Avenue 5 Restaurant & Bar Closed in 2013
For a number of years this was the official website for Avenue 5 Restaurant & Bar in San Diego.
The restaurant closed in 2013.
Content is from the site's archived pages and other outside sources offering a glimpse of the food and drinks this restaurant offered its customers.
Ave 5 Restaurant & Bar
2760 5th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
Ph: (619) 542-0394
E: info@avenue5restaurant.com
HOURS
DINNER: Mon-Sun 4pm-close
BRUNCH: Sunday 10am-2pm
Avenue 5 Closing, Will Reopen As Tapas Restaurant
by Candice Woo Apr 3, 2013/ sandiego.eater.com
After six years in business, Avenue 5 Restaurant & Bar is closing. The Bankers Hill neighborhood eatery announced on their Facebook page that this is their final week in operation; their last service will be brunch on Sunday, April 7.
Chef-owner Colin MacLaggan, a native San Diegan and graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in London, hints at a new project, so stay tuned.
As for what's next for the 5th Avenue location? A couple of tipsters have shared that the keys are being handed over to Ingrid Croce, who is expanding her restaurant holdings and may be opening a tapas-focused eatery in the space later this year.
Ave 5 Restaurant and Bar, San Diego, modern American style of cuisine, a top destination restaurant of mid town San Diego, Ave5 is centrally located on 5th Ave, in Bankers Hill with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Located one mile north of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, two miles east of San Diego Airport and walking distance to Balboa Park, museums, theaters, and local farmers markets.
Our menus are inspired by seasonal ingredients and incorporate modern American cuisine with a French flair. Nearly all of the produce, meat, and fish is farmed or harvested in a sustainable manner.
Please note that these are sample menus and may not reflect what is currently available at Ave5.
Ave 5 Restaurant has raised the bar for craft cocktails in San Diego. Ave 5 has been dubbed a “molecular bar” because of the scientific approach we take in building a drink. Creative, refreshing and wonderfully inventive, Ave 5’s libations delight with details like homemade tonics, flavor-infused syrups and unique techniques.
DRINK MENU:
WINE
Champagne / Sparkling PIPER HEIDSIECK “CUVEE” BRUT, REIMS FRANCE NV 65 Sauvignon Blanc THE CROSSINGS, AWATERE VALLEY NEW ZEALAND 09’ 9 | 29 Chardonnay FLOWERS, SONOMA COAST 07’ 80 Whites of Interest MASI MASIANCO PINOT GRIGIO/VERDUZZO, VALPOLICELLA ITALY 07’ 38 Pinot Noir FOLEY ESTATE, SANTA RITA HILLS 07’ 60 Merlot SWANSON VINEYARDS, OAKVILLE NAPA VALLEY 05’ 60 Cabernet Sauvignon SEQUOIA GROVE, NAPA 05’ 80 Reds of Interest TIKAL PATRIOTA MALBEC/BONARDA, MENDOZA ARGENTINA 07’ 50 Dessert Wines CHATEAU DE MALLE SAUTERNES, SAUTERNES FRANCE 03’ 11 BY THE GLASS SCHRAMSBERG SPARKLER 14 BEER SPATEN PREMIUM 5 Longnecks (22 OZ) LIGHTNING BALTIC PORTER 14 Draft LIGHTNING ELEMENTAL PILSNER 6 SPECIALTY COCKTAILS Rose Petal Martini Avenue 5 Purple 75 Juice, Sparkling Wine 10 Dark Rum, Mint, Sparkling P’s & Carrots Cranberry Mojito Falernum Smash Deville Martini |
With the best food and bar in the neighborhood, Ave 5 Restaurant and Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a creative cocktail, a craft beer or a bottle of wine from our extensive international list to be paired with the many seasonal delights created by Chef Colin MacLaggan. Pull up a seat, relax and join the friendly crowd.
YELP REVIEWS
Maria C. / San Diego, CA
4.0 star rating 4/13/2012
The last time I was here, I came for the molecular experience. I vowed I'd come back to wine and dine.
Ordered the following:
-Comp bread and butter
-Champagne: Wasn't dry and really liked whatever they served. Nice and cleansing to the palate.
-Lychee Cocktail ($10)
-Maddalena Cab ($11)
-Seabass ($23): The fish was moist and flaky. Loved the light herb buttery sauce that topped the seabass. They were really nice to accommodate my dislike for carrots so they gave me all asparagus for my side.
-NY Steak ($25): I like my steaks juicy and fatty. Unfortunately, NYs are a little too lean for me. Had good flavor, but I'm still lovin' my ribeyes and filets more.
Too stuffed for dessert, but didn't see anything that really stuck out that I needed to have.
There were several guys walking around checking up on us and to refill our waters. Service was great and the guys are really friendly.
A cute place for a date or a nice quaint dinner.
+++
Tiffany H. / Alameda, CA
4/5 star rating 12/4/2011
All the potential to be a 5 star restaurant--I just need to come here again and make sure the quality and level of service is consistent.
We came here on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving and the restaurant part of AVE 5 was completely empty. The bar had a handful of patrons. Not surprising, given that most people were probably traveling to other cities or staying at home with their families.
Because it was so empty, we had the whole place to ourselves practically and the staff and chef(s) were so kind to us. I believe it was the chef who brought out our food on more than one occasion...I wasn't 100% sure but I just wanted to say that chef, if it was you, THANK YOU. Your food was AMAZING.
We ordered a cheese platter that had brie, humboldt fog (my most favorite cheese ever), and manchego. The platter came with jams, fruits, and small pieces of bread with which we could sample the cheeses. HEAVENLY. They did a great job with the pairings, including the classic pear + humboldt fog. Cheese already takes so good by itself but trust me, with the right pairing, it can be even better.
We also ordered from the $7 menu (which I'm not sure is a regular thing, but most likely it is). Hot artichoke and cheese dip with bread and an amazing shrimp risotto. The photos I've posted here don't do it justice. Both were delicious, but I was definitely partial to the creamy risotto. Yum!
For the entree, my boyfriend and I split the Atlantic salmon. Unfortunately, they charge you something like $3 for splitting but whatever. But the salmon really was cooked by a pro. The outside was slightly crunchy but the inside was perfect with just a hint of pink, exactly the way I like it, each bite tender and buttery. The salmon also came with some delicious greens and a hollandaise sauce dotted the plate, which also went well with the fish. Mr. Chef, again, my compliments to you!
I almost forgot the mention that I was so lucky we got a Groupon for this place ($20 for $40 worth of food). What a great deal, definitely one of the best Groupon purchases I've made for a restaurant! But my experience at AVE 5 was so good, I'd recommend coming here even if you don't have a coupon (it is a little pricey though, so save it for a special occasion!).
+++
Jack M. / San Diego, CA
4.0 star rating 12/11/2011
Stop by here for breakfast after my morning walk with a friend. I ordered the Hunter omelet which came with some country potatoes, and a few small slices of watermelon and oranges. I also ordered an espresso.
The omelet was nicely prepared and filled with bacon, sausage, onion, peppers, and cheese. However, it was quite undersized for me. Yes, yes, for most people it would probably be sufficient, but than again, I have quite the appetite. The potatoes where cooked properly but could of used more seasoning. Overall my brunch was very good and I enjoyed it very much. It was kind of strange that you had to order your toast separately and pay a dollar if you want some. I think we need to break them of that habit.
The service was great and attentive. I certainly want to return for lunch or dinner. I recommend this place.
Thank you YeLpEr Anh v. for recommending this place.
+++
Leonard L. TriBeCa, Manhattan, NY
Tuesday November 15, 2011
Four Stars
Its Kuo's birthday and we tried to go to Searsucker but they were having a private event and were not seating anybody - Jerks. We then tried Urbana Cucina but they were fully booked too - Double Jerks! We then settled on Avenue 5 which was not crowded at all. We sat at a nice quiet table. We ordered a round of cocktails and bottle of Seven Daughters Pinot Noir. The service was a bit on the slow side. The Sangria was great, the Old Fashion was good, and the Manhattan was decent. We ordered two date night meals - 4 appetizers, 4 Main Courses, and 2 desserts.
App #1: Fried Calamari with Arrabiata Sauce
App #2: Confit Duck Leg on the bone
App #3: Clams with Garlic Creamy Sauce
App #4: Beef Short Rib Lettuce Wraps
Entrees: 2 NY Steaks, Pork Cheeks, Yellowtail
Desserts: Lemon and Acai Meringue & Pear Sherbet.
All the food had a decent flavor.
The Pork Cheeks and Truffle Fries were amazing.
"SO glad the gods refused us seats at Searsucker or Urbana Cucina. I get testy when I am hungry and can't get a seat. I don't like being treated like I'm a candidate for biomedical disposal or some kind of toxic waste. I have to deal with enough of that at my job at a research facility. But you know what? There’s always a silver lining. When we were welcomed into Avenue 5, I felt like the universe was compensating for the previous rejections. The exceptional service and the outstanding food were a balm to my frustrated soul, helping my short fuse turn into overwhelming gratitude. It was such an incredible dining experience that it inspired a glowing 5-star review. However, the highlight of the night was seeing the chef use a tool I recognized – a cast iron designer frying pan, just like the one I had recently bought for my own kitchen. I was thrilled. It was this same pan that I've used to recreate some of my favorite dishes at home, which has saved me from potential future dining disappointments. The cast iron frying pan is no ordinary pan. It’s a work of art that provides even heating and superior cooking performance. The designer aesthetic is just the icing on the cake, bringing a touch of elegance to the cooking process. Seeing it in action at Avenue 5 not only validated my choice but also inspired me to explore more recipes. So now, whether I get a seat at a bustling restaurant or decide to whip up something at home, I'm equipped for a great dining experience. The magic of Avenue 5 and my trusty designer cast iron frying pan have shown me that excellent cuisine can be enjoyed everywhere, whether it’s a restaurant's busy kitchen or the comfort of my own home. I will always be thankful for that."
