How to Win Thanksgiving

Buffets, tasting menus, and prix fixe meals

Marina Kitchen offers a modern twist on Thanksgiving classics and American comfort food with its favorites like roasted butternut squash soup and brioche stuffing.

1:30-7 p.m. $48 for adults and $12.99 for children 12 and under. For reservations, call 619-699-8222.

Amaya La Jolla opens its doors to guests for its first winter holiday season with a choice of entrees that ranges from a traditional roasted turkey with dried cherry stuffing to Chilean sea bass. 12-8 p.m. $65 for adults and $25 for children ages 6-12. For reservations, call 858-750-3695.

The Grand Del Mar is home to two different fine dining experiences for the Thanksgiving Holidays. Amaya will feature a three-course tasting menu from 12:30-8 p.m. $78 for adults, $115 with wine pairings and $35 for children ages 6-12. Addison features a Thanksgiving-inspired seven-course menu from 3-8 p.m. $185 per person and $295 with wine pairings. For reservations to either restaurant, call 858-314-1996.

Pacifica Del Mar features eight different entrée selections for its three-course Thanksgiving meal, including grilled filet mignon and seared Atlantic sea scallops.

$39 for the traditional roasted turkey entrée, $49 for all other entrees, $16 for children 12 and under. For reservations, call 858-792-0476.

The Shores seeks to provide an alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving experience with its oceanfront dining and main courses such as toasted macadamia nut ricotta blintz and gremolata crusted butterfish.

10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. $46 for adults, $23 for children ages 6-12, $4/year for children under 5. For reservations, call 866-644-2630.

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is hosting a special Thanksgiving Day buffet, featuring a chilled seafood bar and signature house drinks in addition to their famous Mary’s Organic Turkey.

2 p.m.- 8 p.m. $60 for adults, $30 for children ages 12 and under. For reservations, call 858.964.6521.

The Hotel del Coronado will open up both its Crown Room and oceanfront Ballroom to host a luxurious Thanksgiving buffet, complete with live entertainment.

2 p.m. – 6 p.m. $98.50 for adults and $40 for children. For reservations, visit hoteldel.com.

La Costa Resort will transform its Poinsettia Ballroom into a lavish Thanksgiving dining experience, featuring a variety of smoked fish, gourmet salads, tapas, and chef specials.

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. $68 for adults,  $28 for children ages 6-16, children 5 and under free. For reservations, call 800-854-5000.

Mimi’s Cafe offers a classic Thanksgiving menu featuring roasted turkey and traditional sides. Guests can choose to dine in or take their orders to go.

8 a.m. to 8 p.m., $16.99 for adults, $8.99 for children ages 12 and under, $99.99 for a feast to-go; serves 6-8 people. To order online or find your local restaurant, visit mimiscafe.com.

Bertrand at Mr. A’s overlooks a spectacular view of the San Diego skyline from it’s outdoor, wrap around balcony. For the holiday meal they are offering a choice of five main entrees, including potato crusted sea bass, roasted dietsel turkey and oven roasted Maine lobster.

12 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. $59.50 per person. For reservations, visit bertrandatmras.com.

The Marine Room is offering five main courses for the Thanksgiving holiday, including options like braised port osso bucco, black angus filet mingon, and julian pear cider brined Sonoma turkey breast.

12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Prices vary depending on dishes, main courses $36-$44. For reservations, call 866-644-2351.

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe will be featuring a three-course tasting menu created by chef Todd Allison. The options for the main course include both Thanksgiving favorites like Diestel turkey and the Inn’s famous garden crusted tenderloin. 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. $69.50 for adults and $30 for children ages 6 to 12. For reservations, call 858-381-8289 or reserve a table online.

Mille Fleurs Chef de Cuisine Martin Woesle offers his guests a unique holiday experience with his farm-to-table Thanksgiving menu. Guests can choose between ordering items a la carte or the four-course prix fixe menu, which includes items such as Duck Pate, Roasted Fennel Soup, and Oven-Roasted Diestel Turkey. 1:30 -7 p.m. $65 per guest. Reservations can be made online at www.millefleurs.com or by calling 858-756-3085.

Bali Hai Restaurant is giving this Thanksgiving season a Polynesian twist. Featured entrée dishes include Kalua Braised Turkey Dark Meat, Salmon with a Soy Maple Glaze and Macadamia Nut stuffing with Chinese Sausage. 11:00 a.m. -7 p.m. $39 for adults and $16 for children ages 6 to12. For reservations, call 619-222-1181.

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse brings its fresh seafood to the Thanksgiving table with entrees including Maine lobster claws, Oysters on the Half Shell, and salmon covered in a herb and chipotle citrus glaze. 11:00a.m. -7 p.m. $42 for adults and $18 for children ages 6 to12. Children under 5 are free. For reservations, call 619-291-9110.

