Wolf in the Woods’ tapas menu includes maize and hen of the woods mushrooms PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
San Diego’s latest restaurant news is something to savor.
CHEF SHUFFLES After opening its culinary concepts under the leadership of James Beard-nominated chef Claudette Zepeda, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas—home to VAGA Restaurant & Bar—welcomes Ananda Bareño as its new executive chef. “Chef Bareño is an outstanding chef who I wholeheartedly trust to help continue our special culinary story at Alila Marea, bringing our guests on a journey of exploration that celebrates both our hometown of San Diego while reflecting a spirit of curiosity and wanderlust throughout the property,” says Zepeda, who will continue with the resort as its chef consultant and driving culinary maestro. “Ananda’s passion for unique gastronomic experiences, local food partnerships, and connecting with people through comforting and nourishing food make her a natural fit for our culture and our team.” Bareño—whose background includes culinary roles with the Manchester Hyatt San Diego, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa and myriad Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts properties around the world—will work hand in hand with Zepeda to maintain VAGA as the founding chef’s love letter to San Diego while infusing her own culinary flair. Welcome to the neighborhood. alilahotels.com/marea-beach-resort-encinitas
The New Mexico-inspired cafe and wine bar. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
THE ITALIAN JOB Del Mar Village is abuzz with the opening of Cevasco’s, a new Italian eatery from chef-owner Christophe Cevasco. Located beneath his debut restaurant, Beeside Balcony, his sophomore venture brings the flavors of Italy stateside with offerings for both lunch and dinner. Indulge in gourmet paninis, pizzas and fresh salads in the afternoon before trying the hearty Bolognese, Alaskan halibut piccatta and veggie pasta primavera at dinner. Tiramisu, cannolis and profiteroles will satiate sweet cravings while an extensive wine list and classic cocktail menu are sure to wet whistles. Toast to a night out on the town with an espresso martini, limoncello drop or the Naples Negroni. cevascos.com
Ananda Bareño is the new executive chef at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
USE YOUR NOODLE More Italian goodness awaits in Lemon Grove where San Diego Dining Group owner Vincenzo Lo Verso has teamed up with Allegro chef Marco Provino to open Inpasta and Pizza. Designed by Alberto Mestre, the concept offers patrons a quick-order restaurant teamed with an Italian marketplace and a gelato counter. Expect from-scratch pasta that’s made daily in-house, a bevy of pizzas and Italian classics including chicken parmigiana and lamb osso buco, plus a range of vino. inpastasandiego.com
Pasta is made from scratch each morning at Lemon Grove’s new Inpasta and Pizza PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
OUT OF THE WOODS Nearly five years in the making, Wolf in the Woods has finally bowed in Mission Hills. Founded by San Diego restaurateur Johnny Rivera, the charming wine bar and cafe pays homage to the culture of native New Mexico through a menu featuring old- and new-world wines and a bevy of shareable snacks and tapas. Executive chef Carmine Lopez is manning the kitchen that’s churning out dishes like harissa octopus, yellowtail aguachile, steak tartare, citrus-cured salmon and seared ahi escabeche. Cheese and charcuterie boards are ideal for groups while heartier plates include the New Mexico skillet mini burger served with rosemary and salt chips. Go ahead, raise a glass. thewolfinthewoods.com.
The pesce del giorno at Cevasco’s features a fillet that’s grilled and served with lemon and parsley. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Photography by:
