Cuisine highlights of 2013

There were many delicious dishes available in local restaurants in 2013 given the many accomplished chefs that work locally. There were also plenty of reasons to stay out of the kitchen – if one just thought about it!

Some of the cuisine highlights covered by the Village News this year included:

Top Chef – Leone D’Arcangelo – Fresco’s Grill Wine Bar

“Absolutely masterful” would be one way to describe D’Arcangelo’s cuisine at his popular restaurant located in Bonsall’s River Village. This chef brought home the “Top Chef – People’s Choice Award” in 2013 from the sixth annual So-Cal Chef Open at Pechanga Resort. D’Arcangelo is passionate about food and it shows – he uses only the freshest of ingredients and his numerous hand-crafted sauces are what dreams are made of.

Unique dinners – Michael Calvanese – Café des Artistes

Known for his healthy, innovative and themed cuisine, Michael Calvanese, owner of Café des Artistes inside the Fallbrook Art Center, delivers something unique to Fallbrook. In addition to delectable, freshly made soups, sandwiches, and desserts, Calvanese has fun pairing special menu offerings to art exhibit themes on display in the center.

Fast food healthier – Chris Miller - Kentucky Fried Chicken

With the health-conscious gravitating toward boneless, skinless chicken, Fallbrook fast food restaurant Kentucky Fried Chicken stepped up to provide just that. Introduced in April 2013, the new option has received a very positive reaction from customers. Chris Miller, owner of the Fallbrook KFC, operates it with a family/team approach, blending the restaurant into the local community.

Inaugural Jazz & Wine event – McDougal Family - Grand Tradition

The McDougal Family, owners of the Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens held their inaugural Jazz & Wine event in September 2013. About 700 attendees turned out to hear world-class jazz musicians and enjoy a variety of outstanding food and wine at strategically placed stations throughout the picturesque estate. The event also benefited the Ronald McDonald House. The unique offerings continue to make this family business a feather in

Fallbrook’s cap!