Kitchen 1540 at L’auberge Del Mar will feature its signature modern American style cooking with a three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving menu. Guests have the option to choose between four starters, which include beef tartare and squash gnocchi, as well as four entrée options, including duck breast and black cod. 12 -8 p.m. $70 for adults and $34 for children under 12. For reservations, call 858-793-6460.

Carlsbad Beach Bistro at the Hilton Garden Inn will be hosting a traditional three-course Thanksgiving menu with a starter of roasted butternut squash, entrée of roasted turkey with sourdough bread stuffing, and pumpkin pie for dessert. 12. -10 p.m. $26.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 6 to12. Children under age 5 are free. For reservations, call 760-476-0800.

Chandler’s at Hilton Carlsbad offers both a classic roasted turkey and the more non-traditional selections of blue cheese-crusted beef tenderloin or crab-crusted sea bass For those who wish to enjoy a gourmet Thanksgiving at their own dining table, Chandler’s offers a to go package priced at $250 designed to serve 16 people.11a.m. -7:30 p.m. $52/$54 based on choice of entrée and $24  for children under age 10. Turkey-To-Go orders must be placed 72 hours in advance. To make reservations for either the restaurant or Turkey-To-Go, call 760-683-5500.

Paradise Point is transforming the Baleen dining room into a Thanksgiving haven, complete with a three-course menu and a gorgeous view overlooking Mission Bay. Menu options include brown sugar-brined turkey, lobster cannelloni, and honey mustard-glazed short rib.3 -7 p.m. $49 for adults and $20 for children. For reservations, visit www.paradisepoint.com

JRDN at Tower23 Hotel will be serving a four-course Thanksgiving meal with a California twist, courtesy of Executive Chef David Warner. Entrée options include roasted Mary’s Turkey, pan seared scallops, grilled beef tenderloin, grilled tombo, and an autumn vegetable risotto. 3 -8 p.m. Prices vary per entrée. For reservations, call 858-270-5736.

Manchester Grand Hyatt is home to two different Thanksgiving feasts this holiday season. Lael’s will feature a buffet that includes seasonal options such as Jack Daniel’s pumpkin bisque, Alaskan king crabs, and cider brine roasted turkey. 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. $64.95 for adults, $45 for seniors over 62, $25 for children ages 5 to 12, and children 5 and under are free. For reservations, call 619-358-6735. Sally’s on the Water offers guests the choice between a three or four-course meal, priced at $42 per person and $20 for wine pairings. Dinner served from 5:30 – 9:30p.m. For reservations, call 619-358-6740.

Veladora at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is hosting an elaborate buffet that includes stations such as charcuterie and cheeses, carving, cold seafood, and desserts. Guests can enjoy life music as they try the truffle honey glazed Scottish trout or chorizo and herb stuffing. 1 -7 p.m. $89 for adults, $29 for children ages 11 and under, children under 3 are free. For reservations, call 858-759-6246.

THE US GRANT will be serving holiday favorites such as roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and roasted acorn squash at their Thanksgiving buffet. To ease the stress of the holidays, guests can also enjoy complimentary valet service and live entertainment. Seatings for the buffet will be offered at 12:30p.m., 2p.m., 3:30p.m., 4:15p.m. $75 for adults,$65 for seniors, $29 for children ages 12 and under. For reservations, call 619-744-2039.

BiCE Ristorante is giving Thanksgiving an Italian twist with its carefully crafted holiday menu. This three-course menu includes options such as lacinato kale and farro salad, chicken roulade, and soft polenta. 5p.m. -9:30 p.m. $42 for adults, $21 for children ages 10 and under. For reservations, call 619-239-2423.

Brockton Villa is hosting a special Thanksgiving brunch where Executive Chef Mareyja Sisbarro will be serving specials that include bourbon pumpkin pie panckaes and a Thanksgiving eggs benedict. Restaurant favorites such as healthy breakfast steamers and Coast Toast will also be available. 8a.m. -2p.m. Prices vary. For reservations, visit www.brocktonvilla.com online.

Katsuya San Diego offers a unique Thanksgiving experience for those looking to avoid a typical turkey and gravy dinner.  Featuring its full Japanese-inspired menu, guests can choose between restaurant favorites such as miso-marinated black cod, crispy rice with spicy tuna, and Wagyu Tobanyaki.  For reservations, call 619-814-2000.

KELVIN at W San Diego is transforming its signature restaurant Kelvin into an elegant Thanksgiving dinner, complete with sage honey glazed turkey, grilled country ham, and pumpkin mousse tart.  11:30a.m. – 10p.m. For reservations, call 619-398-3082.

