FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Julianna Firtel
(760) 479-1522
(760) 672-5810 cell
julianna@reddahlia.net
Red Dahlia’s European Café and Supper Club Debut
Culinary craftsman strengthens San Diego restaurant scene
CARLSBAD, Calif. – Chef Sean Firtel, along with his wife, Julianna, will open the highly anticipated Red Dahlia European Café to the public on November 1st in the vibrant La Costa/Carlsbad neighborhood. The couple has operated Red Dahlia’s successful catering business for six years and is pleased to bring guests their progressive American regional food in a relaxed setting. Then on December 2nd and 3rd, the exclusive monthly Supper Club menu highlighting Chef Firtel’s fine dining talents is unveiled. Leading up to December, Red Dahlia will hold a private Grand Opening party on November 6 for clients, friends and the media.
Chef Firtel has been immersed in the California culinary scene for nearly fifteen years and is committed to using fresh locally produced ingredients. The chef strives to add new dimension to the San Diego culinary scene, taking the best of what the region has to offer and crafting seasonal, simple, elegant fare. Sean is a graduate of San Francisco’s California Culinary Academy and earned his whites working for the colorful chef, Albert Tordjman at the Flying Saucer Restaurant. In its heyday, crowds would line up every night at the restaurant, which closed several years ago. The chef cooked at San Diego’s highly ranked Mille Fleurs, and helped open Roppongi.
Behind the stove, Chef Firtel sets out with these objectives: Capturing his fondness for big bright flavors, and introducing textures in bold new fashion—while achieving balance. When asked why he favors harmony with a heavy hand, the chef says, “I want guests to walk away happily stunned by vibrant flavors and textures—always wanting more.” This is what motivates Red Dahlia’s menu.” Sous Chef Tony Radna, who worked alongside Firtel at The Flying Saucer, will collaborate with the chef. Ben Rollins, formerly of Bertrand at Mister A’s, will preside over the pastry department.
Guests will enjoy a casual, but careful menu at the European Café. “Red Plate” specials include: Steak Frites with Housemade Ketchup, Chicken and Polenta in a Porcini Broth, and Crispy Skin Wild Salmon. Rounding out the menu: An Artisan Cheese Plate, Prosciutto and Telagio Grilled Brioche Salad, and a Rock Shrimp Po’ Boy on a Torta Bun. Red Dahlia’s Natural Burgers are available in beef, chicken, lamb or vegetarian. Highlights from the drink menu include the Dahlia Elixir, the signature natural soda served up in compost-able cups. Says Julianna, “We’re on our way to becoming a Certified Green Restaurant™.” Red Dahlia is dedicated to working toward ecological sustainability and creating a healthier environment by using natural products.
The Supper Club aims for a distinctly different experience featuring a six-course chef’s tasting menu. A six-course vegetarian tasting menu is also offered. Guests can expect dishes like: Crispy Scallop and Caviar, Pistachio-Crusted Double Lamb Chop, Sea Bass and Cauliflower Nage and White Chocolate Coconut Pavé.
Aliza Cicerone, formerly of Ridge Vineyards and Oregon’s King Estate will introduce a wine program that mirrors Chef Firtel’s philosophy about food. Her goal is to use top domestic and foreign producers to ensure the best quality at any price. Cicerone says, “I don’t believe that great wine has to cost an arm and a leg. I’d like to see fantastic wine accessible to everyone who comes into Red Dahlia.”
Red Dahlia will offer wines by the glass at the European Café, as well as a full bottle selection. Guests who dine at the Supper Club can opt to have wine paired with each menu. By offering high quality, approachable cuisine and supporting smaller wine producers that embody the same ideals, the staff at Red Dahlia feel guests can stay connected to the local artisans.
Red Dahlia’s European Cafe is located in the La Costa Towne Center at 7740 El Camino Real, Suite F, Carlsbad, CA, 92009 and serves progressive American regional cuisine. The restaurant can easily be reached via Interstate 5 by exiting east at La Costa Avenue. The European Café is open Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Closed Sunday. The Supper Club menu is available the first Friday and Saturday of every month beginning in December 2005 by reservation only. For further information, please contact Julianna Firtel at (760) 479-1522 or visit the website at reddahlia.net.
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Chef2Chef News Desk