As I talked about in this month’s restaurant review, the Lodge at Torrey Pines is one of the apexes of San Diego’s dining scene, thanks to chef Jeff Jackson and the signature dining room, A.R. Valentien. And now they’ve just stepped up their casual game, too, unveiling a $2.5 million renovation of The Grill at the Lodge at Torrey Pines.
The centerpiece? Fire.
Jackson and chef de cuisine Kyle Wiegand created a whole new menu for The Grill, part deux, and it’s focused around a six-foot, custom wood-fired grill with a diner-facing fireplace. The grill is six-foot, so is the oven, and there are two rotisseries. It continues the San Diego movement of open-fire cooking, and takes it to a whole new level. San Diego grill master Phil Roxworthy designed it all.
The redesign added five outdoor fire pit tables, an overhead wooden trellis, craftsman teak furniture and more than doubled the capacity of the space that overlooks the Torrey Pines Golf Course.
The new menu will have classics like Jackson’s famed Drugstore Burger, plus a spin on the Monte Cristo (wood-roasted turkey, applewood ham, gouda on raisin brioche with strawberry-green pepper jam); an oak-grilled tri-tip done Santa Maria style with pinquito beans, salsa, home made steak sauce and grilled bread; and a hot smoked black pepper salmon with peperonata and crispy polenta.
Wiegand is a home brewer and member of the San Diego Brewers’ Guild, so his 12 San Diego crafts on tap should always be solid. He’s also planning a series of seasonal beer collaborations (first is Sept. 21 with Alesmith Brewing). The wines will showcase some of Baja’s top, and craft cocktails are also on offer (blood-orange mojito, jalapeño margarita, a “local” mule, a boulevardier, etc.)
It’s open today. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner every day from here on out. 11480 North Torrey Pines Rd. 858.777.6641.
Now please enjoy the first known photos of the brand spanking new Grill.
The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
FIRST LOOK: The Grill
