San Diego Restaurants to Eat at this Week
By Lisa Kelley
One Door North
Diners can now enjoy campfire cuisine and an outdoorsy vibe without having to pack bug spray or struggle to set up a tent. Newly opened in the trendy North Park Neighborhood, One Door North offers a “glamping” experience complete with hand-carved wooden tables, tree-covered walls, canvas tents and twinkle lights overhead. Owners Fred and Tammy Piehl launched this new concept, literally one door north of their already wildly popular The Smoking Goat restaurant. As for the menu, guests can expect standouts such as meatballs, cornbread with bacon, jalapeño, cheddar and honey butter, fresh salads with local ingredients, and stone-oven pizzas. The entree and dessert menus fit perfectly into the outdoor theme and feature campfire trout, fresh catch in parchment, slow roasted ti-tip steak, s’mores and farm fruit crisp topped with vanilla ice cream. Guests are also encouraged to sip from a lineup of wines and local brews on tap because according to ODN, “Camping without beer is just sitting in the woods.” 3422 30th St., North Park, 619.618.1285. onedoornorthsd.com
Herb & Wood
Celebrity Chef, Brian Malarkey’s new culinary project, Herb and Wood, is definitely making waves in Little Italy. The posh venue combines Parisian design elements with modern detailing, while still keeping its rustic patina. The menu focuses on local and seasonal offerings, featuring pastas, breads (including house-made pizza doughs), smoked and dry-aged meats and more. The cocktail menu draws inspiration from the restaurant’s name and pulls a lot of fresh herbs into the recipes. 2210 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. herbandwood.com
The LOT Liberty Station
The LOT Liberty Station is much more than a luxury movie theater. The second location in San Diego just opened in Liberty Station, and while it DOES feature a beautiful theater experience, complete with food and beverage service throughout screenings, the venue also boasts a huge glassed-in cafe, bar and dining space and outdoor patio with breakfast/brunch, lunch and dinner menus, as well as creative pastries and desserts. Those looking to catch a flick can reserve seats online ahead of time, then relax and enjoy a cocktail before without worrying about getting a good seat. 2620 Xruxtun Rd., Liberty Station. thelotent.com
Cardiff Seaside Market
With Executive Chef, James Montejano now at the helm, North County’s Seaside Market is getting a lot of attention for its health-conscious menu, grab-n-go options and already-famous “Cardiff-Crack” tri-tip. The menu features signature sandwiches, breakfast options and healthy sides. Those hesitant to make the trek up to Cardiff can also experience much of the menu at the market’s outpost in Petco Park which opened last year. 2087 San Elijo Ave., Cardiff, 760.753.5445. seasidemarket.com
Miss B’s Coconut Club
Escape to the tropics at the recently-opened Miss B’s Coconut Club in Mission Beach. Just steps from the Pacific, the restaurant and bar boasts a Caribbean-inspired menu with daily brunch/lunch, dinner and cocktails. Menu favorites include the hot coconut rum French toast, ceviche, bistecca sandwich and jumbo jerk shrimp. Island drinks on the menu are rum-centric with standouts such as the Havana Good Time, Coconut Club Cocktail, and Caribe Welcome. 3704 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach. missbcoconutclub.com
