Sip and Savor at the Re-designed Savory Casual Fare
The restaurant scene is undergoing many basic changes these days, taking a good hard look at what the industry needs to do to survive and thrive. In the light of less diner travel, more dietary honesty and the increasing role that wine plays in the menu choices, the more enlightened operators are re-designing their offerings for today’s customer choices. With calorie counts an ever-growing concern (for men no more than 2,500 and women 1,800) for eating well and staying healthy, some food chains are being skewered in the press for their high-calorie menus.
States and cities are starting to crack down, demanding a posting of the calorie, fat and sodium (read salt) counts. Savory Casual Fare in Encinitas has always paid attention to detail in presenting fresh, small batch, gourmet wines and foods, gaining a following that kept the tables full. Executive chef/owner Pascal Vignan opened this boutique restaurant five years ago. Manager John Boily has paid attention to his customers’ needs and is now presenting closely knitted wine and food pairings that are at once unique and endearing to his diners.
The wine list is California-centric, favoring the Central Coast with names like Anglim, Opolo and Turley. Napa and Sonoma are represented by Cakebread, Paul Hobbs, Chateau Montelena and Opus One. His exciting new entry is Sol Rouge north of Napa, dedicated to producing fine varietals from France’s Rhone and Bordeaux regions. I tried the Sol Rouge ’07 Rose, a Grenache based, bright cheery wine that lent substance to Savory’s Arugula Salad.
All wines at Savory can be purchased for home consumption. Other exclusive touches available at Savory are: a sip and savor sunset supper from 5 to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday, with generous 3 course choices for $29 per person and $39 with wine pairing. The Speakeasy lounge and bar area offers such items as blue fin tuna, bbq shrimp brochette and other small portion items, all under $10. Lunch is served, as well as a weekend brunch.
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On Thursday, August 21st, Sol Rouge winemaker Bryan Kane will appear for a sip and savor dinner starting at 6:30pm. Their latest release Viognier, Rose and Granache wil be served with harmonizing dishes by Chef de Cuisine Chris Hatfield. Cost is $65 person. Reservations are a must at 760-634-5556.
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La Cereza brings Fiery Concert to Temecula Buddy and Cheri Linn, always the entrepreneurs with their Spanish style wines and Hemingway’s Cigar Bar, are launching a concert series that will light your fire.
The world renowned Benise with his high powered flamenco music, dance and show, will power up on Saturday, August 16th at the winery. He is at once a composer, guitarist, Emmy Award winner and leader of 25 of the hottest musicians and dancers ever seen with this format; kind of a Latin version of Riverdance. Doors open at 5:30 with general admission $55 and reserved V.I.P. section with gourmet meal and private wine bar for $85 each. V.I.P. group tables are available at a price premium. Check out all the details at www.goldencrownproductions.com or call 888-276-4008.
The Local Sip
- Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo has a Twilight Concert on the Green Saurday, Aug. 16 at 5pm with the Big Daddy Orchestra, a sophisticated big band sound. VIP Gazebo seating, including wine, dinner plus a gift for $125 pp. Other offers available by calling 858-592-7785.
- Firefly Grill and Winebar in Encinitas is starting up Martini Mondays with martinis just $4 every Monday night. Jim is also booking in Spann Vineyards with a wine dinner on Saturday, August 16 and Iron Horse Vineyards on Wednesday, Aug. 20. 760-635-1066.
- Belle Marie Winery in Escondido has a seminar entitled “Making Big Red Table Wines” on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 1pm. Call 760-796-7557 for more info.
- The Four Seasons Aviara spotlights Robert Mondavi winemaker Genevieve Janssen with an elite dinner Thursday, Aug. 14 with a 6:30pm reception. A ’95 and ’98 Cab Reserve will be sure to attract. $178 pp. Call 760-603-6800 x 5056.
- The Oceanaire Seafood Room, downtown San Diego, is hosting Hathaway Wines with their Frogmore Creek and 42 Degrees S brands, on Wednesday, Aug. 6th starting at 7pm. These wines are from Tasmania and were featured in my column recently as being great tasting wines. $125 pp. Call 619-858-2277 for RSVP. Includes a gourmet dinner.
Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. He is one of the top five wine commentators on the web. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.
10631 Vinedale Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352 - Phone (818) 767-3413 - Fax: (818) 767-1410
