There has been one neighborhood here in San Diego that, for some reason, lacks a certain amount of good quality restaurants. Hillcrest is the hub of our community, yet we don’t have a top restaurant like North Park, Little Italy, or even Bankers Hill.
Luckily, our voices have started to be heard and within the last six months, the gayborhood has started to grow up. Leading the pack is the new addition from the Cohn Restaurant Group. 100 Wines has fallen right within their restaurant empire around town.
Housed in the old Buonissimo space at 1027 University Ave., 100 Wines offers a rough and rustic environment. Even though the lofty restaurant design craze is starting to get old (I mean enough with the Edison light bulbs, we get it), this design fits the concept perfectly: Good food served in a friendly way.
This eclectic European-style bistro offers a menu loaded with shared plates, which really lends to the causal environment. Since it’s opening several months ago, I have dined there quite often and in many different ways. Chef Katherine Humphus designed a menu that is quick and meant to be shared.
When you go, choose from one of the many boards to get started. The French Charcuterie Board ($16.50) is so authentic, I felt like I could be dining in a small bistro in Paris. The truffle pate mousse was to die for as were the amazing, and well cut meats.
If France isn’t your style, make your way over to the Bordo Italiano ($16.50). Fresh thinly sliced prosciutto, coppa and mortadella are served with house made mozzarella and seasoned ricotta. This is definitely a crowd pleaser.
For the health nut in your group, they won’t be disappointed with any of the salads. One of the most creative items on the menu has to be the Watermelon Three Ways ($8.50). Served with mixed greens, this delicious fruit is showcased in a way I have not seen before. A delicious pickled rind is alongside a watermelon radish and compressed watermelon. All this is served with feta cheese and in a very flavorful apple champagne vinaigrette. Explosive flavors all throughout this dish.
Anytime you go, you can’t miss the interesting pizzas. They are great to share and perfect if you want one all to yourself.
Phyllo Crusted Sweetbreads are another gem off this menu. Executed with perfection, the creamy sweetbreads were divine with crispy pancetta, pea vines and a mixed berry jam. This dish truly melted in your mouth.
One of the best aspects of this restaurant has to be the wine list. Presented in $20, $30 and $40 categories, there really isn’t anything you could go wrong with.
The one negative I have with this restaurant is that on two occasions during the week when I wanted to dine, they had closed before 8:30 p.m. A note to restaurateurs: when you close early, it sends a message to your diner that is not a good one. When they do stay open and you can get a table, make the stroll over and enjoy some good wine, great food, all right in our own backyard.
