Where Chefs Eat With Whisknladle's Ryan Johnston

by Candice Woo Feb 11, 2014, 4:55am PST

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by Candice Woo Feb 11, 2014, 4:55am PST

Welcome to a new Eater feature called Where Chefs Eat. We want to know where the men and women of San Diego restaurant kitchens go to feed on their all-too-rare days off. Where do they choose to spend their hard-earned pay and what do they crave?

We're kicking things off with Ryan Johnston, executive chef and partner of Whisknladle and the Prepkitchen restaurants. Born in South Florida, Johnston's an alum of the Culinary Institute of America with over 15 years of restaurant experience, including time spent in the kitchen of Thomas Keller's Bouchon in the Napa Valley area.

Whisknladle Hospitality owner Arturo Kassel says, "Working with Ryan has been a true privilege. His passion and dedication to his craft and this company are bar-none and his food is undeniably great. I consider myself lucky to call him a partner and friend."

It's Johnston's 40th birthday today (hope you have a good one, chef!), so if you see him out tonight at one of these spots, wish him well, won't you?

· Whisknladle Hospitality [Official Site]

Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar

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I love Nine-Ten for the creativity and technique that Chef Jason Knibb puts into all of his food. This is the whole package for me- the food is fresh and delicious and the service is great.

910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

(858) 964-5400

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Don Carlos Taco Shop

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I’m a torts man, so for something quick I’ll come here for the Lomo or the Carne Asada Torta.

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737 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA 92037

(858) 456-0462

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Hane Sushi

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Owner/Sushi Chef Roger Nakamura’s omakase is amazing. I like to sit at the bar and savor dish after dish that Roger prepares.

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2760 5th Ave, #105, San Diego, CA 92103

(619) 260-1411

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Coffee Cup

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I get the Zen Breakfast. It comes with marinated tofu, brown rice, egg whites, green onions and salsa. It usually comes with zucchini but I get broccoli instead.

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1109 Wall St, San Diego, CA 92037

(858) 551-8514

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Isola Pizza

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I think they have really great pizza. It’s close to my house so my girlfriend and I will run over there for a bite and a glass of wine.

1526 India St, San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 255-4230

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Bay Park Fish Co.

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Their fish is always fresh. I really like their ahi poke and the steamed mussels and clams.

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4121 Ashton St, San Diego, CA 92110

(619) 276-3474

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Coin Op Game Room

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Bartender Eric Lockridge makes the best Sazarac in town. I was sad to see him leave Prepkitchen but happy I can still get my favorite cocktail while playing some old school video games.

3926 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

(619) 564-6924

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