Bull & Grain is Hillcrest's Newest Chef-Driven Eatery

If you missed the culinary stylings of Daniel Barron, the chef is ensconced in the kitchen at Hillcrest's new Bull & Grain, which opened last week to favorable first reviews in a revamped University Avenue space last housed Tabletop Commons.

Eater checked in with Barron, who shared that he's received great support from owner Simon Wolujewicz and said, "I feel like I am cooking the best I have in San Diego yet; our potential is incredibly high here."

Now serving lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch launching soon, the menu ranges from housemade thick cut bacon, grilled with a maple, chipotle and sage glaze to a foie gras parfait and an appetizer of tuna served three ways, including cured with Japanese kombu, that comes with a mouth-tingling condiment of numbing sancho buttons, lemon and mint. Entrees range from a lobster and bacon roll to a braised Duroc pork shank with grits and a grilled ribeye with wild mushrooms, smoked rib demi and horseradish potato custard.

A daily 3 to 6 p.m. happy hour features its own food menu, $2 off beer and wine, and 50% off house cocktails, which includes a drink dubbed Smokin' Herbs; served in a beaker, it's a mix of Woodford Reserve rye, Lagavulin scotch, amaro, Benedictine, and orange bitters smoked with orange peel, cinnamon and clove.