TRUST Restaurant Opens In Hillcrest

February 10, 2016

TRUST Restaurant will be making its debut today as the first tenant to open in Jonathan Segal’s neighborhood-redefining “Mr. Robinson” building on the corner of Park and Robinson in Hillcrest. Led by Executive Chef Brad Wise (formerly of JRDN, Cannonball, Draft), TRUST will serve urban rustic food made with locally sourced ingredients.

Executive Chef Brad Wise and General Manager Steven Schwob, alums from the Eat.Drink.Sleep group that owns Tower23 Hotel and manages Belmont Park and its eateries, are the culinary minds behind TRUST.

“I am excited to share a menu that allows so many of my favorite flavors to come alive,” said Chef Brad Wise. “Developing TRUST’s menu has truly been a labor of love. I hope our guests have as much fun eating the dishes as I have had creating them.”

Wise has drawn inspiration from his early culinary career when he was cooking in South Jersey. Then, and now, Wise focuses on simple execution, fresh ingredients and foods he enjoys cooking. The menu is designed to invite guests to taste through a series of dishes without being overwhelmed.

Diners can anticipate seasonal, shareable plates complemented by a forward thinking and globally-influenced beverage program showcasing local craft beer and celebrating artisan producers of wine throughout the world.

Signature dishes include Brussels sprouts with tortilla strips, cilantro, jalapeno vinaigrette, Cotija cheese and Tajin; Smoked Fish Rillettes with cured yolk risotto, mascarpone, radish and chives; Chicken Thigh Dumplings with butter lettuce, hoisin and sriracha; and Baja White Seabass with butter beans, kale, soft herbs and San Marzano tomatoes.

Pastry Chef Jeremy Harville’s playful dessert menu evokes flavors of childhood in his Peanut Butter Captain Crunch Cheesecake, Oatmeal Raisin Tart, and Milk Chocolate Custard. Bar Manager Juan Sanchez will be crafting cocktails to pair with TRUST’s approachable cuisine. Diners can expect a neighborhood bar feel and classic drinks with a modern mixologist spin in libations such as the Rye Old Fashioned with Wild Turkey 101, sugar and bitters; Rum Manhattan with Diplomatico ‘Exclusiva’, Carpano Antica Formula and bitters; and the TRUST Cocktail #1 made with Beefeater, Aperol, Dolin Blanc, lemon and egg white.

“We've chosen Hillcrest as our location because of its highly dynamic and diverse community,” said Schwob. “Our lively, urban atmosphere is matched with an engaging menu, price-friendly wine list and genuinely welcoming service. We can't wait to invite diners to experience TRUST.”

The 2,687-square-foot restaurant includes a 1,300-square-foot outdoor patio designed to complement the urban landscape of Hillcrest. A poplar planked backdrop with custom designed metal bar shelving and gold metal barstools make for an inviting feel accented by a Pental Quartz communal bar. American White Oak dining tables and chairs coupled with custom designed graphics wrapping the walls reflect the clean lines and angular curves associated with midcentury modern design. Vibrant colors throughout the space next to natural alder wood and black metal pendants provide a warm, soft ambiance.

TRUST Restaurant offers dinner Monday through Sunday from 5-10pm and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 9am-2pm. TRUST is located 3752 Park Blvd. Suite 105C in Hillcrest. For more information, call (619) 795-6901, visit trustrestaurantsd.com and check out the menus below.