October 11, 2016
After a nearly one year overhaul, The Hake’s Managing Partner Ricardo Dondisch along with his local and Mexico City based team are proud to reveal the results of an extensive renovation intended to reinvent the restaurant from a tucked away neighborhood gathering spot into an oceanfront dining destination. Located within the recently remodeled 1250 Prospect Street building in the heart of La Jolla Village, the new nearly 5,400-square-foot space presents guests with an internationally inspired menu, handcrafted cocktails and a thoughtful wine list all delivered with an unparalleled level of service in an elevated, yet welcoming atmosphere boasting sprawling views of the La Jolla's picturesque cove and shoreline.
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| Chef Aart Sanghavi |
A handful of signature dishes from the restaurant’s previous offerings remain including the Seasonal White Fish Ceviche and Shaved Ribeye, but Sanghavi has given the rest of the menu her own fresh new take. She’s mindfully divided the menu’s offerings into several categories - Signature Raw Preparations, a selection of Small Plates, Shareable Plates, Salads and Sides along with a variety of Land and Sea options. A few highlights from the Signature Raw Preparations and Small Plates section include the Lobster Aguachile with chili-pear granita, scallion and cucumber, the Shrimp and Pork Tamale with salsa cruda and crispy pork skin, and the Opah Chorizo and Eggs composed of a 63-degree egg, miso, celery and grilled naan. Additional culinary standouts include the namesake Smoked Hake prepared with bone marrow, red onion, daikon and grilled bread, the Tuna Carnitas made with shallot, ponzu and serrano, the Seasonal White Fish with cilantro chutney, peanut salad and Chioggia beets, and the Spiced Colorado Lamb Loin complete with masa dumplings, leeks and watercress. Complementing the savory side of the menu, the culinary team has created several desserts representative of the global nature of the menu as a whole, with standouts including the Lemon Cake prepared with goat cheese mousse, meringue and blackberry.
Behind the bar notable beverage curator Joan Villanueva returns to the team with an innovative stream of craft libations. With each cocktail purposely created to complement the chef-driven menu, Villanueva has divided his list into distinct categories. Another notable addition to Villanueva’s well-rounded beverage program is the offering of a digestivo, or after-dinner drink, which guests can select from a moveable tableside drink cart, conjuring up decades of cocktail nostalgia.
Rounding out the beverage program is The Hake’s versatile wine program. The impressive wine collection is comprised of nearly 250 red, white, rosé and sparkling wines from both Old and New World vineyards - “Old World,” representing the traditional winegrowing regions of Europe and “New World,” featuring varietals and blends from vineyards that are relatively new to wine production. In addition to the substantial bottle list, The Hake’s offers an extensive selection of 25 wines by the glass including a variety of premium red and white wines. While at The Hake, guests can also take advantage of the restaurant’s retail wine component giving them the opportunity to purchase their libations for home.
In its design approach, The Hake enlisted famed Mexico City architect Jorge Campos to breathe new life into the additional 2,000 square feet of dining space. Campos and his team of skillful designers reimagined the restaurant and bar to not only enhance the dining experience but to become an integral part of it. Whether opting to spend their visit at the custom-made, all copper bar, the 115-seat main dining room, the spacious patio terrace, or the 12-seat intimate private dining room, guests will notice that while each designated vantage point is unique and allows for a customized experience, all are unified by a timeless design aesthetic intended to transcend trends and provide longevity.
Much like Sanghavi’s culinary approach, Campos drew from global inspiration to incorporate design elements from such destinations as Spain and the Mediterranean. With no design aspect overlooked, Campos sourced elements from all across Mexico, working with some of the country’s most well-respected local artisans to create a space unique to San Diego and entirely handcrafted. Campos’ clean, upscale design elements were thoughtfully intended to elevate the dining experience, encouraging guests to linger and enjoy not only the post card-esque ocean views but the restaurant’s comfortable surroundings as well. Open and airy, The Hake’s expansive new dining room is accentuated by wood-flooring to match the polished wood tables and seating while floor-to-ceiling windows offer a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean from nearly every seat.
The Hake is located at 1250 Prospect Street in La Jolla. For more information, visit TheHake.com
Rounding out the beverage program is The Hake’s versatile wine program. The impressive wine collection is comprised of nearly 250 red, white, rosé and sparkling wines from both Old and New World vineyards - “Old World,” representing the traditional winegrowing regions of Europe and “New World,” featuring varietals and blends from vineyards that are relatively new to wine production. In addition to the substantial bottle list, The Hake’s offers an extensive selection of 25 wines by the glass including a variety of premium red and white wines. While at The Hake, guests can also take advantage of the restaurant’s retail wine component giving them the opportunity to purchase their libations for home.
Much like Sanghavi’s culinary approach, Campos drew from global inspiration to incorporate design elements from such destinations as Spain and the Mediterranean. With no design aspect overlooked, Campos sourced elements from all across Mexico, working with some of the country’s most well-respected local artisans to create a space unique to San Diego and entirely handcrafted. Campos’ clean, upscale design elements were thoughtfully intended to elevate the dining experience, encouraging guests to linger and enjoy not only the post card-esque ocean views but the restaurant’s comfortable surroundings as well. Open and airy, The Hake’s expansive new dining room is accentuated by wood-flooring to match the polished wood tables and seating while floor-to-ceiling windows offer a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean from nearly every seat.
The Hake is located at 1250 Prospect Street in La Jolla. For more information, visit TheHake.com
