New in Town May 2012

Even though an estimated one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, survivors are often overlooked in regards to services and available products; as a result, PinkRibbonAnnex.com is a site committed to being a trusted lifelong resource for women who have, or have had, breast cancer. Launched by two-time breast cancer survivor Carolyn Clark, the site offers news about fitness, nutrition, health and wellness, coupled with an online retail mall featuring solutions focusing on specialty garnets and products; these include services, head coverings, cosmetics, swimwear, and body-reshaping intimates.

Brian Malarkey Brings "Ocean Bazaar" to La Jolla with Herringbone

As the fifth culinary installment by celebrity chef Brian Malarkey, Herringbone offers an "Ocean Bazaar" cuisine, featuring a "farm to sea" concept with global flavor and surf and turf menu selections. Located along Herschel Avenue near Prospect, the kitchen will be led by Top Chef Season 7’s Amanda Baumgarten as executive chef; the native Angeleno most recently worked at the Water Grill in Los Angeles. Interiors evoke the feeling of an old world bazaar run through the indoor/outdoor layout, anchored by 100-year-old olive trees growing within the space. Open daily.

Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa Opens in July

Set along the oceanfront span of Carlsbad Boulevard just north of Batiquitos Lagoon, Hilton Carlsbad will be the newest addition to San Diego’s luxury resort landscape this summer. Designed by architect Joseph Wong, with interiors by Hatch Design and Raad Ghantous, the resort is well appointed, modeling the California Craftsman style; the property features 215 guest rooms that embrace Hilton’s brand of comfort and modernity, along with the resort’s natural setting of an expansive Pacific panorama and the Southern California coastal lifestyle. French-born Pascal Vignau recently joined the resort’s Chandler’s Restaurant & Lounge as executive chef, and will be building a menu that will reflect "the next generation of simple food, simply prepared;" Vignau is best known for his top-rated work at Savory Casual Fare in Encinitas.

Mission Hills Welcomes Casual Neighborhood Eatery with Brooklyn Girl Eatery Bar and Pantry

Located at the corner of Goldfinch and Ft. Stockton in Mission Hills, Brooklyn Girl features a sustainable menu of farm-to-table selections, led by Executive Chef Tyler Thrasher (formerly of Oceanaire Seafood Room and Jsix at Hotel Solamar in downtown San Diego). It was recently announced that Colin Murray, of Cowboy Star in East Village, would join the team as sous chef. The eatery is owned and founded by Michael and Victoria McGeath, who formerly owned Trattoria Acqua in La Jolla.

Rancho Valencia Property Renovation Nears Completion

Located at the corner of Goldfinch and Ft. Stockton, Rancho Valencia, recently awarded a Four-Star rating from the 2012 Forbes Travel Guide, has undertaken a six-month renovation to simply refresh interior and exterior accommodations; a new restaurant concept will also be unveiled taking advantage of alfresco dining loggias.  

"With the renovation of Rancho Valencia, we’re committed to bringing renewed energy into this beloved Southern California getaway and continuing the tradition of providing the gracious personalized service and exclusive experiences that guests of Rancho Valencia have come to know and cherish," said Jeff Jacobs, one of Rancho Valencia’s owners. "It is our intent to build upon the resort’s unique charm, character and authenticity while maintaining its original architectural integrity." The project is expected to be completed by Summer 2012.

Web: ranchovalencia.com