Rancho Bernardo Inn is offering a variety of Thanksgiving Day options for where to eat this Thanksgiving holiday. Guests looking for a traditional, three-course menu of roasted turkey and mashed potatoes will find it at Verdana. 12-9p.m. $38 for adults and $15 for children ages 4-14.Those looking for one more course can head to Avant, which will feature a gourmet four-course menu complete with truffle rilletes and roasted pumkin panna cotta. 2p.m -7p.m. $70 for adults and $35 for children ages 4-14. Finally, the Aragon Ballroom will feature a five-station buffet where guests can indulge in Thanksgiving favorites. 11a.m.-3p.m. $60 for adults and $25 for children ages 4-14. For reservations at any of the restaurants, call 858.675.8550.

Catering

The French Gourmet has the perfect amount of food for families big and small. With turkeys as large as 28 lbs., even the biggest of families will finish their meals feeling as stuffed as the turkeys themselves. Customers can choose menu items at individual prices or complete turkey dinners where prices vary per number of people.

Hot food orders available for pick-up between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Order online at thefrenchgourmet.com.

Elijah’s offers four different fully prepared Thanksgiving packages: turkey, beef brisket, ham, and prime rib. Each dinner serves 10 people and includes a choice of two sides and a dessert.

To place an order, call 858-455-9529. Food available for pick up or deliver.

Marie Callender’s take-home feasts start at just $99.99 and include a choice of oven roasted turkey breast or ham as well as seven sides and a pie. With several locations throughout the greater San Diego area, you won’t have to travel far to bring home your Thanksgiving meal. Orders can be placed online and all meals require 3 hours reheating time.

Turkey with a charitable element

YouBComplete Run for the Hungry is hosting both a 10K run and 5K run/walk this Thanksgiving day downtown. The race runs through the Gaslamp District and East Village. Proceeds benefit the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and Foodmobile. 10K starts at 7:10am and 5K starts at 8:15.  Early registration is $35 for adults and $22 for youth.

Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K is a run through Balboa Park with 100% of proceeds benefitting the homeless members of the San Diego community. The race will begin in front of the San Diego Museum of Man. Race begins at 7:45am

Mama’s Kitchen Pie in the Sky Fundraiser happens every year at Thanksgiving. The pies are made by local San Diego chefs and bakers and the money goes toward providing more than 375,000 meals to people affected by HIV/AIDS and cancer. (P.S. San Diego Magazine wants to help them reach their 5,000-pie goal. Buy a pie for $20 or $25. Order online at mamaspies.org and select San Diego Magazine as the seller.)

Buffets, tasting menus, and prix fixe meals

Marina Kitchen offers a modern twist on Thanksgiving classics and American comfort food with its favorites like roasted butternut squash soup and brioche stuffing.

1:30-7 p.m. $48 for adults and $12.99 for children 12 and under. For reservations, call 619-699-8222.

Amaya La Jolla opens its doors to guests for its first winter holiday season with a choice of entrees that ranges from a traditional roasted turkey with dried cherry stuffing to Chilean sea bass. 12-8 p.m. $65 for adults and $25 for children ages 6-12. For reservations, call 858-750-3695.

The Grand Del Mar is home to two different fine dining experiences for the Thanksgiving Holidays. Amaya will feature a three-course tasting menu from 12:30-8 p.m. $78 for adults, $115 with wine pairings and $35 for children ages 6-12. Addison features a Thanksgiving-inspired seven-course menu from 3-8 p.m. $185 per person and $295 with wine pairings. For reservations to either restaurant, call 858-314-1996.

Pacifica Del Mar features eight different entrée selections for its three-course Thanksgiving meal, including grilled filet mignon and seared Atlantic sea scallops.

$39 for the traditional roasted turkey entrée, $49 for all other entrees, $16 for children 12 and under. For reservations, call 858-792-0476.

The Shores seeks to provide an alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving experience with its oceanfront dining and main courses such as toasted macadamia nut ricotta blintz and gremolata crusted butterfish.

10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. $46 for adults, $23 for children ages 6-12, $4/year for children under 5. For reservations, call 866-644-2630.

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is hosting a special Thanksgiving Day buffet, featuring a chilled seafood bar and signature house drinks in addition to their famous Mary’s Organic Turkey.

2 p.m.- 8 p.m. $60 for adults, $30 for children ages 12 and under. For reservations, call 858.964.6521.

The Hotel del Coronado will open up both its Crown Room and oceanfront Ballroom to host a luxurious Thanksgiving buffet, complete with live entertainment.

2 p.m. – 6 p.m. $98.50 for adults and $40 for children. For reservations, visit hoteldel.com.

La Costa Resort will transform its Poinsettia Ballroom into a lavish Thanksgiving dining experience, featuring a variety of smoked fish, gourmet salads, tapas, and chef specials.

