Look Who's Cooking: Susan Sbicca named California's Chef of the Year

SAN DIEGO - September 19, 2006 - Second time's a charm for Susan Sbicca, celebrated executive chef and co-owner of Sbicca Bistro in Del Mar and Meritage Restaurant in Encinitas. She was recently honored as "Chef of the Year" at the California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (CRAEF) Hall of Fame Centennial Celebration.

This is only the second time in CRAEF's 25-year history that the award has been presented. And this is the second time this year the California Restaurant Association has recognized Sbicca's culinary talent; in May 2006 she won the prestigious Gold Medallion Award for San Diego's "Chef of the Year" from the Association's San Diego Chapter.

CRAEF's "Chef of the Year" award recognizes California chefs who have earned a reputation for innovative concepts, as well as portray professionalism and demonstrate a commitment to their local communities.

Susan's unique cooking style recognizes influences of the broad cultural mix that make up our modern American cuisine. She strives to buy ingredients from local farms and use sustainable seafood and organic foods as much as possible. She looks at food creatively and artistically, and is inspired by just about anything, including music, emotions, books, magazines, seasons, and food itself.

Susan Sbicca's community involvement is extensive. One night a week Sbicca and Meritage restaurants are open for "Guest Bartender" night, when the bar is turned over to charities and community groups for fundraisers or special events. A bartender provided by the organization can work alongside one of the restaurant's bartenders and be rewarded with tips donated to the participating group. Susan and her husband Dan are also regular contributors to organizations such as the UCSD Cancer Center, the Kidney Foundation, Children's Hospital, and more.

Susan and her husband Dan opened the award-winning Sbicca, An American Bistro in spring 1998. Their second restaurant, Meritage, opened in June 2002 on historic Highway 101 in Encinitas.

Sbicca and Meritage restaurants are known for seasonal menu delicacies and American bistro signature dishes, as well as a comprehensive California wine list. The restaurants have both received numerous accolades, including the "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator, which both restaurants have received multiple times and past Gold Medallions from the California Restaurant Association (Sbicca, 2006 and 2005 "Best American Casual Dining" and Meritage, 2003 "Best New Restaurant").

Located in the heart of downtown Del Mar at 215 15th Street, Sbicca is a coastal dining destination with an ocean view terrace and a seaside village setting. Meritage Restaurant, located at 897 South Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas, has quickly become a North County dining and happy hour hot spot.

Sbicca and Meritage are open daily for lunch and dinner. For more information or to make reservations at Sbicca, call (858) 481-1001 or visit www.sbiccabistro.com. For additional information or to make reservations at Meritage, call (760) 634-3350 or visit www.meritage1.com.

Top Nosh: Susan Sbicca Twice Honored by California Restaurant Association
Sbicca wins "Chef of the Year" and "Best American Casual Dining" at annual gala

SAN DIEGO - May 17, 2006 - Susan Sbicca, executive chef and co-owner of Sbicca Bistro in Del Mar and Meritage Restaurant in Encinitas, has earned the prestigious Gold Medallion Award for San Diego's "Chef of the Year" from the San Diego Chapter of the California Restaurant Association.

The awards were presented at an annual gala on May 16 at the Town & Country Resort.

Sbicca Bistro was also honored with the "Best American Casual Dining" award for the second consecutive year.

The "Chef of the Year" honor, based on the nominee's quality of culinary art and involvement in the restaurant community and community at large, is one of the organization's most distinguished awards. Gold Medallions recognize exceptional restaurants and their chefs in San Diego County. Winners are selected by fellow restaurateurs.

Sbicca features modern American dishes at her two restaurants, which she owns and operates with her husband Dan Sbicca. Throughout the year, Susan creates new and seasonally-inspired dishes using the finest and freshest regional ingredients, as well as herbs and spices from her own garden. Her innovative menus combine the essence of southwestern and Mexican cuisine, with the Asian and Mediterranean influences that San Diegans have long enjoyed in this geographical melting pot.

Susan first honed her dining skills in Boston, working in the kitchen for J. Bildner and Sons. She returned to San Diego in 1990 to become a sous-chef for Gunther Emanthinger, chef/owner of Falco restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter. Susan went on to become executive chef at Greentree Grocers, where she developed management and catering skills. She then returned to the restaurant business as chef at En Fuego in Del Mar. In 1998, Susan and Dan opened Sbicca in downtown Del Mar, followed by the opening of Meritage in their hometown of Encinitas in 2002.

The Sbiccas' community involvement is extensive. One night a week their restaurants are open for "Guest Bartender" night, when the bar is turned over to charities and community groups for fundraisers or special events. A bartender provided by the organization can work alongside one of the restaurant's bartenders and be rewarded with tips donated to the participating group. The Sbiccas are also regular contributors to organizations such as UCSD Cancer Center, the Kidney Foundation, Children's Hospital and more.

Sbicca and Meritage restaurants are known for their comprehensive California wine list, seasonal menu delicacies and American bistro signature dishes. The restaurants have both received numerous honors, including the "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator, which both restaurants have received multiple times, and past Gold Medallions from the California Restaurant Association (Sbicca, 2005 "Best American Casual Dining" and Meritage, 2003 "Best New Restaurant").

Located in the heart of Downtown Del Mar, Sbicca is a coastal dining destination with an ocean view terrace and a seaside village setting. Meritage Restaurant, in The Lumberyard in Encinitas, has quickly become a North County meeting and dining hot spot.

Sbicca and Meritage are open daily for lunch and dinner. For more information or to make reservations at Sbicca, call (858) 481-1001 or visit www.sbiccabistro.com. For additional information or to make reservations at Meritage, call (760) 634-3350 or visit www.meritage1.com.

Sbicca is located at 215 15th Street in Del Mar. Meritage is located at 897 South Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas.