Yellowfin Crudo @ Catania
The large gaping hole in La Jolla left by Jack’s—who tragically fell victim to embezzlement—is finally coming to life. Now called The Plaza, there’s only one tenant open so far, but it’s a good one. Catania is the new coastal Italian concept from Whisknladle Hospitality Group (who brought SD Whisknladle and Prepkitchen). Chef Vince Schofield is doing a standup job, but his yellowfin crudo is unbelievably good. It’s a few pieces of top raw yellowfin (tuna) with melon-yogurt gazpacho, melon and cucumber granita, a generous slice of avocado for some natural, healthy fat and a spike of chile oil. The result—the creamy yogurt, the bright fruit notes, the ice cold granite, the body of avocado, is just about perfect.
1044 Wall Street, La Jolla
Chicken Wiener Schnitzel @ Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant
Best Things I Ate This Month: August 2015
I recently converted three of my family members into diehard Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant fans by attending their brunch. I’m sure part of their quasi-religious reaction was due to the cocktails (one of the best White Russians in town), but the chicken wiener schnitzel with two “up” eggs, béarnaise sauce, savoy spinach and asparagus was the epitome of the perfect brunch food—indulgent, rich, absolutely delicious. In other words, the opposite of that drab, healthy breakfast that starts most of our day to day lives. They serve brunch Sundays only. Make it a priority.
2202 4th Ave., Bankers Hill
Grilled Avocado @ Galaxy Taco
Best Things I Ate This Month: August 2015
Trey Foshee is a four-star chef. Long the star at George’s by the Cove, he and owner George Hauer just spun off the second concept, Galaxy Taco, in La Jolla Shores. It’s a taco joint, as done like only a top chef can do. At a recent tasting we didn’t have a bad bite, from the birria-steamed clams, the excellent Hamachi sashimi (with habañero, soy, lime, green onion, carrot and jicama) and the “Tacolandia” (marinated, braised and seared pork shoulder with jalapeño sdlaw and chicharon). But the biggest surprise is the grilled avocado taco with creamy corn salad (elote) and lime. Every taco is wrapped in a housemade, blue-corn masa tortilla. And this vegetarian
option is creamy, indulgent and slightly sweet. So much that you don’t miss the meat at all. Wash it down with the Cosmic Punch—tequila, rum, clarified coconut milk, pineapple, spices, lemon and bitters.
2259 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla Shores
