The Dish: May 8–14

Seabreeze Craft Chocolates Unwraps Chocolate of the Month Club

Seabreeze Craft Chocolates announced the launch of its first-ever Chocolate of the Month Club subscription program, promising mouth-watering monthly chocolate deliveries for all chocolate lovers!

This club offers two distinct subscription options, each priced at $45 per month, giving fans of artisanal chocolate an opportunity to customize their indulgence of bonbons or chocolate bars.

Click here to learn more and to place an order.

Roll up Your Sleeves and Cook the Cover for Edible San Diego

Edible San Diego, the leading voice for local stories on regenerative food and community, is thrilled to announce the launch of its second annual Cook the Cover contest.

This contest offers residents throughout San Diego County the unique chance to have their original recipe professionally tested, styled, and showcased on the cover of issue 75 of Edible San Diego, set to publish in Fall 2024.

The 2024 Cook the Cover contest is now open for submissions and is free to enter for all residents of San Diego County. Participants are invited to submit an original family recipe and its accompanying story by visiting here.

The deadline for entries is May 31, 2024, with selected finalists notified in June 2024. The winning recipe will be featured on the cover of issue 75 of Edible San Diego, set to publish on September 1, 2024.

More information about Edible San Diego is available here.

A Fresh Menu With New Signature Cut Rolls This May at Temaki Bar

Temaki Bar will introduce a new menu featuring hand rolls, nigiri, sashimi and  a refreshed selection of signature cut rolls on Monday, May 13.

• Dragon roll: krab, cucumber and gobo inside with eel, sweet soy, goma and avocado on top, priced at $18
• The protein-style Shredde: krab, avocado, yellowfin tuna and ooba inside with salmon, hamachi, albacore, tobikko, goma, ponzu and negi on top, priced at $22
• Soy paper wrapped Mama’s Roll: shrimp tempura, blue crab, ooba and cucumber inside and seared salmon, sweet soy, sesame seeds, negi and lemon on top, priced at $24
• Rainbow roll: krab and cucumber inside and salmon, yellowtail, tuna, ebi, goma and avocado on top, priced at $16
• Caterpillar roll: krab, eel and cucumber inside and avocado, eel sauce and goma on top, priced at $14.50
• Crunchy roll: shrimp tempura, avocado and krab inside and topped with eel sauce and tempura crunchies, priced at $13

Long term Temaki Bar guests don’t need to worry as many of their classic menu items will remain like their unbeatable starters, hand roll sets and nigiri and sashimi selections.

Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. Now Open at North City

North City announced the opening of Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. at Draft Republic San Marcos, enhancing the vibrant North County San Diego’s ‘Eatertainment’ scene. This new partnership with Draft Republic and the Cohn Restaurant Group establishes North City as a key destination for craft beer enthusiasts.

Tarantula Hill, which began in Thousand Oaks in 2018, now expands its reach, offering onsite-brewed beers including seasonal and mainstay brews by Tyler Potter.

The move is part of a broader vision to create diverse experiences for North City’s visitors and residents, aligning with the area’s dynamic mix of dining and cultural attractions.

The brewery will operate extensive hours and feature a variety of entertainment options at Draft Republic, reinforcing its commitment to craft beer culture and community engagement.

Chef Melanie Dunn Honors Hawaiian Flavors and Traditions During AANHPI Heritage Month

The flavors and inspirations of the Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community are near and dear to the heart of Patisserie Melanie‘s namesake chef and owner, Melanie Dunn. She grew up in Hawaii, immersed in a culture that celebrated their uniquely local ingredients.

Throughout the month of May, she is honoring her heritage at the North Park cafe, located at 3750 30th Street. The celebration features special limited-time drinks, pastries, and a tropical twist on dinner menu items. Highlights include:

• Macadamia Nut Mocha
• Banana Caramel Café Crème
• Pineapple Almond Chignon (made with fresh pineapple from Hawaii)
• Ananas Jolies: Pineapple-rum-coconut mimosa
• Tropical Fruit Tart

Pastry, coffee, and lunch/brunch hours are from 8 AM to 2 PM, Tuesdays through Sundays. Dinner is served from 5 PM to 9 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and from 5 PM to 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Reserve a Table at La Valencia Hotel’s Award-Winning Spring Tea

Enjoy seatings between 11 AM and 3 PM and indulge in a variety of DAMMANN Frères teas paired with scones, quiche, delectable tea sandwiches, assorted mini pastries, and a complimentary glass of bubbly to start!

Click here to make reservations.

