The return to San Diego of Jason McLeod, could be a big deal for San Diego eating. He opened The Grand Del Mar as executive chef and director of food and beverage for the property’s four restaurants but didn’t stay long as Chicago called with the opportunity to open Ria. There he earned two Michelin stars, though he left his heart in San Diego. According to the Chicago Tribune, he’s under contract with The Mediterranean Room at La Valencia Hotel, designing its menu. And on his blog (that he co-authors with his sister Karlin), and his tweets, you’ll find he’s looking for a space to open his own place. We can only hope that San Diego is ready to support the food one can imagine from a chef with an international reputation. We want to know when the new menu will appear at La Valencia…and when McLeod opens his own place.