Wine Sipping and Food Tasting in San Diego's Woods of Torrey Pines

by Frank Mangio
In the era of urban this and urban that, I am here to comfort you that it doesn’t  have to be that way for excellent wine and food hospitality in the San Diego region. We all should know that the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course is internationally known, located on a pristine miles-long bluff between Del Mar and San Diego .  The nearby Torrey Pines State Reserve captures this region for public hiking and gazing at these magnificent trees and the inspiring Pacific Ocean.

Nestled in this bucolic environment is the five diamond hotel, the Lodge at Torrey Pines, with its latest excitingdevelopment, The Grill.  A.R. Valentien is their signature restaurant, but The Grill has an indoor-outdoor romance and an exclusive view of the golf course in the intimate  woods of Torrey Pines.

The Grill is an inviting stop for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and is under the direction of Executive Chef Jeff Jackson, who is credited with creating the movement in San Diego called “farm to table” in the early 2000’s.  His Sous Chef de Cuisine is Kyle Wiegand, who has been with Jackson for 14 years.  “We increased space some 30% inside and outside with the focal point being a large outside rotisserie where the entrees are grilled before being served,” he explained.  “Local sustainable farm to table, with a California Coast and Baja style woodfire menu, is what our customers can expect at The Grill.  Our Executive Chef Jeff Jackson lets the ingredients speak for themselves through their unbeatable flavor.”

Indeed!  With the trees, rocks and foliage surrounding some tables centered around oversized fireplaces and firepits, the enticing menu takes over.  My recommendations include:  Poached Pear Salad with Arugula, Endive, Candied Pecans and Roquefort  Cheese, washed down with a Raymond Napa Valley 2013 Chardonnay.  The best example of the Santa Maria style rotisserie is the lead entrée: a Wood-Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Pinquito Beans Cassoulet, Salsa and Homemade Steak Sauce.  Try this with the Napa Valley Jamieson Ranch 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon. The Soux Chef’s recommendation is the Wood Smoked Pork Chop with market greens, sweet potato, roasted apples and cider jus. For more information, call 858-453-4420 or visit lodgetorreypines.com.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines-Celebrate The Craft
A few weeks before The Grill familiarization, I covered the premier food festival, the 14th annual Celebrate The Craft, on the grounds of the Lodge at Torrey Pines. SoCal’s finest chefs led by Executive Chef Jeff Jackson, food artisans, produce, wine and craft beers, all contributed.  The golf course and Pacific Ocean formed the backdrop.

The Lodge’s sommelier Paul Krikorian hand picked the mostly Napa Valley wines to taste, including:  Robert Craig, ZD, Grgich Hills and Nickel and Nickel.  An impressive up-and- coming Robert Biale Vineyards  caught my eye with his “Black Chicken” 2014 Zinfandel ($49.95), and the “Royal Punisher” 2014 Petite Sirah Rutherford.($49.95)

Robert Biale is located just north of Napa city in the Oak Knoll District. Zin and Petite Sirah are rare choices in Napa Valley .  This Zin is stunningly fleshy and chewy with a powerful delivery.  The Petite Sirah has exploding aromas of plum and fig, with rich, black fruit flavors. See more at robertbialevineyards.com.

Wine Bytes
PAON in downtown Carlsbad has a holiday wine tasting Wed. Dec. 28 at 6pm featuring French Cru choices from the Cellar Master formerly at the University of Bordeaux , Gino Campbell.  Some of the 1st growth Crus reportedly go for $1,000. a bottle.  The event price had not been determined at publishing time so call 760-729-7377 if interested.

Wine Vault & Bistro on India Street San Diego has a 10 course tasting menu paired with their “Top 5 Reds of 2016,” Thurs. Dec. 29 from 5 to 10pm.  Cost is $57.50.  Call 619-295-3939 for an RSVP.
A New Years Eve dinner is being planned at the Meritage restaurant at Callaway Vineyard and Winery in Temecula on Dec. 31 from 5 to 8pm.  Cost is $75. per person.  4 course meal with live music.  RSVP at 951-587-8889.

Pala Casino Spa & Resort  has several New Years Eve dinners on Dec. 31. The Oak Room  has a price fixed menu for $109 ea., $140 with wine pairings.  CAVE has a New Years Eve menu with a fixed price of $69, or $89 with wine pairings.  And Pala Café has dinner for $36.95 per person.  Call for an RSVP with your choice, at 877-946-7252.