San Diego
Stone Brewing
San Diego has become the undisputed home of the craft beer movement, and Greg Koch, Stone Brewing’s visionary founder, is its recognized leader. Creating “big character” beers that gain well-deserved national attention, Stone Brewing has an expansive list of varieties, all featuring Stone’s trademark robust character. Committed to sustainability, Stone uses organic produce to supply their restaurants. Beer Advocate named Stone Brewing the top artisan brewery in the country — not surprising considering Stone’s cult-like following. A pint of Ruination IPA, anyone?
Bankers Hill
At Bankers Hill, multiple-time James Beard Award nominee Carl Schroeder shares his version of a hip, bistro-style restaurant and bar. Within this space, Carl and his longtime business partner and Food Network star Terryl Gavre create a cool, comfortable, casual atmosphere. Carl describes his food as casual American, focusing on creative flavor combinations that lead to lines out the door. The Bankers Hill menu changes seasonally, and is influenced by fresh, local ingredients from the San Diego farmers’ markets.
Pannikin Coffee
Established in 1968, Pannikin Coffee and Tea is San Diego’s original coffee roaster. Owner Shawn Holder specializes in small-batch roasting and uses age-old techniques to roast fresh coffee every day. Temperature and timing are controlled by hand, creating an unrivaled intensity of flavor. This family-owned and operated business continues its distinctive approach and commitment to quality that has created a loyal following of coffee lovers.
Phil’s BBQ
Renowned San Diego barbecue pit master, Phil Pace, features his highly awarded, grilled baby back ribs, beef ribs, chicken, and sandwiches at his eponymous BBQ joint. San Diego Magazine has named Phil’s BBQ the best barbecue in San Diego 10 years running. Phil’s masterful cooking process starts with his flavorful spice rub and basting sauce (both top secret recipes). He then gently smokes the ribs and chicken until they are juicy but tender. Extensively involved in the San Diego community, Phil’s BBQ has contributed over half a million dollars to local children’s charities over the past 15 years.
The Counter
Anti-established in 2003, The Counter is the 21st Century’s bold answer to the classic burger joint, one with national and international reach. Founder Jeff Weinstein focuses on presenting one menu item — the burger — exceptionally well. It features certified, humanely raised, natural, grain-fed Angus beef and a fresh bun baked in-house daily. With over 80 high quality ingredient options (including sustainable protein options such as bison meat and Impossible patties) and the possibility of over 100,000 food combinations, The Counter prides itself on creative construction, hand-picked ingredients, and creating an inventive burger experience. Go ahead, Build Your Own Burger. Design something special.
Saffron Thai
At Saffron Thai, celebrity chef Su-Mei Yu creates dishes from her childhood memories of Bangkok street food. She expands upon these meals with new ingredients and cooking techniques, inspired by her yearly travels back to Thailand. Overwhelmingly popular in San Diego for her fresh, seasonal fare and reasonable prices, Su-Mei places great focus on each and every ingredient. Her healthy cooking techniques incorporate foods’ medicinal properties and showcase the fresh flavors of each dish. Saffron Thai recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, a testament to the consistent quality and exciting flavor of Su-Mei’s legendary cuisine.
Artisan Market
Artisan Market is High Flying Foods’ take on a modern, farm-to-table marketplace. Approachable yet refined, Artisan Market highlights local purveyors and regional retail offerings that add a sense of place — from the local cheese purveyor to the wildly popular bread maker and the small-batch coffee roaster. Our first location opened in San Diego International Airport in 2013 and has since thrived in Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and will be coming soon to Oakland International Airport (2022). The from-scratch concept is tailored to each local market and features made-to-order sandwiches and salads topped with housemade spreads and dressings. Focused on sourcing from local purveyors, Artisan Market is built around supporting the local community and using the highest quality ingredients. From plant-based eaters to meat lovers, Artisan Market offers wholesome culinary creations for all.
