San Diego, CA, USA (9/19/2006) - CRAEF - 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. | 
