Dripping strawberries.  Crunchy carrots.  Buttery-tasting avocados.  Spring harvest arrives in San Diego.  And it’s coming to a plate near you.

Think of a culinary journey as a “field to fork” adventure.  Discover fine restaurants featuring organic produce, and meats sustainably raised by regional food producers.

Many chefs are inspired by the principles of Slow Food, an international organization with regional branches that promotes the culture of artisanal foods — a return to the table as a center of family and community.  In San Diego, Slow Food partners with the area’s farmers, chefs, and community organizations to deliver the freshest, downright-good-for-you ingredients.
 
Be tempted by several hot spots pleasing palates with a focused attention to eco-inspired cuisine:

THE LINKERY / North Park / thelinkery.com
The Linkery is a gastropub, offering dinner nightly (lunch/dinner weekends) on a first arrival basis.  No reservations—and no tipping either—the commitment to excellence in all areas is reflected in a service charge.  Highlighting heritage breeds, the beef, lamb and goat is grass-fed and raised on pasture and the pork comes from family-owned farms.  Breads and cured sausages are created in-house.

Seasonal Flavors
Wild Corvina Ceviche: kettle fried with white corn tostada, bacon, and avocado.  Main course: English banger of Duroc pork, sage, thyme, onion and parsley.

EXTRAORDINARY DESSERTS / Balboa Park and Little Italy / extraordinarydesserts.com
Slice into exquisite pastries, cakes and ice creams handmade daily with an attention to organic origins.  Wines, artisan cheeses, panini sandwiches, and salads are available at the Little Italy location.  The lotus flower logo reflects the spirit of this establishment: the lotus opens and closes every day in the ritual of renewal.

Handmade Daily
Try lemon praline ice cream, caramelized milk chocolate hazelnut pie, or an extraordinary carrot cake cupcake.

MISTRAL / Loews Coronado Bay Resort & Spa / restauranteur.com/mistral
Mistral is named for the Italian wind that blows across Provence.  This “breath of fresh air” restaurant features flavors reminiscent of Northern Italian and Southern French cuisine.  Each seasonal creation is enhanced by fresh, organic herbs and vegetables plucked from the chef’s garden, or purchased from regional farms.  The onsite garden is also used for educational tours and cooking demonstrations hosted by Loews Coronado.

Seasonal Flavors
Prosciutto and Pearls: San Danielle prosciutto, melon pearls, panna cotta, melon gelee, and watercress.  Main course: Seared Mano de Leon Scallops: spinach ricotta agnolotti, deconstructed basil pesto sauce.

A.R. VALENTIEN / The Lodge at Torrey Pines / arvalentien.com
Enjoy an elegant and straightforward approach to food preparation incorporating ingredients from local orchards, farms and fishmongers.  In keeping with regional influences, the wine list offers boutique and renowned selections from California wineries.  Significant works and memorabilia of A.R. Valentien, an early 20th-century California landscape painter, adorn the walls in this Craftsman-style lodge.

Seasonal Flavors
Parsley Root Soup and Potted Short Ribs with tarragon vinaigrette.

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.

Farmers’ Markets in San Diego
Spring harvest can come home, too.  Visit sdfarmbureau.org for a list of Farmers’ Market
locations in San Diego.