Crisp mountain apples. Drizzled spinach salads and crunchy, mildly sweetened pears. Fall harvest arrives in San Diego. This season is coming to a plate near you.

Think of your culinary journey as a “farm-to-fork” adventure. Discover an increasing variety of San Diego restaurants that feature organic ingredients in locally crafted ales, wines, breads, pastries, and meats sustainably raised by regional food producers.

Many farm-to-fork chefs are inspired by the principles of Slow Food, an international organization that promotes the culture of artisanal foods — a return to the table as a center of family and community.

Be tempted by these hot spots pleasing our palates with a focused attention to eco-inspired cuisine:

KITCHEN 1540
L’Auberge Del Mar
kitchen1540.com

This restaurant at the casual/elegant L’Auberge Del Mar Hotel demonstrates “where the turf meets the surf” in its menu featuring farm-to-plate style American cuisine. Ocean breezes enhance options for patio dining, or intimate indoors, even a private, lantern-lit cabana. Seasonally inspired flavors are brought to the table as starters to be shared and in entrées that represent fresh flavors along our coast.

Seasonal Flavors
For starters: Pan-Roasted Sweetbreads, with smoked almond milk, blis maple, and apple-celery salad.

THE RITUAL TAVERN
North Park
ritualtavern.com

The Ritual Tavern provides an experience where patrons get to know where their food is derived. This not-so-typical pub makes most of its locally based menu in-house, from its onion rings to condiments, such as pickles, ketchup, and mustard. The tavern also hosts a fizzy selection of local brews, including Stone Brewery, Alesmith, and Green Flash.

Seasonal Flavors
Signature Shepherd’s Pie: Niman Ranch lamb and beef, parsnips, carrots, and green beans topped with toasted mashed potatoes.

CUPS LOUNGE
La Jolla
cupslj.com

Enter sweet bliss in the green retro-modern cup cake lounge, or cupcakery, which includes a teaching kitchen for its organic cooking classes. Whether you enjoy the tastes of exotic cups, such as maple and bacon, to the more familiar decadent chocolates, this is the place to sink your teeth into organic, handcrafted cupcakes and more. Cups also offers gluten-free and vegan choices.

Seasonal Flavors
Bunny Love (gluten-free) carrot cupcake with almonds and pecans topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

GRANT GRILL
U.S. Grant Hotel in the Gaslamp
grantgrill.com

Take a seat back in history, when San Diego’s movers and shakers brokered deals in this historic restaurant, which continues to allure. The chefs make frequent visits to area markets to select the menu’s seasonal flavors. Grant Grill features contemporary farm-to-table cuisine, and boutique cocktails mixed in-house.

Seasonal Flavors
Mexican Mango signature cocktail: Mexican mango-infused Don Julio Blanco, Captain Morgan Parrot Bay, mango puree,
fresh Meyer lemon, with a mango-sugared rim.

What’s the Catch of the Day?
Sustainable Seafood in San Diego’s Markets and Restaurants

Which seafood is better for you, and for the ocean? Choosing sustainable seafood protects the marine environment that nourishes us.

Sustainable seafood is fished or farmed without damaging marine habitats or reducing fish populations. Fishermen follow practices that allow the fish population to thrive rather than be depleted. Sustainable seafood is generally higher in quality because of the concern involved in its farming or method of capture. Think healthy fish, healthy you.

Discover a variety of seafood markets and restaurants in San Diego that offer sustainable seafood, ensuring the freshest catch of the day.

Read more online about sustainable seafood in San Diego:

• Explore restaurants and markets offering sustainable seafood.
• Learn how to download pocket guides for choosing ocean-friendly seafood.
• Be familiar with the connection of healthy oceans, healthy you.