New, Now, Next: Spring 2023 Edition

Kinme Omakase is an immersive Japanese dining experience and the passion project of Shihomi Borillo and Executive Chef Nao Ichimura of Azuki Sushi that just debuted in Bankers Hill. Differentiating itself from other omakase (a form of Japanese dining in which guests leave themselves in the hands of the chef) concepts, Kinme draws from kaiseki principles to create a curated multi-course experience that evolves with the seasons. Kinme’s ten-course monthly tasting menu offers a course-by-course experience that begins with a single ingredient. Chef Ichimura meticulously prepares the day’s catch from hand-selected fish, while Chef de Cuisine Kevin Alvarado pays homage to seasonality by implementing his classic French training and his knowledge of San Diego’s rich selection of produce. To accompany the cuisine, Kinme boasts a selection of vintage Burgundy wines, exclusive sakes, as well as a highly curated selection of Japanese whiskeys. With just ten seats, secured only by reservations released at the beginning of each month, a meal at Kinme is a sought-after experience. The 900-square-foot space is designed to eliminate distractions, allowing for a meditative environment in which guests sit at a central table and can focus on the process of the dish preparation and the intricacies of the cuisine. 858.947.1518, kinmeomakase.com 

With a new location in Del Rayo Village in Fairbanks Ranch to complement its Cardiff and La Jolla studios, The Smart Fit Method is a revolutionary fitness concept founded in San Diego in 2020 by father-son duo Rob Darnbrough and Connor Darnbrough designed to increase health span and achieve fitness goals by combining cutting-edge technology with personal training. Its unique methodology involves three 20-minute workouts per week, and by utilizing artificial intelligence and exercise robotics, the method promises to replicate five to seven hours of conventional forms of exercise in just one hour a week.  The Smart Fit Method uses six unique fitness technologies: The Smart Ride (Carol Bike), Smart Strength (ARX), Smart Cold HIIT (Vasper), Smart Charge (BioCharger), LiveO2 Adaptive Contrast, and the Smart Scan (Fit3D Body Scanner) to build strength and muscle mass, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance hormone function to improve longevity. The first 50 members in Rancho Santa Fe will receive a special membership rate. smartfitmethod.com

La Valencia’s award-winning Springtime Tea Service returns to the Mediterranean Room beginning April 7. Enjoy a variety of fine French Dammann Frères teas paired with housemade scones, quiche, classic tea sandwiches, assorted mini pastries, and a complimentary glass of bubbly amid panoramic ocean views. Tea service takes place every Friday, April 4 through May 12. Reserve via OpenTable.

Easter Sunday is one of the rare occasions to enjoy brunch at George’s at the Cove. Executive Chef Masa Kojima, Pastry Chef Aly Lyng, and the entire kitchen staff will welcome guests on April 9 from 10am–3pm, serving brunch indoors only in Level2, which still offers floor-to-ceiling views of La Jolla Cove. Menu highlights include Classic Eggs Benedict, Brioche French Toast, Grass-Fed Burger, and Fish Sandwich. Brunch desserts include Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake and Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée. 858.454.4244, georgesatthecove.com/blog/easter-brunch

Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society marks the 100th year of La Flecha House with events, limited edition memberships, and a planned renovation. Located at the corner of La Flecha and Via de Santa Fe, La Flecha House was the first house in the Rancho Santa Fe Civic Center built for the Santa Fe Land Improvement Company and the first residence designed by renowned architect Lilian Rice, in 1923. The first occupants of La Flecha House were Sydney R. Nelson and his family, who allowed a portion of the home to be used as the Ranch’s first library. Over the decades, several families called La Flecha House home. Generously and lovingly gifted to the Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society in the late 1980s by the Reitz family, La Flecha House today serves as a museum, a repository of native artifacts, and a robust archive of tens of thousands of historical documents, photos, and media pertaining to the Ranch’s storied history. 

Later this year, the courtyard and the outdated drainage system will be getting a much-needed renovation to prevent further water damage inside the museum. To celebrate the centennial, the RSF Historical Society has several plans in the works: A limited number of Centennial Club memberships will be available which will include a permanent personal paver in the renovated courtyard; an Upcoming Tag Sale will enable supporters to own a piece of Ranch history (see page 30); and the popular Fandango celebration will be back in the fall, along with Stories from the Ranch.

The organization has also announced long-time resident Cutter Clotfelter as its new president. Clotfelter, born and raised in the Ranch, has served on the RSF Trails and Recreation Committee and on the Historical Society Board, and is instrumental in keeping the Ranch’s traditions alive, including the Fourth of July Parade. “I believe we are all the custodians of our past. Our collective local knowledge and shared history connect us all,” says Clotfelter. The new Board of Directors including Vice President Sean J. Burgess, Secretary Susie Ault, Treasurer Kim Snyder, Peggy Brooks, Max Wuthrich, Gijs Hanselaar, Terri Chivetta, Richard Clyne, Linda Hahn, and Jill Stiker look forward to having Clotfelter at the helm as the mission and growth of RSFHS continues. 858.756.9291, rsfhs.org