frou frou drinks…not here. Open daily from 4pm to 2am.

Wine bars are a dime a dozen, each with their particular personality meant to attract a certain patron. Should you be the casual Wine Steals customer, their newest soon-to-open location is downtown on J Street between 7th and 8th in Petco Park. They’re also opening a separate gastro pub called Proper. And don’t forget the casual new Fifty-Seven Degrees (as noted here) on Hancock at Washington where you’ll find a large round bar, good wines and friendly and knowledgeable wine tenders. Closed Monday.

If, however, you want a contemporary, sophisticated experience, with top-notch service, a knowledgeable sommelier (Katie Brookshire who buys unusual and interesting wines), and a chef (Luke Johnson) who shops the farmers market for his weekly menu creations, then this is your spot. Buzz popped into Red Velvet for a bite and can’t wait to return. The tiny menu included fresh morels from Northern California with bite-size light gnocchi, fresh favas and Meyer lemon ($8) that paired well with a Saint- Veran and a delicate pork belly spiked with dots of tangelo puree and a subtle undertone of cocoa and jalapeno ($11) melded with a glass of Reisling. This gem seats just 30 people. From 5pm to 11pm, closed Monday.

Buzz is hearing that one of San Diego’s top chefs, Amy DiBiase, a member of Cooks Confab and executive chef at the popular Roseville in Point Loma, will be moving on in the near future. Stay tuned.

Donovan’s owners take over the Bondi space land will open later this summer with a new dining concept–possibly seafood or Italian so not to compete with their namesake steakhouse just a block away.

Lobster lovers, mark your calendar for May. That’s when King’s Fish House will feature live Maine lobsters in nine sizes and multiple dishes from bisque to rolls. Locations in Mission Valley, Chula Vista and Carlsbad.

**Wine lovers rejoice: The wine bar at Fifty-Seven Degrees (on Hancock at Washington in the old Pier 1 Imports building) opens March 5 with a stellar group behind the bar. At the helm is Sheila Tracy (the original Laurel and Farmhouse Café) who enlisted three top wine tenders: Billy Spain (original Laurel), Cindy Bartelli (Crush) and Christopher J. Hile (Ivy Hotel). The wine store features the expertise of Brian Farres (original Wine Bank).

**Downtown, Bacchus Wine Market is a hidden gem, with good tastings and a retail shop. In the East Village, Toast Enoteca joins the wine bar market with a contemporary and comfortable room, complete with those serve yourself, credit card type wine dispensers (and many more behind the bar). Best of all there is an Italian- inspired food menu that goes beyond a cheese plate. Little Italy is a hotspot for wine bars including Enoteca Style (on India between Ash and Beech) where the menu has panini’s, some salads from their sister restaurant Salad Style (on F near 8^th), wine and beer.

**Two blocks away on Union between Ash and Beech Extraordinary Desserts dispenses more than delectable desserts. New the first week in March are ports, Madeira and other libations that complement the sweet and savory menu. Worth a trip for a nightcap after the symphony or a night on the town. Or start the day there with coffee and pastry.

Changes: Venice, in UTC has closed and it’s all about location, location, location. Office buildings that garner the lunch crowd cannot be guaranteed the same at dinner. Crescent Heights (shuttered last year) was a terrific downtown restaurant on a Broadway corner with access mainly through the lobby of a large office building not close enough to catch the Gaslamp or convention crowd.

Ivy Hotel is now Andaz San Diego, and part of the Hyatt’s upscale boutique properties. We’re hearing executive chef Nathan Coulon will continue to oversee Quarter Kitchen, that features local ingredients that become terrific menu items. Coulon is a member of Cooks Confab, a group of talented chefs here in San Diego.

The word is out (and the sign is up) that the popular Point Loma Con Pane Rustic Breads & Café will soon have a new home in Liberty Station. It is in the same complex as Joao’s Tin Fish Eatery & Pub, Ace Hardware and backs up to the Point Loma Sports Grill & Pub. The greater access with lots of parking and a big patio should be a boon to bakery goers far and near. And yes, the place is a Buzz favorite.

As mentioned in a September 8, 2009 post, wine lovers who might have wondered where Bryan Ferris landed after his many years downtown at The Wine Bank, can now sip and smooze with him at the new Fifty-Seven Degrees on Washington in the building that was the Pier 1 outlet store. The wine store is open along with the wine storage facilities and the center of the room wine bar is just about finished. 1735 Hancock Street, San Diego, 619-234-5757

On Valentine’s Day (and everyday, really) show your love in ways that go beyond the usual hearts and flowers.

For those who love bubbles (the drinkable kind), get a head start with your Valentine and book the Chandon dinner on February 10 at The 3^rd Corner. It includes four courses and guest Tom Tibarzi, the sparkling wine director at the winery, who will talk about the wines. $75 plus tip. For reservations 619-223-2700.

On Valentine’s Day surprise your sweetie with coffee and a chocolate bread teddy bear from Con Pane Rustic Breads & Café. Made from the bakery’s pane cioccollata (Italian chocolate bread), this tasty cutie comes boxed with a red ribbon. Not too rich, but with bits of Belgian chocolate scattered through it, this $12.95 bear will bring a smile to your true love. Order ahead: 1110 Rosecrans, Point Loma, 619-224-4344.

Should an edible teddy bear not suffice, how about a lovely wine or Champagne with a selection of cheeses, pates and crackers or bread. In Carlsbad, La Costa Wine Co. will help you choose the perfect bottle to go with their lovely selection of imported cheeses and pates that you would find in fine restaurants. La Costa Wine Co. 6986 El Camino Real, 760-431-8455.

