Chef Daniel Barron Returns To Helm New Hillcrest Concept

The fall debut of a new restaurant will mark the return of a local chef who is re-entering the San Diego food scene after a short cooking stint in Palm Springs. Daniel Barron, who split with Blush Ice Bar + East-West Kitchen last fall after helping to launch the downtown eatery, is back to helm Bull & Grain in Hillcrest as its executive chef

Slotting into the mid-century modern landmark at 1263 University Avenue that has seen several restaurant concepts rotate through in recent years (its last tenant was the game-centric Tabletop Commons), Bull & Grain is described as a "new-American style restaurant". Scheduled to open September 19, it will serve lunch, dinner, brunch, and feature late night hours with a full bar; the industrial-inspired space includes an outdoor patio and mezzanine lounge.

Barron, who has nearly two decades of culinary experience under his belt, including local tenures at La Valencia Hotel and Blue Point Coastal Cuisine, will be creating a Progressive American menu, according to owner Simon Wolujewicz. The chef shared that he's happy to be back cooking in San Diego and that though the menu is still under development, it will reflect his style of food but be more approachable than ever. Barron promises the cuisine will be different and exciting; his words to the community are, "stay tuned, this is going to be fun".