Fancy cocktails in a secret East Village location (Photo courtesy Ryan Hauck)
East Village speakeasy
Did you know that just a few steps inside ASA Cafe and Bakery in the East Village you will find one of San Diego’s coolest speakeasies?
Bar Kamon is a 1920s-inspired Taisho Roman cocktail lounge serving up crafty libations and hearty Japanese fare from a succinct food menu. Drink offerings include “clarified mezcal milk punch” and hojicha-infused negronis to complement dishes such as chicken katsu sandwiches, battered octopus balls and thick-cut truffle fries.
The elegant interior shows off wood-paneled walls, upholstered furniture and crystal chandeliers. The entrance is hidden, but once inside the bakery look for the secret door to your right. Reservations are recommended and can be made on the website. 634 14th St., barkamon.com.
Dinner service starts at Patisserie Melanie in North Park
French-trained chef Melanie Dunn will roll out a full-blown savory menu at her popular bakery starting on Dec. 6. The plan to serve dinner at Pastelería Melanie has been in the works for several months with the final test phase occurring recently in four different pop-up dinners. Each of those dinners featured items from the full, upcoming menu.
Look for the expected French favorites such as boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin and salmon with beurre blanc sauce. Reservations can be made through opentable.com. 3750 30th St., 619-677-2132, patisseriemelanie.com.
New Brazilian steakhouse arrives to the Seaport District
Top sirloin, bottom sirloin, ribeye, filet mignon, lamb chops, grilled salmon, you name it. The new Galpao Gaucho that recently opened Downtown in The Headquarters at Seaport District offers nearly 20 different proteins served traditionally by skewer-wielding “gauchos.”
The restaurant took over the massive space previously occupied by Seasons 52. It allows for a commodious salad bar flaunting more than 40 items that are included in the all-you-can-eat experience. This is the chain’s seventh location and the first for San Diego. The others are located in Northern California, Las Vegas and South Carolina, with all of them known for their dramatic spaces.
Prix-fixe prices are $48 for weekday lunch and $72 for weekends and dinner. 789 W. Harbor Drive, 619-373-9969, galpaogaucho.com.
Good Vibrations in Normal Heights
A new tenant has moved into the space left behind by SKA Bar in Normal Heights. Say hello to The Vibe, where all-day brunch is served seven days a week within a welcoming atmosphere marked by fun and stylish aesthetics as well as an elongated bar slinging micheladas, cocktails on draft, craft beer, wine, and coffee drinks.
Among the eye-grabbing menu items is a charred “bloody Caesar” salad using house-made pancake croutons, watermelon radishes and a unique “bloody Caesar” dressing. You’ll also find a jazzed-up Maine lobster roll garnished with charred lemon and chipotle aioli, and a variety of “bliss bowls” plus candied bacon and a crafty parfait made with Greek yogurt, dried apricots and almond-hemp granola. The eatery is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. 3250 Adams Ave., 619-228-9180, thevibeco.com.
Another Shake Shack on tap for San Diego
New York City-based Shake Shack has its eyes trained on The Campus at Horton, a developing mixed-use complex in the heart of Downtown San Diego that will feature 300,000 square feet of retail space and 700,000 square feet of “creative office” space. The project replaces Horton Plaza shopping mall.
The ever-expanding Shake Shack, known for its Angus beef burgers, thick milk shakes, and frozen custard, is slated to open in the campus’ food hall by mid to late next year. It will be joined by about 10 other eateries yet to be announced.
Shake Shack currently has several locations within San Diego County, including in Little Italy and Mission Valley. 900 Fourth Ave., shakeshack.com.
Chinese chow on Christmas
Forget the meat roast and fruit cake. If you’re not beholden to traditional Christmas meals because of faith or dietary preferences, then head over to The Smoking Gun in the Gaslamp Quarter, where it will present its third annual Chinese Christmas dinner starting at 5 p.m., Dec. 25.
Known for its casual grub such as tacos, wings, and Frito pies, the beer-centric establishment will depart from the norm on the holiday with dishes such as deep-fried green beans, honey-walnut shrimp, beef broccoli, and other Cantonese favorites. Plates will range from $11.99 to $15.99. Seasonal cocktails are also in the offing. 555 Market St., 619-233-3836, thesmokinggunsd.com.