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. $68 for adults,  $28 for children ages 6-16, children 5 and under free. For reservations, call 800-854-5000.

Mimi’s Cafe offers a classic Thanksgiving menu featuring roasted turkey and traditional sides. Guests can choose to dine in or take their orders to go.

8 a.m. to 8 p.m., $15.99 for adults, $7.99 for children ages 12 and under, $89.99 for a feast to-go; serves 6-8 people. To order online or find your local restaurant, visit mimiscafe.com.

Bertrand at Mr. A’s overlooks a spectacular view of the San Diego skyline from it’s outdoor, wrap around balcony. For the holiday meal they are offering a choice of five main entrees, including potato crusted sea bass, roasted dietsel turkey and oven roasted Maine lobster.

12 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. $59.50 per person. For reservations, visit bertrandatmras.com.

The Marine Room is offering five main courses for the Thanksgiving holiday, including options like braised port osso bucco, black angus filet mingon, and julian pear cider brined Sonoma turkey breast.

12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Prices vary depending on dishes, main courses $36-$44. For reservations, call 866-644-2351.

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe will be featuring a three-course tasting menu created by chef Todd Allison. The options for the main course include both Thanksgiving favorites like Diestel turkey and the Inn’s famous garden crusted tenderloin. 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. $69.50 for adults and $30 for children ages 6 to 12. For reservations, call 858-381-8289 or reserve a table online.

Mille Fleurs Chef de Cuisine Martin Woesle offers his guests a unique holiday experience with his farm-to-table Thanksgiving menu. Guests can choose between ordering items a la carte or the four-course prix fixe menu, which includes items such as Duck Pate, Roasted Fennel Soup, and Oven-Roasted Diestel Turkey. 1:30 -7 p.m. $65 per guest. Reservations can be made online at www.millefleurs.com or by calling 858-756-3085.

Bali Hai Restaurant is giving this Thanksgiving season a Polynesian twist. Featured entrée dishes include Kalua Braised Turkey Dark Meat, Salmon with a Soy Maple Glaze and Macadamia Nut stuffing with Chinese Sausage. 11:00 a.m. -7 p.m. $39 for adults and $16 for children ages 6 to12. For reservations, call 619-222-1181.

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse brings its fresh seafood to the Thanksgiving table with entrees including Maine lobster claws, Oysters on the Half Shell, and salmon covered in a herb and chipotle citrus glaze. 11:00a.m. -7 p.m. $42 for adults and $86 for children ages 6 to12. Children under 5 are free. For reservations, call 619-291-9110.

Kitchen 1540 at L’auberge Del Mar will feature its signature modern American style cooking with a three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving menu. Guests have the option to choose between four starters, which include beef tartare and squash gnocchi, as well as four entrée options, including duck breast and black cod. 12 -8 p.m. $70 for adults and $34 for children under 12. For reservations, call 858-793-6460.

Carlsbad Beach Bistro at the Hilton Garden Inn will be hosting a traditional three-course Thanksgiving menu with a starter of roasted butternut squash, entrée of roasted turkey with sourdough bread stuffing, and pumpkin pie for dessert. 12. -10 p.m. $26.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 6 to12. Children under age 5 are free. For reservations, call 760-476-0800.

Chandler’s at Hilton Carlsbad offers both a classic roasted turkey and the more non-traditional selections of blue cheese-crusted beef tenderloin or crab-crusted sea bass For those who wish to enjoy a gourmet Thanksgiving at their own dining table, Chandler’s offers a to go package priced at $250 designed to serve 16 people.11a.m. -7:30 p.m. $52/$54 based on choice of entrée and $24  for children under age 10. Turkey-To-Go orders must be placed 72 hours in advance. To make reservations for either the restaurant or Turkey-To-Go, call 760-683-5500.

Paradise Point is transforming the Baleen dining room into a Thanksgiving haven, complete with a three-course menu and a gorgeous view overlooking Mission Bay. Menu options include brown sugar-brined turkey, lobster cannelloni, and honey mustard-glazed short rib.3 -7 p.m. $49 for adults and $20 for children. For reservations, visit www.paradisepoint.com

JRDN at Tower23 Hotel will be serving a four-course Thanksgiving meal with a California twist, courtesy of Executive Chef David Warner. Entrée options include roasted Mary’s Turkey, pan seared scallops, grilled beef tenderloin, grilled tombo, and an autumn vegetable risotto. 3 -8 p.m. Prices vary per entrée. For reservations, call 858-270-5736.

Manchester Grand Hyatt is home to two different Thanksgiving feasts this holiday season. Lael’s will feature a buffet that includes seasonal options such as Jack Daniel’s pumpkin bisque, Alaskan king crabs, and cider brine roasted turkey. 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. $64.95 for adults, $45 for seniors over 62, $25 for children ages 5 to 12, and children 5 and under are free. For reservations, call 619-358-6735. Sally’s on the Water offers guests the choice between a three or four-course meal, priced at $42 per person and $20 for wine pairings. Dinner served from 5:30 – 9:30p.m. For reservations, call 619-358-6740.

