2015 was an active year for the partners behind the three-decades-strong George's at the Cove. This summer, the team from the Prospect Street icon unveiled a new modern Mexican eatery, Galaxy Taco, in neighboring La Jolla Shores, and is now heading into 2016 by refreshing some components of its three-level downtown La Jolla flagship restaurant.
There will soon be more room on George's coveted rooftop Ocean Terrace; due to be completed next month is an expansion that will increase its bar seating capacity and add high-top tables. And in the mid-level George's Bar, a new stand-alone concept has emerged after a three-week redo. Executive chef/partner Trey Foshee says the change was spawned by the desire to update the space, which has historically been used as an overflow catch-all for the upstairs terrace.
Now called George's Gastrobar, it has a fresh design from local firm Tecture, Inc.(Kettner Exchange, The Patio on Goldfinch) and an entirely new beverage program that takes advantage of in-house talent — California Modern mixologist Stephen Kurpinsky and beverage director Joshua Kasumovic. Kurpinsky and Kasumovic intend to turn the Gastrobar into a destination for serious drink devotees, reviving the cocktail menu with craft versions of the classics, made with housemade ingredients and handcut ice, and developing experimental, forward-thinking concoctions. All the beer taps will now be local, and the wine list more esoteric. Also in the pipeline is a revamped food menu from Foshee and Cal Modern chef de cuisine Jonathan Bautista, which should launch by spring.