New Cocktails Launch at Louisiana Purchase

Louisiana Purchase, nestled on the corner of Louisiana Street and University Avenue in North Park, has welcomed a new lineup of cocktails to its menu! With the expertise and detailed craftsmanship of Beverage Director Rob McShea behind the bar, these are Spring and Summer sips you won’t want to miss:

• G Thang: divino guava mezcal, lime, guava cordial, soda
• Ecto Cooler: tequila blanco, apple pucker, lime, tangerine agave, orange blue curacao
• Gin & Juice: gin, vodka, apple pucker, pineapple
• Still Fly: tequila paloma by Superbird
• Yung Espresso: Scotch 12 yr, coffee liquor, cold brew, orange-infused orgeat
• Frozen Margaritas Coco: tequila, lime, and coconut
• Drive Thru Margarita: tequila rose, watermelon, lime, and agave
• Weezy Vice: mix of coconut and watermelon frozen margaritas
• Komos Rosa Tequila Board: 375ml bottle served with two choices of: pineapple, cranberry, grapefruit, guava, peach, or orange

The mouthwatering array of new additions can be paired with New Orleans-inspired classics like Alligator Andouille Cheesecake, Shrimp + Grits, Garlic Cheddar Biscuits, and of course, Beignets!

Picnics + Flowers at the Carlsbad Flower Fields Now on its Last Week

Expect an elevated pop-up picnic featuring more shade structures, increased semi-private picnic spaces, reserved parking, a private entrance, complimentary wagon rides, an expanded menu, live music, and a family-fun zone featuring interactive games.

You’ll receive an individual box containing a tasting menu with a variety of options to choose from, including Cucumber Chive sandwiches, Chickpea Smash sandwiches, Ham and Tomato Sandwiches, three seasonal side salad choices, mini charcuterie, and delightful fruit pies on a stick for dessert.

Refreshing beverages, such as hibiscus-lemon aguas frescas and mint-infused water, will accompany the delectable bites. Children will be served a child-friendly meal comprising cheese sandwiches, fruit, and dessert.

Don’t miss the Flower Fields experience!

To learn more, please visit here.

Friendly Feast’s All-Star Bake Sale is Live!

The Friendly Feast All-Star Bake Sale showcases delicious signature sweets created by influential pastry chefs for a great cause!

The lineup of goodies looks amazing!

• Banana bread coffee cake with almonds and espresso mascarpone
  By Jeremy Harville, TRUST Restaurant Group
• Luxardo cherry cream cheese brioche bun
  By Kari Cota, Kimpton Alma Hotel
• Ube and young coconut hand pie with pandan coconut glaze
  By Gan Suebsarakham, Pop Pie Co. and Stella Jean’s Ice Cream
• Mini German chocolate cheesecake cake
  By Faye Rodriguez, Faye’s Desserts
• Strawberry, lavender, and rhubarb galette
  By Adrian Mendoza, The University Club Atop Symphony Towers
• Carrot cake with brown butter cream cheese frosting and candied kumquats
  By Jojo Rossi, Grossmont College Culinary Arts

Friendly Feast Charity Bake Sale boxes will be available for pick up at Cardellino on Sunday, May 19, from 9:30 to 11 AM. Pickup times will be scheduled in advance via the email address associated with the payment method. Any unclaimed boxes will be donated.

Limited quantities are available, so make sure you don’t miss out!

Sandpiper’s New Shareable Items

Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters‘ Executive Chef Marty Fay has introduced new shareable items to his dinner menu, including Hamachi Tiradito (leche de tigre, cancha, cilantro), Albacore Poke (spicy shoyu, scallion, sesame, prawn crackers), and Jumbo Asparagus (hollandaise, chervil).

Chocolate Flan Parisienne has also been added to the dessert menu.

Sandpiper is open for dinner seven nights a week beginning at 4 PM with happy hour specials until 5:30 PM. Reservations can be made here.

Sky Deck Celebrates Space Odyssey Month

Embark on a cosmic culinary adventure at Sky Deck, the restaurant collective nestled in Del Mar Highlands. With its “Space Odyssey” theme, you can immerse yourself in an otherworldly dining experience surrounded by futuristic decor and intergalactic vibes.

From innovative cocktails to out-of-this-world cuisine, Sky Deck promises a gastronomic journey like no other. Whether you’re sipping cocktails under the stars or indulging in a gourmet meal inspired by the cosmos, Sky Deck offers a truly celestial dining experience for all.

Click here for more info.