Veladora at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is hosting an elaborate buffet that includes stations such as charcuterie and cheeses, carving, cold seafood, and desserts. Guests can enjoy life music as they try the truffle honey glazed Scottish trout or chorizo and herb stuffing. 1 -7 p.m. $89 for adults, $29 for children ages 11 and under, children under 3 are free. For reservations, call 858-759-6246.

Grant Grill at the US GRANT Hotel will be serving holiday favorites such as roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and roasted acorn squash at their Thanksgiving buffet. To ease the stress of the holidays, guests can also enjoy complimentary valet service and live entertainment. Seatings for the buffet will be offered at 12:30p.m., 2p.m., 3:30p.m., 4:15p.m. $75 for adults,$65 for seniors, $29 for children ages 12 and under. For reservations, call 619-744-2039.

BiCE Ristorante is giving Thanksgiving an Italian twist with its carefully crafted holiday menu. This three-course menu includes options such as lacinato kale and farro salad, chicken roulade, and soft polenta. 5p.m. -9:30 p.m. $42 for adults, $21 for children ages 10 and under. For reservations, call 619-239-2423.

Brockton Villa is hosting a special Thanksgiving brunch where Executive Chef Mareyja Sisbarro will be serving specials that include bourbon pumpkin pie panckaes and a Thanksgiving eggs benedict. Restaurant favorites such as healthy breakfast steamers and Coast Toast will also be available. 8a.m. -2p.m. Prices vary. For reservations, visit www.brocktonvilla.com online.

Katsuya San Diego offers a unique Thanksgiving experience for those looking to avoid a typical turkey and gravy dinner.  Featuring its full Japanese-inspired menu, guests can choose between restaurant favorites such as miso-marinated black cod, crispy rice with spicy tuna, and Wagyu Tobanyaki.  For reservations, call 619-814-2000.

W Hotel is transforming its signature restaurant Kelvin into an elegant Thanksgiving dinner, complete with sage honey glazed turkey, grilled country ham, and pumpkin mousse tart.  11:30a.m. – 10p.m. For reservations, call 619-814-2000.

Rancho Bernardo Inn is offering a variety of Thanksgiving Day options for where to eat this Thanksgiving holiday. Guests looking for a traditional, three-course menu of roasted turkey and mashed potatoes will find it at Verdana. 12-9p.m. $38 for adults and $15 for children ages 4-14.Those looking for one more course can head to Avant, which will feature a gourmet four-course menu complete with truffle rilletes and roasted pumkin panna cotta. 2p.m -7p.m. $70 for adults and $35 for children ages 4-14. Finally, the Aragon Ballroom will feature a five-station buffet where guests can indulge in Thanksgiving favorites. 11a.m.-3p.m. $60 for adults and $25 for children ages 4-14. For reservations at any of the restaurants, call 858.675.8550.

Catering

The French Gourmet has the perfect amount of food for families big and small. With turkeys as large as 28 lbs., even the biggest of families will finish their meals feeling as stuffed as the turkeys themselves. Customers can choose menu items at individual prices or complete turkey dinners where prices vary per number of people.

Hot food orders available for pick-up between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Order online at thefrenchgourmet.com.

Elijah’s offers four different fully prepared Thanksgiving packages: turkey, beef brisket, ham, and prime rib. Each dinner serves 10 people and includes a choice of two sides and a dessert.

To place an order, call 858-455-9529. Food available for pick up or deliver.

Marie Callender’s take-home feasts start at just $99.99 and include a choice of oven roasted turkey breast or ham as well as seven sides and a pie. With several locations throughout the greater San Diego area, you won’t have to travel far to bring home your Thanksgiving meal. Orders can be placed online and all meals require 3 hours reheating time.

Turkey with a charitable element

YouBComplete Run for the Hungry is hosting both a 10K run and 5K run/walk this Thanksgiving day downtown. The race runs through the Gaslamp District and East Village. Proceeds benefit the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and Foodmobile. 10K starts at 7:10am and 5K starts at 8:15.  Early registration is $35 for adults and $22 for youth.

Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K is a run through Balboa Park with 100% of proceeds benefitting the homeless members of the San Diego community. The race will begin in front of the San Diego Museum of Man. Race begins at 7:45am

Mama’s Kitchen Pie in the Sky Fundraiser happens every year at Thanksgiving. The pies are made by local San Diego chefs and bakers and the money goes toward providing more than 375,000 meals to people affected by HIV/AIDS and cancer. (P.S. San Diego Magazine wants to help them reach their 5,000-pie goal. Buy a pie for $20 or $25. Order online at mamaspies.org and select San Diego Magazine as the seller.)

