/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49798625/Snack_Shack.0.0.jpg)
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 this regular feature, we'll help you discover recently opened restaurants and uncover new-to-you bars and eateries (plus occasional menu debuts) specializing in everything from Friday happy hour cocktails through to Sunday brunch. So get ready to kick-back and make the most of that well-earned downtime!
Bon Appetit: Et Voilà! French Bistro
Beautifully appointed (there's a zinc bar, gorgeous tiled floors and some serious European flair), Et Voila! is University Heights newest must-visit dining destination. An inviting blend of casual and upscale, here you can enjoy traditional French fare served in classic bistro surrounds. Linger over a white negroni on the sidewalk for some all-important people watching during happy hour, or come for weekend brunch when Gallic treats like eggs Benedict with blue crabmeat, a tartine du jour and mini pastries grace the menu. 3015 Adams Ave. (619) 209-7759 [Photo: Lyudmila Zotova]
(M)eat By The Bay: Carnitas Snack Shack
You can now enjoy Hanis Cavin's celebrated "fast casual porkhouse" by the Bay, thanks to this newly opened Embarcadero outpost. The colorful all-outdoor cafe not only serves up Cavin's prized porcine products but cocktails too - like Mules, Marys and 'Margs - by way of bar manager Mai Pham. Perhaps best of all, this location opens early for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday! Our pick? The pork belly breakfast burrito. 1004 N Harbor Dr. (619) 294-7675 [Photo: Facebook]
Homestyle Italian In East Village: Salvucci's
Another glossy downtown addition from the RMD stable, Salvucci’s recently swung open in the former Comun space in East Village. Helmed by chef Michael Marino, the open kitchen serves up homestyle Italian food, including a "delicious chicken parm" with housemade tagliatelle pasta, plus a beef and pork meatball appetizer with pomodoro sauce and Parmesan. From the bar there is draft Pinot Grigio, in addition to specialty cocktails with an Italian twist, like the Sicilian Spritz (Skyy Blood Orange Vodka, Aperol, Prosecco). 935 J St. (619) 255-112 [Photo: Eater San Diego]
For A Post Padres Sub: Carnivore Sandwich
Baz Emini’s second NYC-style deli recently opened in close proximity to Petco Park. Here you’ll find signature, overstuffed sandwiches made with hand-sliced meats (flown in twice weekly from New York and Chicago no less), plus from-scratch salads, custom condiments and housemade soups, including a classic matzo ball. Carnivore's specialty sandwiches include The Boss: corned beef, pastrami, Swiss, Russian dressing on rye, and The Pilgrim: oven-roasted turkey, provolone, sage stuffing on a cranberry-orange walnut loaf (both $12.95). 317 10th Ave. (619) 338-8301 [Photo: Facebook]
Turning Five: Bottlecraft
Don’t miss Bottlecraft’s 5th Birthday beer release fiesta this weekend. In honor of the occasion Abnormal Beer Co. brewed up piloncillo, Ethiopian cacao nibs, cinnamon, vanilla and ancho chilies to create their Imperial Stout, Quinquenio, which means "five year period" in Spanish. The special bottle will be released to the public at Bottlecraft’s Anniversary Party on Saturday, June 11 at 11 a.m., at all three locations: Little Italy, North Park, and Liberty Station. 2252 India St. (619) 487-9493 Photo: Facebook