When chef Travis Swikard proudly showcased a sizzling hot platter of colorful ‘Petits Farcis’ from the kitchen to diners at their tables, I realized that this chef and San Diego’s culinary scene go far beyond just grilled fish tacos and Cali-Baja cuisine.
CALLIE found in East Village
Chef Travis at Callie, is among San Diego’s chefs and dining establishments acknowledged by Michelin, earning a place on their esteemed roster. Attaining a Michelin star represents the pinnacle of a chef’s career in the culinary realm. Nestled in San Diego’s East Village, the term Callie, meaning ‘A Thing of Beauty’ in Greek. The Michelin inspectors, during their assessment of the restaurant, highlighted the chef’s talent in ‘Utilizing the finest ingredients sourced from Southern California in shared dishes showcasing the vibrant, comforting flavors of the Mediterranean.”
Chef Travis began his culinary journey alongside the renowned Daniel Boulud at the Michelin-starred Cafe’ Boulud. After successfully establishing Boulud Sud as the Executive Chef, he returned to San Diego to launch Callie in 2019. Subsequently, he earned accolades such as San Diego Magazine’s Finest Fresh Restaurant and Top Chef in 2021, while being feted as the 2022 Outstanding Chef by Eater. He gained recognition from the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand and Plate.
Not-to-be-missed dishes at Callie encompass the Mediterranean Banquet priced at $75 for a wide array of delicious offerings. Elevate the experience with some premium wines for an extra $40 per person. Chef Travis skillfully prepares stuffed Chino Farms vegetables with porcini mushrooms and summer herb pistou. His marinated Mediterranean anchovy is enhanced with fennel and espelette on a socca chip.
Aside from Callie, San Diego features four other dining spots that have earned Michelin’s prestigious global honors, in addition to Michelin’s ‘Bib Gourmand’ recognitions for excellence and value. Here are some other recommended places to visit while in San Diego.
MARISI found in La Jolla
Chef Cameron Ingle is crafting exceptional cuisine at Marisi in La Jolla. Crowned as San Diego’s Top Eatery for 2023 by San Diego Magazine, Critic’s Pick, the menu revolves around authentic dishes from Italy. Marisi is a favored spot for locals and visitors alike, seeking Chef Cameron’s handmade pasta and Italian hearth-cooked meats and seafood.
The venue boasts a varied cocktail selection comprising classic cocktails, Italian aperitivos, homemade limoncello, rare spirits, fine wines, and an Italian pilsner exclusively brewed for Marisi.
Hailing from just outside Detroit, Chef Cameron started his career with Thomas Keller at his renowned Bouchon Bistro. He later moved to Bavel in Los Angeles when it was honored as the 2019 Restaurant of the Year by the Los Angeles Times.
Chef Cameron demonstrates his fine dining prowess at Marisi in La Jolla. Delight in the Nightshade Pizza, alongside a round of focaccia and fresh ricotta for spreading. Other delights incorporate a house-made charcuterie board, chicken liver mousse, pastas, salads, and grilled chicken. Enjoy the Pan con Tomate made with Chino Farms tomatoes, California olive oil, and pickled shallots.
ODDISH WINES
San Diego boasts a captivating beverage scene including spirits, cider, craft beer, and natural wines. Oddish Wine, led by Billy and Suzanna Bletz alongside winemaker Brandon Cardwell, specializes in organic and vibrant cider, coferments, vermouth, and amari.
Their minimal intervention, small-batch production in the cellar, and conservation-based vineyards in San Diego County allow their bottles to shine with vibrancy and flavor.
Operating a wine club and biergarten-style tasting locale within The Gärten, a multi-vendor social hotspot in San Diego. Guests can savor a glass of wine or local craft beer alongside a wood-fired pizza. Live musical performances grace the venue on at least 150 evenings annually.
Proprietor Lara Worm and Cidermaker Jordan Christie established Bivouac Ciderworks in 2017, positioning it as a pioneering cidery in San Diego. Located in North Park, the women-led urban cidery garnered recognition from USA Today 10 Best readers as one of the ’10 Best Cideries in the United States.’
Infusing a distinctive West Coast flair, the team blends premium classic cider profiles with unexpected additives.
One of their standout ciders is the San Diego Jam, a mixed berry cider that strikes a balance between tartness, jamminess, and crispness. The ABV varies from 6% to 6.9% across their cider range.
Visitors can explore the Bivouac Ciderworks Adventure Lodge, featuring the Tasting Bar, General Store, Salon D’Eau De Vie, Cider Production Room, Annie’s Canyon Restrooms, and Cafe.
To discover more about the dining and drinking hotspots in San Diego radiating joy and pleasure, explore San Diego.
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