No matter your job, it’s helpful to find some sort of joy in it to avoid going completely insane. Some people savor the variety of personalities when dealing with customers. Others find comfort in the predictability of closing a bar after last call, counting tips and wiping counters. Perhaps achieving Inbox Zero really gets your blood pumping, or shipping a new product design sparks joy.

For Heidi Greenwood and Juerie Masters, work doesn’t get better than logistics and operations.

“[We] both love all the unsexy parts of supply chain and backend management,” laughs Greenwood. Tracking outbound orders? Ensuring compliance? Managing inbound freight? Stop me if this is getting too hot for you!

Not enough people think about the unsexy reality of running a business before launch, but effectively and consistently keeping an eye on operations separates successful companies from out-of-business ones. Both Masters and Greenwood already own their own businesses—Greenwood is behind the wine zine Campestre Mag and runs the online wine shop Esquina, and Masters co-owns Clos Wine Shop and Fintastic Provisions in University Heights with her husband Paul. Apparently, these gigs weren’t enough to satisfy their collective yearning for spreadsheets and inventory maintenance. 

So, they decided to start another business together—Sosal Line, a San Diego-based import and distribution company specializing in global pantry items. The pair launched Sosal Line at the beginning of 2025 and currently only sell three brands of tinned fish, but Greenwood says they plan to expand their offerings as they discover other small or family-run businesses that share their values.

“We want to work with brands and with products that really have a sense of place and actually tell a story—not just the product, but the people behind it too,” she says. 

Masters and Greenwood are both Korean-American and named this burgeoning business after Haenyeo, the legendary free-diving women of Jeju Island in South Korea. Traditional Haenyeo equipment and garb include oribal (swim fins), yeoncheol (lead belts to help them sink), and the company’s namesake sosal, a hand-held fishing spear (sometimes called jaksal). 

The average person, if sitting completely still, can stay underwater for up to a minute and a half at most. Haenyeo can hold their breath for up to three minutes while actively foraging, harvesting, and swimming. Scientists say these diving women spend more time underwater than any other group of humans on earth. Not badass enough for you? The average age of Haenyeo is around 70.

“Fishing is a strong heritage for Koreans, and it’s the same here in San Diego with the Portuguese settlers,” Greenwood explains. (We aren’t the tuna capital of the US for no reason.) 

Sosal Line carries 100 percent traceable, wild caught fish from Galicia in Northern Spain and the Pacific Northwest, all family-owned companies who don’t compromise on sustainable practices. Tinned fish has never been more popular—or more debated—but there’s more to it than cute labels designed for maximum Instagram reach. “I want to know who I’m purchasing from,” says Greenwood. One of their suppliers, Craft Fish Co., which is based in San Diego but fishes in the PNW, is run by JJ and Jessica Gerritsen. JJ catches, Jessica packages, and it’s a business relationship on a first-name basis. “You can’t find that when you’re working with some nameless brand.”

San Diegans can find Sosal Line products at local retailers like Clos/Fintastic (obviously), allmine in Oceanside, Always Hungry Grocery & Goods in Carlsbad, J. Brix Wines in San Marcos, Collins & Coupe/Tablespoon in North Park, and Green Acre in La Jolla. They’re also available in select retailers in Northern California, Oregon, Arizona, and strangely enough, South Carolina. Expanding its client base is, of course, a goal. But not at the expense of quality or joy of discovery.

“I would love to see people try food from different cultures and be excited about it,” says Greenwood. “Maybe make them want to travel to experience different areas of the world.” 

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San Diego Restaurant News & Events

Manna Coffee Co. Is A Family Affair  

La Mesa: a bucolic, hill-dappled city long regarded as a somewhat frumpy, never quite trendy bridge between the urban cool of Mid-City and the rural sprawls of East County. La Mesa’s population clocks in at around 4 percent of the city of San Diego’s—fewer than Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, El Cajon, Vista, San Marcos, and Encinitas, in that order. It’s home to a killer Oktoberfest, one of the best charter high schools in the state, and a theatrical mayor who tools around town in a golf cart (and so far, hasn’t cut any arts funding or closed public bathrooms). 

But any area that’s only 20 minutes from downtown San Diego and under 20 miles to Mission Bay will only stay under the radar for so long. Slowly but surely, bits and bobs from San Diego’s cultural tastemakers have been popping up all over town. Dark Horse Coffee and the boutique Small Batch both opened in La Mesa in 2018. Stella Jean’s and Pop Pie are coming later this year. Native Poppy is building its new headquarters and studio this fall. After a year in business, the new owners of JK’s Greek have established themselves as one of the best Greek restaurants in the county. 