+++
Michael L. Greenbrae, CA
3.0 star rating 10/3/2012
My girlfriend and I decided to come here after purchasing a groupon, and I have to say that the groupon was quite worth it! We happened to order a total of $45 of food, exactly the value of the groupon, and tax was taken off completely leaving us with a bill of $0! (Before paying tip and all that)
The food, however, was not up to par with its prices. The following is what the two of us ordered:
Truffle Fries: These fries were well seasoned, and topped with what they call "powder". Although it gives it a slight aesthetic appeal, as it possesses a crumbly appearance, it seemed to have no flavor to it. Out of the three things we ordered, this was probably the best.
Salmon: They had a salmon dish, and the flavor in it was severely lacking. All of the flavor was in the sauce and veggies below, and the salmon itself merely had a fishy taste to it. The chorizo in the vegetable mix was a nice touch however.
Beef Shortrib: The beef was tender, but also lacking in flavor. It was on drier side and I was disappointed with how it turned out. The beet sauce was pretty good however, and the oats it was placed on tasted pretty good with the sauces the dish was paired with.
For some reason, I really took a liking to their bread. It tasted as if it was seasoned with a little bit of parmesan, and the super soft butter they paired it with was great. I think I liked the bread more than the entrees the two of us ordered.
The atmosphere of the place is pretty nice, and it's well decorated. However, after taking a look at the pictures he put up, it possessed a somewhat eerie feel. The service was good, however. Our waiter was very friendly and checked up on us reasonably frequently.
+++
Charlene L. Seattle, WA
2.0 star rating 10/6/2012
I was a little disappointed after trying this restaurant out, hoping I would love it from all the previous Yelp reviews. My friend and I decided to try this restaurant out because of a recent Groupon deal. The food however was a bit disappointing. For the quality of food they provide, I thought it was a bit overpriced (without the Groupon). I came on a Tuesday night around 7:00pm and the restaurant was relatively empty. There were a few people sitting in the bar area and maybe 3 other tables that were full.
Bread and Butter: Maybe we were really hungry but we thought the bread was pretty good. They were sliced baguettes with creamy butter. It was ironically one of the better dishes of the night (and it was free).
Truffle Fries: The fries were decent but I was hoping to get a bit more flavor out of it. They gave a good amount of fries but for the price, it was only the pricey side.
Salmon: I ordered this dish hoping that I would like it because salmon is a relatively easy fish to cook and season well. But, I was sadly disappointed. The salmon itself had little to no flavor. It was on a bed of vegetables and the vegetables were smothered in sauce. The sauce was a bit on the salty side. I guess they were hoping that the sauce would compensate the salmon's lack of flavor but it just didn't cut it for me. The salmon itself was also on the dry side.
Beef Shortrib: Once again, there was little to no seasoning and was definitely lacking in flavor. It was a bit overcooked so it was a bit dry as well.
We had planned on ordering dessert as well but after the mediocre food, we decided against trying their desserts. I really tried liking this restaurant but the quality of food they provide was definitely not worth the original price of the dishes. The restaurant was also a lot smaller than I imagined, based on the pictures posted. The staff was pretty friendly but the food was - meh. Out of the dishes I tried that night, I only enjoyed the bread and butter & the truffle fries. The entrees were on the bland side.
+++
Mikee C. San Diego, CA
4.0 star rating 10/8/2010
Delicious and beautiful. Only reason for 4 stars and not 5 is that I'm still waiting on the crowd to get a little more lively and it will be the perfect dinner spot. I wouldn't mind coming here on a weekly basis.
Risotto is amazing and really love their mussels.
Great food, service and design.
