The Big Apple may get the lion's share of culinary buzz, but the West Coast is slicing a hefty piece of the pie as the Michelin Guide turns its starred spotlight toward California's freshest flavors. Paradisaea, the latest chic eatery to put down roots in San Diego's Bird Rock, has snagged a coveted spot in the Michelin Guide’s hot list of discoveries, joining an exclusive cadre of restaurants now eligible for even loftier accolades come 2024.
Last fall, Paradisaea spread its wings in La Jolla, dishing out contemporary cooking that pays homage to the sun-kissed Californian cuisine with a savory sprinkle of Asian zest. According to San Diego Eater, the restaurant is the sole San Diego establishment to be distinguished this round, alongside several culinary contenders in the Los Angeles and San Francisco scenes.
The announcement comes on the heels of a significant shuffle in the kitchen, as Paradisaea has recently seen a change of the culinary guard. Out goes founding executive chef Mark Welker, and in steps Jeff Armstrong, a kitchen maestro known for his work at Artifact at the Mingei—another fresh face anointed by Michelin this year, as reported by San Diego Eater.
It's all about Californian flair at Paradisea, where the restaurant's essence seems to proudly bloom from its very name. The La Jolla gem serves up an aesthetic as vibrant as its food—an upscale tropical vibe where the sunny disposition isn't just confined to its outdoorsy patio," according to a description on MICHELIN Guide's post. Mixologist wizards at Paradisaea command the bar, conjuring up tiki drinks that have become the talk of the town. In the kitchen, the familiar coconut shrimp is reimagined and meticulously grilled over a robata, paired expertly with a coconut-lime dipping sauce that'll make buds sing.
The acceptance into Michelin’s discovery list doesn’t just elevate Paradisaea’s profile; it rolls out the red carpet for its potential elevation to the star-studded realms of Bib Gourmand or Michelin Star status when the California Michelin Guide ceremony unveils its 2024 winners.
