Two new coffee shops are open in Hillcrest. Caffè Vergnano 1882 on 5th Avenue, and District Coffee Bar on West Washington. Both cafes serve a mean espresso and an exclusive brand of coffee but they couldn’t be more different on the inside. Visit Vergnano for a metro European feel or District for an art house, less-is-more aesthetic.
Jason McLeod, two star Michelin Chef, currently working at the Valencia Hotel in La Jolla, is working on a blog with his sister called “A Michelin and a Mom.” They blog about food and create recipes based on suggestions from readers.
El Take it Easy announced, via their blog The Farm and the City, that they are about to launch a “craft spirits and cocktail program.” Dean James, of Alembic in San Francisco, designed the menu and true to form, their booze will be mostly locally, sustainably grown and delicious.
Open now: Empire House, specializing in street food and a cute atmospher. Opening Soon: The Local Habit, specializing in farm to table food and local beer. Check out their website for a list of the fifteen seasonal bruschettas they plan on serving.
AIRR, in the Gaslamp, already has a revamped menu. New executive chef Brian Redzikowski has updated their fare. Each plate seems more like a full meal than their previous menu which was almost family style sizes of one item.
San Diego Grass Fed Beef Week begins on June 3rd. Six SD restaurants, including the Linkery and Alchemy, are creating grass fed beef specials to highlight the health and environmental benefits of eating grass fed. Whole Foods will host a BBQ on June 12th to celebrate the event.
San Diego NOW, a program at the San Diego History Center, presented The State of Beer in San Diego on May 25th. Some local brewmasters discussed the microbrew industry in America’s Finest City. No word on whether or nor beer was served, but either way, I hope there are more events like this in the future.