To kick off 2025, Troy and Jackie sit down with Aaron and Lauren Crossland—the Oceanside local and food anthropologist duo behind north county’s newest arrival, Merenda Wine Bar & Retail Shop. Lauren talks about what she’s learned getting her PhD in studying the cultural pathways of food, and Aaron gives his take on how O’Side has evolved. Designed by Bells & Whistles (Starlite, Jeune et Jolie), their wine shop/restaurant/third space is named after a chapter in the book of famed rogue food writer Patience Gray—and they enlisted beverage director Heidi Greenwood (Juniper & Ivy, etc.) to pair wines with dishes like grilled duck and rockfish carpaccio from chef Xavier De La Cruz.
Featured articles
Food & Drink
New Blood Arrives at San Diego’s ...
Food & Drink
Restaurant Review: Tobey's 19th Hol...
Food & Drink
Harland Brewing Takes A Big Swing I...
Featured articles
Features
Photo Essay: Way, Shape & Form with...
Everything SD
The Rise of Homes Designed as Welln...
Everything SD
8 San Diego Charity Events to Atten...
Featured articles
Everything SD
8 San Diego Charity Events to Atten...
Things to Do
The Best Things to Do in San Diego:...
Things to Do
17 Things to Do in San Diego This W...
Featured articles
podcast-ep
Where to Get the Best Hot Dogs in S...
podcast-ep
Where to Get the Best Sardines in S...
podcast-ep
The Short List for SDM’s Best Res...
Featured articles
Features
Photo Essay: Way, Shape & Form with...
Everything SD
The Rise of Homes Designed as Welln...
Features
Publisher's Note: Savor the Details...
Featured articles
Food & Drink
New Blood Arrives at San Diego’s ...
Features
Photo Essay: Way, Shape & Form with...
Food & Drink
Restaurant Review: Tobey's 19th Hol...
