It’s finally Friday, which means it’s almost time to clock-off and get those weekend vibes started. No plans yet? No problem! Eater's here with a handy set of recommendations to assist in your dining destination decision-making. In today's feature, we'll help you discover four recent menu revamps (from French-inspired springtime fare to a slew of summer-ready cocktails), plus a new seafood concept in Hillcrest. So cheers to the weekend and some of that well-earned downtime!
Italian Seafood Fusion: Clandestino
Clandestino has garnered a slew of favorable online reviews since opening a little less than a month ago. Inspired by Italian coastal cuisine the menu at this seafood-focused concept features everything from lobster bisque and la plancha style octopus entrée, to a crayfish cappellacci fresh pasta dish and LobsBurger: a lobster patty on squid ink bun. The El Bulli burger with Iberian chorizo sauce also sounds like a winner. Open for brunch (weekends, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) expect croissants, waffles and crepes, plus assorted entrees like scrambles and frittatas at this new Hillcrest hotspot. 142 University Ave. (619) 578-2909 [Photo: Yelp]
Spring Menu Additions: Bleu Bohème
Chef and restaurateur, Ken Irvine recently added a selection of new spring inspired items to his menu at this charming Kensington bistro. Highlights include foie gras au torchon with rhubarb purée and watermelon radish; a deliciously light salad de farro with fava beans, avocado and wild rocket; and a decadent Poutine Québécoise – duck confit, white cheddar curds and foie gras gravy on pomme frites. The basil martini or Kir Royal make for perfect pre-dinner aperitifs during Bleu Boheme’s social hour, which runs 5 – 6 p.m. nightly. 4090 Adams Ave. (619) 255-4167 [Courtesy Photo]
New Spring/Summer Sips: The Nolen
Newly appointed "creative lead" behind the bar at The Nolen is Andrew Larson, a Seattle transplant from the opening team of Michael Mina’s RN74. From Tiki to Barrel-Aged, and 14th floor rooftop-only exclusive signature sips, Andrew explores a love of shrubs, tinctures and syrups for his debut 21-strong cocktail menu. Highlights include the savory Alligator Pear (gin, caraway seed/cumin/fennel liqueur Kümmel, housemade avocado cilantro shrub, lemon soda, mezcal float). With a can’t-miss-it turquoise hue, the rum-based Pacific Wave is finished with pamplemousse, Blue Curaçao and cardamom bitters. 453 Sixth Ave. (619) 796-6536 [Photo: Jim Sullivan]
Ode To Summer: Noble Experiment East Village cocktail destination Noble Experiment is offering up new twists on classic combinations, with their decadent ode to summer with warm weather flavors such as grapefruit and orange bitters, Caribbean spices, pineapple, lime and plenty of refreshing bubbly. Standout drinks include the Surfer Rosa, made with Jamaican pot-stilled rum, gentian aperitif, almond cordial, pineapple, lime, and Caribbean spices, and the Buddha’s Kiss, mixed with a blend of pot and column-still rum, Thai tea reduction topped with coconut whipped cream. 777 G St. (619) 888-4713 [Courtesy Photo]
A Study In Strawberry: Soda & Swine
As part of their new Study in Strawberry menu Soda & Swine teamed up with Liberty Public Market to develop four seasonal cocktails of which, the strawberry-liscious list of concoctions includes: Strawberry Poptart Shake, an adult-only mix of bourbon, Dutch gin, strawberry liqueur, almond cordial and strawberry ice cream; and Strawberry Fields Forever, made with strawberry infused gin, fresh fruit and citrus.The Midlife Crisis (vodka, blanc vermouth, simple syrup, fresh lemon, muddled strawberries, champagne top) counsels: "When times are tough, everything is better with bubbles & strawberries." 2750 Dewey Rd. #104 (619) 501-9989 [Photo: Lydumila Zotova]