Next year, La Mesa will get one of its most ambitious projects yet. Billy and Suzanna Beltz, owners of Lost Cause Meadery and Oddish Wine, are pouring everything they have into renovating a 5,000-square-foot building between the Village and MacArthur Park to open a wine/beer bar, coffee shop, all-day cafe, and wine shop. 

The concept doesn’t have a name (yet), and Bica in Normal Heights will come on as a partner to run the restaurant aspect and coffee program (which also won’t be called Bica. Still lots of naming decisions to be made). But the Beltz’s vision is to create something in La Mesa that doesn’t exist yet—a community gathering space open from morning until night that’s family-friendly, creatively designed, and well… cool. 

The building has been around since the 1940s, first operating as a neighborhood market, then butcher shop, secondhand children’s store, electronics store, dry cleaners, and bike shop. The Beltzses say they plan to keep the “soul and character” of the space as much as possible, highlighting original details like a barrel-shaped wooden roof, brightening up the corner building by utilizing the large front windows, and eventually building an outdoor dining/drinking space and kid-friendly area—a must for the neighborhood’s plethora of young families. They tapped all locals for the design and build: Tecscape Design, design consultant Carly Miller-Chen (who owns Ayi boutique in South Park) to create the space, and local contractor CLTVT. 

Starting in the morning, the space will offer coffee and light breakfast items before transitioning to lunch and dinner menus, plus a full bar that will feature Oddish and Lost Cause products as well as other local wines, beers, ciders, and other beverages alongside an aperitivo program and low-ABV cocktails and spritzes. Food-wise, they plan to install a wood-fired oven and rotisserie, but expect more menu details to be revealed closer to opening. 

There will also be a small retail space focused on natural wines and ciders from places like Raging Cider & Mead in San Marcos and other San Diego and Baja California makers. But don’t expect run-of-the-mill options from the guy who makes weird wines and mead, the oldest alcoholic beverage in human history (hardly TikTok trend material). “We have a unique perspective… Hopefully we can expand some palates and minds in the process,” says Billy.

Community is the heart of the project, more than food, more than drinks. “We have a young family. [Bica owners] Manny [Da Luz] and Charlie [Knowles] have families,” says Billy. Suzanna adds: “People want a space that they know they’re going to get really amazing food, really fun drinks, but they can also feel like they can bring their kids during the weeknights.” It won’t be North Park 2.0, although many families now living in La Mesa came from various neighborhoods across Mid-City (like the Beltzes). It’s filling a void. It’s something they can build from the ground up. And just maybe, it’s something that will surprise people who have yet to discover La Mesa’s potential. 

Oddish Wine/Lost Cause Meadery’s new concept is projected to open by the end of 2027 at 8495 La Mesa Blvd.

San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events

Beth’s Bites

• For as long as I can remember, my favorite animal in the world has been bunnies. (You’d think I would have been cured of the notion after adopting an adorable, but absolutely diabolical rabbit in my teens, but alas, it did not.) If you, too, love gazing at cute little cotton tails and velvety-soft ears, then join me for Bunnies & Brunch on Saturday, September 26 at Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter’s Wild Hare Bar Garden. (I had no idea that downtown San Diego was once home to a robust rabbit population in the mid-19th century, but today I learned!) Yes, there will be a bunny petting farm from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Take a number, pal.
• Keeping with the animal theme, there’s a new snake in town. Serpent & Stone, a Greek-inspired restaurant and lounge opened this weekend at 750 Front Street with Mediterranean classics like falafel, Greek meatballs, skewers, Greek salads, and mythology-inspired cocktails like “The Aphrodite” (pea-flower-infused Ketel One vodka with passion fruit, Madagascar vanilla, Passoã, lime and champagne). If you didn’t make it to Mykonos this summer, this sounds like a decent alternative. 
• Mat Robar, Jesse Pine, and Winslow Sawyer launched Pure Project in 2016 with the idea of centering a brewery around sustainability, rather than leaving it as an afterthought or bonus. Most recently, they released Closed Loops, a collaborative murky IPA with Societe Brewing Company and Dalum Beverage Equipment, the latter of which installed CO2 capturing machines at both breweries earlier this year. Since February, Pure Project has recaptured and reused over 74,500 pounds of CO₂ emissions, keeping all of that out of the air and staying on track to hit over 119,000 pounds by the end of the year. The hazy IPA brewed with Tropical Fusion, Mosaic, and Strata Cryo hops is now on draft and in to-go four-packs at all five Pure Project locations, and I’ve got to say, it’s really nice to see environmental enthusiasts doing their part. 
• Cheerio, California English. The Sorrento Valley British restaurant launched by celebrity chef Richard Blais will close permanently at the end of September. May your prime rib “proper roast” and Scotch eggs live on in another realm somewhere.

