Gelato Vero Brunch; Aphrodisiac Menu; Beer Dinner

MIDTOWN— Gelato Vero Caffe is celebrating 30 years in business with a reactivation of their upstairs patio and a new weekend brunch service. Chef Kirstin Green is cooking up a primarily vegetarian menu that includes a poached egg-topped savory stew of chickpeas and greens, quiche, baked French toast and house made pastries, from gluten free almond cake to Mexican chocolate biscotti and madeleines. Belgian waffles Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M [EaterWire]

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS— Cafe 21 chef/owner Leyla Javadov, who might be moving her downtown location into the space vacated by Croce's, is launching a new "aphrodisiac menu" that will run through Valentine's Day. From the "Foreplay" section comes puff pastry served with house cured salmon mousse and salmon roe and a crepe roll served with chicken pâté. "Prime Pleasures" brings goose stew with Suzie's Farm baby vegetables and herb-marinated, brown butter-smothered cauliflower steak. "Sweet Surrender" desserts include chocolate-beet cake and strawberry shortcake served with pistachio ice cream. [EaterWire]

CARLSBAD— Bistro West is hosting a five course prix-fixe featuring beers from The Lost Abbey. Pairings include duck confit mole with Framboise de Amorosa, braised lamb belly and Deliverance Ale, plus Cuvee de Tomme with Szechuan peppercorn gelato and smoked chile chocolate truffles. The $65 dinner is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28; call (760) 930-8008 for reservations. [EaterWire]