Essential Eats: The Works Bún Bowl at Newly Opened Shank & Bone in North Park
The Works Bún Bowl at the newly opened Shank & Bone restaurant in North Park is already a San Diego essential order.
Essential Eats: Speck & Crème Fraiche Pizza at Solare in Liberty Station
Tasty pizza is easy to come by in San Diego, but technically perfect pies are somewhat more elusive. If you appreciate a light, springy crust with a soft and chewy outer rim, the speck and crème fraiche pizza from Solare is worthy of a dedicated visit.
Solare’s speck pizza is one of nine dishes on the restaurant’s new “greatest hits” menu—which features top-selling items and chef favorites dating back to its launch in 2012. It’s also the same assortment of dishes Executive Chef Accursio Lotà served to a panel of judges to clinch the coveted ‘Tre Gamberi’ award—an exclusive honor bestowed on only the best-of-the-best Italian restaurants worldwide.
Other options on the all-star menu include Risotto Tartufo e Capesante (wild scallops and Italian truffle risotto), Pici al Limone e Finto Pesto (hand-rolled pasta with cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, lemon preserve, and burrata), and hearty house-made bolognese lasagna garnished with Grana Padano fondue and red wine reduction. The latter is made each day by a 70-year-old Italian grandma, so you know it’s got to be good.
The standout pie that keeps me coming back is a study in simplicity, composed of crème fraiche, provolone cheese, whisper-thin slices of sweet poached onion, premium smoked speck sourced from Italy, and a sprinkle of wild thyme. The complimentary and subtle flavors work together to create a surprisingly light pizza that you could easily conquer solo (and feel good about the feat).
If you find you have room for dessert, tiramisu is the perfect final act. Lotà’s formulation is classic, but the presentation is a fun surprise that’s guaranteed to trigger a smile.
2820 Roosevelt Road, Liberty Station
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