International Smoke Del Mar Opens Doors;Renowned Culinary Team Dishes Up Globally Inspired Menu

International Smoke, the nationally-recognized dining collaboration between award-winning chef Michael Mina and renowned restauranteur, chef, founder of Homemade, NY Times best-selling cookbook author, television host and Executive Producer of “Family Food Fight” Ayesha Curry, announced the culinary team and menu concept for its Del Mar venue.

Curated by Executive Chef Ryan Orlando, the popular concept’s robust menu showcases flavorful smoke-infused dishes, creative craveable cocktails and a hand-picked craft beer tap list. The restaurant opened doors in Del Mar on Friday, July 19 within the neighborhood’s new One Paseo development.

Menu highlights

Led by a variety of woodfired steaks, seafood and ribs, International Smoke’s menu showcases global flavors, diverse spices and traditional live fire cooking techniques. The concept also offers a variety of vegan options that showcase fresh, local produce.

• The Smoked Korean Bone-In Short Rib served with steamed white rice, kimchi and toasted sesame seeds
• Cedar-Smoked Salmon served with sweet corn, red onion, heirloom cherry tomatoes, zucchini and coconut-curry spuma
• Whole Roasted Cauliflower served with tehina, golden raisins, za’atar and pistachios
• The famous Smoked St. Louis Style Ribs with a choice of American Barbecue, Vietnamese Lemongrass or Korean Sesame-Gochujang sauce

Shareable brunch menu

International Smoke also offers a weekend brunch menu that emphasizes tableside culinary experiences and delicious shareable dishes, like Lemon Ricotta Pancakes served with vanilla-bourbon maple syrup, Five-Spiced Fried Chicken & Waffles served with a crispy waffle, mango chutney and smoked Scotch Bonnet pepper and the Porcini Mushroom Omelette with bacon, raclette cheese, shallot potato cake and a petite herb salad.

Local farms and ranches are taking the spotlight

Local farms and ranches take the spotlight on brunch, lunch and dinner menus as International Smoke partners with several trusted community purveyors including Stehly Farms and Schaner Family Farms. Locally-inspired dishes crafted with these ingredients include the Stehly Farms Avocado served with marinated jicama, garlic crumble and Calabrian chili hot sauce and the Alaskan King Crab ‘Oscar’ Benedict served with poached eggs, garlic spinach and an English muffin.

The whole family is encouraged to dine at the One Paseo location. Children can feast on kid-friendly fare on the restaurant’s Lil Smokey’s brunch, lunch and dinner menus, while dog owners can treat their canine companions to dishes
on the “Fido’s Feast” dog menu.

“International Smoke’s extensive menu speaks to San Diego’s diverse population with its emphasis on diverse, global flavors paired with a unique San Diego flair,” said Executive Chef Ryan Orlando. “The restaurant’s concept is designed to bring families and friends of all kinds together at one table over a variety of woodfired dishes. There is something for everyone.”

Designed under the mantra of “produce first, spirit second,” International Smoke’s beverage program is a culinary effort, as well.

The beverage menu

Unique craft cocktails, like the Shape Shifter made with Espolon tequila, passionfruit, pineapple, honey and ancho chile, is created in partnership with local farmers and combines spirits specifically selected to enhance key produce ingredients. The beverage menu
also features a variety of shareable punch bowls, like Punch Drunk, made with You & Yours vodka, peach, lime and raspberries, and whimsical, unexpected cocktails like Blowing Smoke, made with Neo Facundo rum, pineapple, Apricot Luxardo and CBD.

The concept’s beverage program pays homage to San Diego’s colloquial moniker of “Craft Beer Capital” with a hand-picked selection of local craft brews available bottled and on tap.

Chef Ryan Orlando spearheads the culinary program

International Smoke’s Del Mar culinary program is spearheaded by Chef Ryan Orlando, who brings more than a decade of experience to the restaurant. Prior to joining MINA
Group and International Smoke, Chef Ryan served as the Chef de Cuisine at Carlsbad’s Campfire.

A native San Diegan, Chef Ryan previously worked at Pamplemousse and Chart House. Chef Ryan leads International Smoke’s “vegetable forward” vision with invaluable expertise and experience with local farmers, produce fermentation processes and sustainable menu development.

“Chef Ryan Orlando was undoubtedly the perfect fit to lead the culinary program at our new location of International Smoke,” said Chef Michael Mina. “His experience in transforming everyday ingredients and elements into elaborate, upscale dishes, as well as his experience with the local community and the city’s unique flavor brings a creative edge to the menu that will lead San Diego’s flourishing food scene.”

International Smoke Del Mar serves dinner daily and will begin serving lunch on Monday, July 29. The restaurant also offers happy hour specials on weekdays and will offer bottomless brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning Saturday, July 27.

The restaurant is located in the new One Paseo development at 3387 Del Mar Heights Road, San Diego, CA 92130. For more information on International Smoke, please visit www.internationalsmoke.com.

See you there!