Eater San Diego shares the top stories of the week from San Diego’s food and drinks scene, including a menu reveal from Liberty Station's El Jardin and a guide to the best in local barbecue.
Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins of 'Top Chef' Unveils First Solo Restaurant
A former competitor on 'Top Chef' and 'Top Chef Mexico', local chef Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins (Bracero) shares her menu for El Jardin, the buzzy Mexican food restaurant opening next week in Liberty Station which features an on-site vegetable garden.
Where to Eat Barbecue in San Diego
A master barbecue judge weighs in on her top local spots for smoked meat. Backed by pro pitmasters, San Diego's best barbecue purveyors range from pop-ups to long-established eateries and new entrants on the scene.
East Village Distillery Expanding Into Canned Cocktails
You & Yours Distilling Co. will soon be turning its flagship gin and vodka into canned craft cocktails including a gin and tonic and a vodka mule. The distillery is also leasing a second location in the East Village where they will open a beer and wine garden.
Award-Winning Ramen Arrives in Oceanside
A master ramen chef with several restaurants in Japan has launched his first U.S. eatery in downtown Oceanside. Ramen Menma Basso Drillman offers several varieties of ramen but its specialty is a soup-less ramen that tops the noodles with slow-roasted pork and vegetables.
Local
Fast-Casual Mediterranean Chain Coming to North County
Cava Grill, which operates locations across the county, will debut this summer in Encinitas and in Carmel Valley in 2019. The rapidly-growing chain offers a menu of Mediterranean salads, rice, pita, and lentils customized with sauces and proteins.