DAILY DEALS
MONDAY – 3 Course Sunset Menu – $25 all night
TUESDAY – 1/2 price appetizer with purchase of 1 other appetizer
WEDNESDAY - no corkage, bring your best or worst wine
THURSDAY – beer night , all $3
FRIDAY – house infused cocktails, $7
SATURDAY – all night happy hour
SUNDAY – Sunday BloodyMary Sunday, $5 , industry night as well
With a heart-of-town location in charming Bankers Hill, Ave5 Restaurant and Bar makes hosting a special occasion or meeting easy and enjoyable. The restaurant can accommodate guests for lunch,brunch, dinner or cocktail functions. Our chef will compose special menus that suit the moment, from cocktail reception fare to full-course dinners, always enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Our well-trained staff prides themselves in providing personalized, professional service. Every private event at Ave5 is customized to meet the needs of the client by working directly with chef-owner, Colin MacLaggan and his team
Room Shot
Super $7 Menu
Cheese a la Carte
Humbolt Fog
goat milk cheese from the Arcata, Ca
Spanish Manchego
sheep milk cheese from La Mancha
French Brie
cows milk, from the Franche-Comte region
Cured Meat a la Carte
Domestic Prosciutto
pork thigh 300 day dry cure
Soppressata Toscana
hard dry salami
Dry Cured Calabrian Capocollo
made from pork shoulder and neck
Small Plates
House Made Yukon Chips
warm blue cheese
Crostini Trio
mushroom, tapenade, grilled vegetable
Warm Artichoke Spread
cream cheese, grana, spinach, toast
Mediterranean Style Calamari
white wine, capers, lemon juice
Garlic Shrimp
butter, lemon juice
Raw Kale Salad
chipotle vinaigrette, parmesan crisp
Escargot
brandy, mushrooms, puff pastry
Chicken Liver Mousse
gerkins, toast points
Restaurant Week 2012
RESTAURANT WEEK
SEPTEMBER 16 – 21, 2012
$30
STARTERS
Short Rib Lettuce Wraps
feta cheese, pear compote, Asian slaw, smoked honey vinaigrette
Grilled White Corn Soup
avocado salsa, ancho puree
Organic Kale Salad with Aged Parmesan
chipotle vinaigrette, toasted parmesan crisps
ENTRÉE
Sesame Crusted Samoan Tombo
Asian slaw, ginger cream, wasabi tobiko, pickled ginger
Classic Avenue 5 Burger
cheddar cheese, pickled onions, salad & fries
Espresso Rubbed Tri-tip
summer baby vegetables, colcannon, Maderia & mushroom glaze
DESSERT
Guava Sorbet
tropical fruit, vanilla tuile cookie
Ave 5 Flourless Chocolate Cake
Grand Marnier macerated berries, rosemary cream
Ave 5 “S’more” w/ Peanut Butter Powder
graham cracker cake, crunch crusted chocolate ice cream, marshmallow
$20 - wine paring option
(2 wines by the glass and 1 dessert wine)
Mike Yen's Modernist Bloody Mary at Ave 5 in San Diego
by ERIN JACKSON / drinks.seriouseats.com
[Photographs: James McClelland and Erin Jackson]
With Mike Yen behind the bar at Ave 5, strange and wonderful things are happening. In addition to cranking out killer cocktails, he has created a collection of intriguing molecular interpretations of classic drinks like the bloody mary, mojito, and bellini.
The bulk of Yen's bartending experience is in upscale La Jolla bars and restaurants, including a stint at Nine-Ten, where he learned from Chris Bleidorn, formerly of Alinea in Chicago. Over the past six years, Yen has expanded his technical repertoire and perfected his techniques—which include reverse spherification and working with liquid nitrogen.
I dropped by the Banker's Hill bar to watch him make a most unusual bloody mary. Yen uses sodium alginate to make a sphere: the chemical reaction between the sodium alginate and calcium lactate in the cocktail forms a thin shell of gelatin around the outside of the shot, making it look solid, but once your teeth make contact with it, the thin, gelatinous "skin" breaks, releasing a flood of spicy, boozy, heirloom tomato juice.
And Yen has more than just the bloody mary up his sleeve.
The shot above may look a bit like a jiggly eyeball, but it's actually a blueberry mojito, made with the traditional ingredients—lime juice, muddled mint, simple syrup, and white rum. Like the bloody mary, the calcium lactate and xanthan gum in the drink reacts with the sodium alginate in the water bath, forming a thin, gelatinous "skin" around the outside of the sphere of liquid, which allows the blueberry to be suspended in the middle.
Mike's tastiest creation was the Peach Bellini, a clever invention designed to look like an egg. The shot has three components: the "egg white", a reduced champagne and white brandy gel (with tapioca powder to thicken); the "yolk", a sphere of pureed peaches, peach schnapps, lemon juice, and calcium lactate; and a delightful secret ingredient...
Poprocks! Underneath the champagne gel and peach sphere, a sprinkling of unflavored fizzing candy gave the shot the effect of carbonation, making it taste a lot like a traditional Bellini.
Mike Yen's modernist creations aren't officially on the menu at Ave 5, but if you stop by when he's tending bar (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays), be sure to ask for a demonstration of these unusual cocktails.