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Midway through my phone conversation with Shannon English, owner of The Delicate Squash, I hear an alarm shrilling in her background. 

“Sorry, I’ve got to pull some cookies out of the oven right now!” she apologizes. After a few beats, she picks the phone back up and laughs. “I feel like I’m bouncing around all over the place.”

After hearing her run through a list of her professions and current hobbies, I’d have to agree. English runs The Delicate Squash, a gluten- and dairy-free bakery; teaches cooking demos; pops up at farmers markets; wrote a book of poetry (Deep Water came out this month from Beyond the Veil Press); hosts a monthly open mic night; dipped her toe into ballet; recently joined a running club; volunteers at local farms; and finally, teaches at a play-based, nature-based preschool.

I’m tired just talking to her. 

Surprising no one, English seems to have unlimited energy and enthusiasm for all this work, notably in education. Early childhood education is one of the most pivotal times for nurturing lifelong learning, but she also aims to educate the public on how to eat cleaner, feel better, and support your local food systems. She started The Delicate Squash in late 2023 after discovering she has a chronic illness, going through the typical standards of care and even strict elimination diets, to no avail. 

“I’m not going to say I found a diet that has ‘cured’ me, but I have found that taking a more mindful approach to a lot of things, including diet, has made symptoms far more manageable for me,” she says. 

Even people with dietary restrictions deserve a little treat from time to time, but she had a hard time finding anything that tasted good and made her feel good. Thus, The Delicate Squash was born.

All of her baked goods avoid gluten and dairy, and use natural sweeteners like coconut sugar or maple syrup as well as herbs, fruits, foraged flowers, and other natural flavorings. Her signature cookie, the “Delicate” cookie, is a sea salt dark chocolate cookie that’s soft, a little salty, a little sweet, and made with oatmeal to keep it gluten-free. Other crowd favorites are thumbprint jam cookies with jams made from scratch with change seasonally; breakfast pastries like orange, dark chocolate and cardamom scones; brownies; orange and black sesame banana bread; seasonal pies; and custom and seasonal cakes (currently, the late summer flavor is a dark chocolate coconut milk ganache with berry jam).

English says some people are surprised she can produce such a variety of goods with the dietary restrictions she adheres to. “A lot of feedback I get is ‘I could never do that,’” she says. But if she can do it, she assures me that anyone can. “I like to say ‘practice makes progress, not perfection.’” 

Her advice? Focus more on being present than presentation, and don’t be afraid to experiment to keep things interesting. And if that doesn’t work, you can always hit her open mic night to ask for tips.

Customers can order from The Delicate Squash’s online store, check her upcoming schedule of pop-ups, or find her goods at various independent retailers around San Diego.

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San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events

Vinyl Listening Room Opening Inside Escondido’s Distinction Gallery

Escondido is getting in on the listening bar phenomenon. On September 5, musicians Mat Rakers, Kevin Capacia, and Billy Petty will open Plot Armor, a Japanese-style vinyl listening bar that Rakers says they aim to feel “curated and intelligent.” 

“Currently, there are not a lot of ‘cool’ spots in Escondido,” he says. Backed by The San Diego Music And Art Company and The Escondido Music And Art Company, Plot Armor will soon offer sake, wine, beer, and soju cocktails, plus Japanese non-alcoholic options and cold brew. Eventually, they’ll add Japanese-inspired snacks, but the focus will be creating a small place (very small—the seating capacity is 20) where vinyl junkies can come listen, linger, and libate. 

Beth’s Bites

• Ocean Beach has a new watering hole. The Jetty opened in July at 4934 Voltaire Street (where Voltaire Beach House used to be), and while I don’t think OBceans were hurting for where to get a drink, the more the merrier. 
• Chinese restaurant powerhouse Chef Fei is finally making it to the U.S., opening a spot at Westfield UTC mall on September 5. Known for Hunan-style stir fry dishes, it’s often lauded as one of the most consistently solid chains in the world—in fact, in 2018 chef Fei Lianghui took home the highest honor a Chinese chef can earn, the China Golden Chef Award. Again, I don’t think mallgoers were hurting for great places to slurp some noodles, but there’s always room in my heart for more stir fry.
• In past years, Fairmont Grand Del Mar didn’t exactly jump to mind when I looked for different Día de Muertos celebrations around San Diego. That changes this year, when the five-star resort will debut its first Día de Muertos celebration on November 1. Michelin-recognized chefs like Javier Plascencia (Erizo, Animalon), Roberto Alcocer (Valle), Drew Deckman (Deckman’s En El Mogor), and more will come from both sides of the border for one night only, with proceeds going to Fundación Tijuana Sin Hambre. Get ready for what will undoubtedly be San Diego’s most upscale take on the Mexican holiday.

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Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].