WINTER WONDERS

Eight Delicious Reasons to Dine Out This Month

by SARAH DAOUST

the sky returns. Offering those famous bird’s-eye views of the city, bay and airport from 12 floors up, iconic restaurant Mister A’s has undergone a substantial face-lift—marking a new era for new owner Ryan Thorsen. Designed by Mauricio Couturier, the remodel honors Mister A’s 57-year history— combining nostalgic glam with modern updates. Think: sparkling crystal chandeliers; seating wrapped in rich, sapphire-blue upholstery; renovated dining rooms that channel an upscale brasserie; an opulent private dining room; an all-new, 90-seat rooftop bar and lounge; and revamped dinner and cocktail menus. Expect the same level of exceptional French-infused cuisine by seasoned executive chef Stephane Voitzwinkler, such as the Maple Leaf Farms duck breast; but with new additions, like the shareable hiramasa crudo with serranoes and blood-orange fresca; plus an exceptional wine list. 2550 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.239.1377

Refined dining in

Champagne, caviar and iconic views? The Marine Room—the landmark beachfront restaurant known for the ocean waves that splash against its massive windows at high tide—has undergone a remodel, debuting its brand-new Lounge Guests can take in those epic La Jolla Shores panoramas in a slightly more relaxed setting; while ordering from an exclusive Lounge menu of bubbly, craft cocktails, caviar and seafood-focused small plates by executive chef Mike Minor. Menu highlights include the Spanish octopus, salmon belly cones, and the “surf & turf” with scallops and Kurobuta pork belly. (A heads-up, the Lounge experience is limited to two hours maximum per party, and a $100 minimum food and beverage purchase is required for each guest.)

2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla, 858.459.7222

Interested in breakfast all day? Restaurateur Tracy Borkum of Urban Kitchen Group and chef-partner

Tim Kolanko bring us Gold Finch. Paying homage to Jewish immigrant culture and cuisine—specifically Ashkenazi and Sephardicstyle cooking—the indoor/ outdoor venue is both a modern delicatessen and full-service restaurant, offering all-day breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (A weekend brunch service is coming soon). Feast on shashuka, torn challah French toast, matzo-ball soup, chicken schnitzel, smoked fish, loaded sandwiches such as pastrami and hand-carved corned beef, house-made bagels, arborio rice pudding, banana fritters and much

Season

February 17th - March 5th

September 22nd – October 8th

December 1st - December 30th

February 3–5 more. 3040 Science Park Road, Torrey Pines/La Jolla, 858.866.9965

Carlsbad welcomes the new Polo Steakhouse (formerly West Steak and Seafood). Expect a refined menu of superiorquality seafood and steaks overseen by executive chef Judd Canepari; and an impressive wine collection of more than 1,000 bottles—curated by seasoned sommelier Feliciano Perez, general manager and fellow sommelier Michael Pickering, and owner Mayur Pavagadhi. Must-try dishes include the escargot appetizer with bone-marrow-herb butter; the prime Angus tartare; and, of course, any of the steak cuts, which range from filet mignon to American wagyu. 4980 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, 760.930.9100

New in Encinitas, Temaki Bar (“temaki” translates to “hand roll”) by Clique Hospitality and chef Jojo Ruiz lives up to its name—serving up made-to-order hand rolls loaded with salmon, yellowtail, blue crab and other fresh catches. Order rolls individually or in sets of up to five; plus starters like the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice; sashimi and nigiri; cut rolls such as the Lobsta Queen; and beer, wine and sake straight from the barrel. The casual-cool hangout boasts a wraparound bar and artwork by artist Todd DiCiurcio and Rob Machado. 575 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 760.704.8888

South Park is beckoning all barbecue lovers. Chef Hanis Cavin (founder of Carnitas’ Snack Shack) is helming the kitchen of Carbon BBQ—a Texasstyle barbecue smokehouse in the heart of the ‘hood. The casual eatery offers choose-your-own meat platters—including

By Charise Castro Smith • Directed by Daniel Jáquez

smoked brisket, prime roast beef, baby-back ribs, pulled pork and jalapeñocheddar sausage. Or choose from handcrafted sandwiches, such as the pork-belly-smash burger; along with sides like bacon mac ‘n’ cheese, baked beans, onion rings and jalapeño-cornbread muffins. To drink: local beers, wine and bubbly. 2318 30th St., South Park, 619.450.5554

Chef Jason Neroni (chef/owner of The Rose in Venice Beach) is the man behind the menu at The Desmond. Located downtown at the new Kimpton Alma luxury hotel, the supper-club-style restaurant emanates a chic 1960s vibe, sans pretention—featuring warm wood flooring and seating, hanging plants and an open kitchen. The menu offers chilled seafood; a variety of pastas; seasonal dishes using local produce; mains such as roasted chicken and crispy ocean trout; and refined barbecue plates like the BBQ Quail with black truffles.

1047 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.515.3000

And finally, welcome to the jungle—the Amazon rainforest to be exact … except you’re in the Gaslamp Quarter, and there’s a sushi lounge and live DJ music. Zama is an ambitious restaurant and lounge concept to be sure—serving Latin American and Japanese cuisine amid extravagant, jungle-inspired decor.

(Think: warms woods, lush greenery and exotic artwork.) On the menu: aguachile, scallops with coconut-cream risotto, wagyu tartare, yellowtail crudo, and maki and sushi rolls; plus themed cocktails with fun names like the Junglerita and Zama-Tini.

467 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.915.5789