Progressive Happy Hour at Common Theory

Common Theory Public House’s new Otay Ranch location has introduced a progressive Happy Hour with increased discounts the earlier in the day you partake. It’s $1 off all draft beers from 5 PM to 6 PM, $2 off from 4 PM to 5 PM, and $3 off from 3 PM to 4 PM.

Select wines are also discounted throughout the entire three-hour window. And food is discounted throughout the happy hour with most dishes $2 off, including Pretzel Balls, Duck Fat Fries, and Buffalo Cauliflower.

Happy Hour Seven Days a Week? RustiCucina Says “Yes!”

Starting Friday, May 3, RustiCucina will offer happy hour seven days a week! The Sunday through Thursday happy hour from 4 PM to 6 PM will now be accompanied by Friday and Saturday happy hour from 3 PM to 5 PM (at the bar or patio; walk-ins only).

The happy hour menu features 50% off build-your-own-pasta and a $5-10 antipasto section, including Calamari, Crispy Burrata, Fiori Di Zucca, Truffle Fries, Romaine Salad, and Polpette Della Nonna.

“Sip” back and relax with $4 house red and white wines, beers, and well drinks, $5 red and white sangria, and $6 specialty cocktails!

Barrio Star’s Daily Social Hour Now Live in Bankers Hill!

Bankers Hill’s Barrio Star has announced the extension of its all-new Social Hour to seven days a week! Revel in mouthwatering, irresistible daily drink specials, including $6.50 beers, $8.50 margaritas, and $20 margarita flights.

Food specials will also be available seven days a week, including Tacos a la Carte, Barrio Cucumbers, Chicken Chipotle Wings, and the Pequeno Bowl with carnitas, pinto beans, cheese, cilantro lime, and pico de gallo.

Social Hour is happening Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3:30 PM to 6 PM, Tuesdays from 3 PM to close, and Saturday and Sunday at the bar only from 4 PM to 6 PM.

Smash Burger, Oysters, Frites, and Bubbles Special = Happy Meal at Herb & Sea!

Experience the vibrant vibes of Herb and Sea in Encinitas! Take advantage of Herb & Sea’s brand new happy hour, offered Tuesday through Friday from 5 PM to 6 PM, exclusively at their lively bar area.

For an unbeatable deal, indulge in the Happy Meal special, which includes a delectable Smash Burger, three Oysters, Crispy Frites, and Bubbles, all for just $20. You can also order a la carte—savor half a dozen oysters for $20, a SmashBurger for $8, and Frites for $4.

Delight in their playful cocktail and wine specials, crafted to elevate your happy hour experience with every sip. Seating at the bar is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to ensure your spot.

Enjoy an experience where every bite and sip is a celebration of the finest flavors from land and sea!

Bleu Bohème to Thank Service Members With Discounted Dinner

Bleu Bohème will honor all active duty service members with a valid military ID by extending a 20% discount on their bill from 5 PM to 8 PM on Wednesday, May 15.

Signature selections include:

• Ravioles maison (shiitake and oyster mushroom raviolis with sautéed spinach, espelette, tomato relish, fine herbs, and white wine cream sauce)
• Confit de canard (Hudson Valley Muscovy duck leg confit with creamy goat cheese polenta, baby kale, leeks, olive relish, and sauce verte)
• Andcoquilles St. Jacques (large dry-packed sea scallops served alongside saffron lobster risotto, linguiça, English peas, fennel, and basil pistou)

An extensive selection of handcrafted cocktails, locally brewed beers, and more than 90 varieties of wine are also available.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit the website here or call 619 255 4167.

The Green Hour Comes to Life at Wormwood

Wormwood’s new happy hour is now available Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 5 PM to 7 PM

In 19th century Paris, absinthe was so popular that five o’clock at Parisian cafés became known as l’Heure Verte, the Green Hour. “It seems when I drink you, I inhale the young forest’s soul,” wrote French poet Raoul Ponchon.

With decadence came disapproval, then demonization. Some doctors charged that “absintheurs” were succumbing to “absinthism,” a syndrome marked by seizures and hallucinations. French anti-alcohol groups worked with viticulturists to ban it.

Today, absinthe is sold legally throughout Europe and North America. Swiss and EU producers, recognizing the drink’s seductive mystique, have even fought over ownership of the “absinthe” and “Green Fairy” labels.

At Wormwood, they are reclaiming the Green Hour—the original Happy Hour! They’ll have Absinthe, cocktails, wine specials, and a new bar bites menu! Walk-ins are accepted!