Venissimo Cheese with locations in Del Mar, Mission Hills and downtown, carry a wide variety of cheeses, crackers, jams and even honey (for dabbing on certain cheeses or just keeping your love sweet throughout the year). Taste Artisan Cheese & Gourmet Shop can also help you with cheeses and local salumi from Knight for a platter to please the palate. 1243 ½ University Ave., San Diego, 619-683-2306.

Most restaurants do special Valentine’s Day dinners, many with a prix-fixe menu so check with your favorite spot for options. If you want to try something different, reserve a space for a chocolate inspired dinner at the tiny Eclipse Chocolat shop. They will serve a four-course dinner for $100 per couple. Well-known for their monthly chocolate dinners, they take just 200 reservations for their 27 seats on two nights, at multiple seatings beginning at 2pm. Dinner cost includes wines, plus tax and tip. 2121 El Cajon Blvd., at Alabama, 619-578-2984.

Valentine’s Day would not be complete without a mention of many of San Diego’s top chocolatiers and dessert makers. You’ll always find room for chocolate espresso kisses from The Elegant Truffle in Point Loma, or something special from Extraordinary Desserts in Bankers Hill and Little Italy or Heaven Sent Desserts in North Park. Chuao Chocolatier in Encinitas, University Towne Centre and Del Mar Heights creates uniquely flavored chocolates with chocolate from Venezuela. Chocolat Cremerie’s locations in Hillcrest and the Gaslamp feature Italian inspired desserts, crepes and more should you want to indulge for brunch. The Elegant Truffle, 1111 Scott St., Point Loma, 619-222-1889.

We’re hearing good things about yet another pizza place. Pizzeria Bruno on Park Ave, brings wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas to San Diego. Will be trying it soon.

And while we’re on pizza, the sliver of a place in Little Italy that originally was Luigi’s third location, changed names when the partnership that included Landini broke up. It’s now Landini’s and good (though the sausage was flavorless and not the chunky bulk style). 1827 India Street, 619-238-3502.

Point Loma’s newest addition, The Wine Pub, snuggled away in a corner of a small strip mall on Scott Street, makes a cozy place to meet for a glass or two of wine. It’s small with a few seats at the bar and tables in a simple room ringed with bottles of wine. There’s an outdoor patio with a fire pit, heaters and even blankets to wrap up in while you sip. The wine list is small but features some out of the ordinary choices such as a dry German Riesling named Sabrina that is a Buzz favorite. We wish for less emphasis on pub when it comes to food…pretzel poppers don’t cut it with a glass of bubbles or wine. Their substantial panini’s make for a good snack and work better with the wines and their bruschetta’s while small, are tasty. Open daily from 4pm., 2907 Shelter Island Dr. (at Scott), 619-758-9325.

Love wine? If you missed Fifty Seven Degrees downtown–with its wine bar, wine storage and wine sales–fear not. Roughly November 1, they will reopen on Hancock Street, right off the freeway at Washington Street in what was the Pier 1 Import store.

Look for the new location to have a wine bar, retail sales, increased wine storage (from 120,000 to 600,000 bottles) and cheese shop. Should you know anyone who’d like to open a restaurant in some adjoining space, it’s available. The renderings of the interior look exciting and it will certainly be a go-to spot for wine aficionados. For those who follow wine sales personnel, Bryan Ferris,, who ran The Wine Bank before it was sold, is a part of the team.

At the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival , November 18 to 22, you can taste wine at one of the events called Wine in Style. You’ll also be able to eat yourself silly with more than 170 wineries, 70 San Diego restaurants and celebrity chefs cooking up a storm. Money raised during the event goes to American Institute of Food & Wine scholarship fund.

Cooks Confab, is a collection of fourteen chefs in San Diego who cook together every so often. Their next event is “Craft Beer: Grain to Glass, Farm to Table” and promises (as their events always are) to be a knockout at Stingaree. On August 9, some of the food and drink you can expect for your $90 (a portion of which goes to Slow Food Urban San Diego) includes: Lightening Brewery, Green Flash Brewing Company, AleSmith Brewing Company to go with food from the confab chefs (Katie Grebow, Cafe Chloe; Amy DiBiase, Roseville; Jeff Jackson, A.R. Valentien; Andrew Spurgin, Waters Fine Catering, among others). For reservations: 619-544-9500 or online at Stingaree.

Over at one of the nicest venues in San Diego, Eno at the Hotel Del begins the week with bubbles. Every Monday, all sparkling wines will be half price, all night (5pm to 11pm) including bottles, flights and glasses. What a great way to start the week and watch the sunset…

Wine tasting and dinners abound so be sure to check out The 3rd Corner, Wine Vault & Bistro, Winesellar & Brasserie, three places known for good wine shops as well. We’re hearing Cucina Urbana sells wine at the restaurant for a small corkage fee.

And if you want to meet fellow food lovers, get on the email list for Slow Food Urban San Diego so you can go to one of their monthly mixers…meet local chefs and taste local artisan foods.

It's Got Bite

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
About San Diego's Food Scene

Food Trucks, BBQ, Beer and the Wine & Food Festival

Wine, Lobster, Ethiopian and Bikes

Bits and Bites: Red Leight, Sessions Public and Flavor

Bits and Bites: Wine and More

Bites: Con Pane and Fifty-Seven Degrees

St. Valentine’s Day

Bits and Bites: Wine and Pizza

Wine: Fifty Seven Degrees and More

Bits and Bites: Beer, Bubbles and More

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