More Openings And Closings Around San Diego

There's lots of remodeling and new construction of restaurants around San Diego. That's a good sign for the economy. I have also noticed that many of the new restaurants are of a more upscale quality. Food is definitely improving in San Diego. In Del Mar Highlands Town Center, Snooze will soon be opening. They are taking over the space formeraly occupied by IHOP. Snooze, from Colorado, is one of my all time favorite breakfast spots, good for lunch too. I was first introduced to Snooze a few years ago in Boulder, having enjoyed the Hillcrest location, and am so happy that they're moving nearby. An opening date has not yet been announced. Also in Del Mar Highlands is a new Mexican restaurant from Diane Powers. She owns Casa Bandini in Carlsbad, and the new restaurant, close to completion, (they took over Red Robin and are improving it) should be another winner. Pizzeria Mozza (a Nancy Silverton and Mario Battali creation) should be open in six months. It will be in the old Police Building near Seaport Village. I LOVE Mozza, and can't wait until they open. Best pizza I have ever had. The crust is incredible. In fact, all their food is a notch above great. Appetizers, pizzas, salads, desserts. Moderate price (expensive for pizza) but worth it for a treat. If you can't wait until they open, go to Newport Beach and eat there. In Encinitas, Boston's closed quite a while ago, and will soon be replaced by Boudin Bakery. Construction is still underway, but they're getting close. Also in Encinitas, right next to Whole Foods, will be an upscale tavern. They will have 24 local beers on tap, plus many food items. Fish tacos and burgers for sure, and I don't know what else. I talked to the owner who was there watching the renovation, and he told me the food would be good. Finally, Sabor de Vida, a Brazilian grill opened a few months ago. It's the 99cent shopping center. We had dinner there last week and liked it very much. I'll review it another time. The newly remodeled Flower Hill Mall will soon have Burger Lounge. Grass fed beef and other organic and local produce make this one of my favorite burger spots. Also in Flower Hill Mall, but far from opening, is Cucina Enoteca, a sister restaurant to Cucina Urbana, a great Italian eatery on Laurel, near Balboa Park. They are taking over Chevy's, haven't started the new construction yet, so they're quite a ways from opening. The space previously occupied by Paradise Grill will soon house a new venture from Matt Gordon, owner of Solace in Encinitas and Urban Solace in North Park. What's closing? Well, IHOP is closed in Del Mar Highlands. Junior Seau's restaurant is also closed. In Encinitas, Boston's is gone, and so is Barracuda. In North Park, the Kensington Grill on Adams Avenue will serve it's last meal on March 30. One door closes, another opens. Hopefully these new restaurants will give San Diego more of what we love and have come to expect: good food and good service in a beautiful setting.