This month, St. Germain’s Bistro & Café in Encinitas launches Lady Chef, a quarterly guest chef series curated by Nino Camilo featuring local female chefs Isabel Cruz, Dawn Parks, Kari Rich, and Alvanette Kauwalu. Every three months, each will create a special dinner menu in collaboration with St. Germain’s own executive chef, Kaitlin Ramos. First up, Isabel Cruz, executive chef and owner of Barrio Star, Coffee Cup, and Isabel’s Cantina, will share her bold Latin flavors, along with a special Taco Tuesday throughout February. Look for a special Valentine’s Day menu as well. St. Germain’s serves breakfast and lunch daily and dinner Tuesday through Saturday nights. Enjoy live local music al fresco every Friday and Saturday. (760/753-5411, www.stgermainscafe.com)   JANE SHIOMI