http://www.masspublisher.com/content/profile.php?orgid=216&ItemID=1818EN-USCopyright 2009 Sbicca American BistroTue, 24 Mar 2009 20:26:21 ZMon, 20 Apr 2009 16:44:12 ZMassPublisher.com"With the recent portrayal of hot-tempered chefs in Bravo's hit reality show "Top Chef" or celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's constant hurling of the "f-bomb" on his show "Hell's Kitchen," you might expect the California Restaurant Association's chef of the year to be a skillet-wielding megalomaniac.But nothing could be further from the reality of Susan Sbicca, the down-to-earth executive chef and co-owner of Sbicca Bistro in Del Mar and Meritage Restaurant in Encinitas, who won the Gold Medallion award from the California Restaurant Association's San Diego county chapter in 2006. With this latest award, she becomes one of only two chefs to receive the state's top chef award..." (NCT 2009)49d39dcb6ae01Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:06:04 Zhttp://www.masspublisher.com/org/sbicca-american-bistro/c/encinitas-susan-sbicca-winning-awards-for-her-cooking-philanthropy-2040/Sbicca wins "Chef of the Year" and "Best American Casual Dining" at annual galaSusan 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.49d24765bf800Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:41:34 Zhttp://www.masspublisher.com/org/sbicca-american-bistro/c/top-nosh-susan-sbicca-twice-honored-by-california-restaurant-association-1992/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.49d2465568c73Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:38:40 Zhttp://www.masspublisher.com/org/sbicca-american-bistro/c/look-whos-cooking-susan-sbicca-named-californias-chef-of-the-year-1991/Sbicca is featured in the Wine Spectator for its exceptional wine list and service.48fcb54853846Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:45:58 Zhttp://www.masspublisher.com/org/sbicca-american-bistro/c/sbicca-featured-in-wine-spectator-2008-867/San Diego Magazine's 2008 Readers' Poll is out, and Sbicca wins "Best American Cuisine". Not too shabby.48d97d0ed7ad0Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:34:50 Zhttp://www.masspublisher.com/org/sbicca-american-bistro/c/sbicca-wins-award-for-best-american-cuisine-2008-758/