Brandon Hernández

Dining Review: Temaki

Discover Chef JoJo Ruiz's new SoCal-inspired Encinitas sushi bar

Mermaids & Cowboys’ Blackened Ahi Tataki

Top-notch prospect newcomer Mermaids & Cowboys dazzles

A resounding endorsement for La Jolla newcomer Mermaids & Cowboys and its executive chef Chris Barre

Coastal interpretations poised to be perfect for Encinitas’ Herb & Sea

Brian Malarkey and Chris Puffer have done an exemplary job adjusting their Herb & Sea concept to match the neighborhood and its inhabitants

Serẽa: Hotel del Coronado’s newest restaurant impresses with freshness

Hotel del Coronado's Serẽa, helmed by Executive chef JoJo Ruiz, brings creativity with a Mediterranean-centric palate on full display

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse: A Prime Destination

The Texas-based establishment has only been part of the San Diego scene for a year, but it’s already making a name for itself among downtown diners

Protector Brewery, San Diego’s only all-organic brewery, celebrates two years in business

In 2017, San Diego welcomed its first-ever USDA certified organic operation when Protector Brewery opened in Miramar. Former Navy SEAL Sean Haggerty worked with fellow sea, air, and land vets to brew up his business.

The Land & Water Co.

Hook, Line & Sinker Carlsbad’s Land & Water Co. takes sustainability, frugality to scrumptious heights Posted on April 1, 2019 In a restaurant scene where consumers crave master chef technique set within comfy environs, The Land & Water Co. stands as tall and bright as a lighthouse in coastal Carlsbad. Exec toque Rob Ruiz and…

Dine

Demystifying the components of a professional restaurant review

Though primary tools of the trade, the palate and stomach are but two parts of a food critic’s anatomy. An accurate evaluation of an eatery requires a reviewer to utilize all of his or her senses, and a heaping spoonful of common sense.

Heartiness & Heart

Davanti Enoteca Honoring Italian traditions in classic dishes crafted with quality ingredients Posted on November 1, 2018 It’s a Friday night vivified by the spirit of week’s end; time to shake off the workweek doldrums with a cocktail or a nice glass of vino amid familiar environs. And if pasta or flatbread dressed in a…

Brew & Improved

Brew & Improved Hospitality powerhouses venture into the brewing business Posted on October 15, 2018 Beer is big business in San Diego. The latest proof comes courtesy of three highly successful local restaurant groups wading into the brewing industry. Those legends of hospitality range from burger barons to seafood savants to restaurant royalty, and each sees…

A Sizzling Steakhouse

STK San Diego Andaz San Diego’s vibrant offering is a delicious restaurant and chic lounge Posted on October 12, 2018 In July, the One Hospitality Group grew its international family of luxe STK restaurants, installing its latest ultra-lounge/steakhouse hybrid, STK San Diego, at the base of downtown’s Andaz hotel. In doing so, it tapped a…

The Del’s Crown Jewel

The Del’s Crown Jewel Posted on October 1, 2018 When chef turnover occurs at a high-profile restaurant, epicureans tend to clutch their napkins, bracing for a potential letdown. In the case of 1500 Ocean’s toque shift a year ago, any such panic was quickly assuaged by the appointment of veteran gourmand Patrick Ponsaty. A member…

Among Friends

Amici’s Ristobar Posted on July 2018 Even after an extensive facelift, some familiar faces are still at the heart of Amici’s Ristobar, the reimagining of Dolce at the Highlands, where Chef Rhoelle Gabriel presents a menu that’s big on Southern Italian inspiration. While seasonal, California produce remains key to her food’s flavor and vibrancy, and…

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