International Smoke - the nationally-recognized wood-fire dining collaboration between award-winning chef Michael Mina and renowned restaurateur, chef, cookbook author, and television host Ayesha Curry - is set to open in July in Del Mar’s brand new One Paseo.
International Smoke is a chef-driven wood-fire cooking concept based around a menu of smoke-infused dishes. Originally started as a pop-up in San Francisco in 2016, International Smoke’s opening in Del Mar will be Mina and Curry’s fourth location for the fast-growing restaurant chain.
Located in the brand new One Paseo development, International Smoke aims to deliver a communal dining environment with a menu of shareable dishes and tableside culinary experiences alongside a hand-picked selection of beers on tap and craft cocktail menu. The menu will be driven by quality spices, local ingredients and a variety of woodfire cooking techniques from around the globe. San Diego’s unique flavors will play into the menu’s equation by virtue of Executive Chef Chris Carriker, who most recently served as Chef de Cuisine at Avant Restaurant at the Rancho Bernardo Inn.
Led by a variety of woodfired steaks, seafood, and ribs alongside unique vegetable-forward plates, the menu at International Smoke will include a blend of dishes such as a 14-ounce American Wagyu NY Strip served with crispy Za’atar potatoes, tehina and grilled lemon. Another favorite will be the whole roasted cauliflower served with golden raisins, Za’atar and pistachios. Then there's the famous smoked St. Louis style ribs with a choice of three flavors - American BBQ, Golden Garlic Sweet & Sour and Korean. The menu will also offer a variety of vegan options that showcase fresh, local produce.
Not to be overshadowed, the beverage program will feature a mix of boozy cocktails including a variety of shareable punch bowls such as The Kampong, a refreshing mix of cava, rum, pomegranate, Thai basil and lemon. Other specialty crafted cocktails include Shape Shifter made with Espolon tequila, passion fruit, pineapple, honey, and ancho chili. The bar menu also includes a CBD-infused cocktail called Free the CBD! made with Peruvian pisco, yellow chartreuse, lime, egg whites and CBD. The craft cocktails will be designed under the mantra "produce first, spirit second," meaning that drinks are crafted in partnership with regional farmers and combined with a spirit specifically selected to enhance key ingredients. International Smoke will also offer a variety of local craft brews.
Situated in One Paseo, off Del Mar Heights road and in front of the valet, International Smoke spans a 6,200-square-foot interior with a 2,000-square-foot patio. The restaurant will offer 288 seats for guests to enjoy distinct dining experiences during lunch, dinner, happy hour, and weekend brunch. On top of International Smoke’s highly anticipated arrival, the restaurant will also host live music with an array of multi-genre acts.The dining concept’s new location will be led by General Manager Alex Farris, who has a hospitality and restaurant management background. Farris’ past experiences include working at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse in Boston, MA and locally at JRDN restaurant inside Tower 23 Hotel. Farris also served in the Army National Guard and was deployed to Kuwait in 2015-2016.
"We want International Smoke to deliver dynamic dishes paired with memorable experiences," said Farris. “Along with the innovative menu, we are looking forward to partnering with neighboring businesses, creating unique programing and giving people an unforgettable time.”
International Smoke is set to open at 2287 Del Mar Heights Road within One Paseo in San Diego's Del Mar area as early as this July. For more information, visit internationalsmoke.com and check out the sample menu below.
