Searsucker Whiskey Dinner; New Vegan & Coffee for North Park; Saltbox Announces Chef

DEL MAR— Searsucker Del Mar is putting together a dinner Wednesday, October 16 to see how their dishes pair up with whiskey and scotch; each plate of the five course meal will be matched with a cocktail and a small sidecar of the spirit, neat. The dinner is $60, all-inclusive, call (858) 369-5700. for reservations. [EaterWire]

NORTH PARK— Keen-eyed NorthPark.Me shares word about two new spots opening on University; the blog reports that Palomino's Mexican and Seafood is turning into a brick and mortar location for Moncai Vegan, which operates a booth at various farmer's markets. The blog has also learned that a portion of the Union co-working space will be turned into a new coffee shop for Cartel Coffee Lab, a roaster with four locations in Arizona. [NorthPark.Me]

DOWNTOWN— Saltbox Dining & Drinking has named a chef to replace Simon Dolinky, who recently departed for the W Hotel. Jeremiah Bryant is the new chef de cuisine for the Hotel Palomar restaurant; his new menu drops on October 21 and includes a SoCal twist on poutine, topped with carnitas, and burrata fondue with roasted poblano and crostini. Expect to see cocktail and culinary collaboration between Bryant and principal bartender Jen Queen. [EaterWire]