If you’re visiting San Diego anytime soon, you must make a trip to Hundred Proof, a new casual concept by the same people who brought you TRUST. Last year, I had the opportunity to dine at TRUST, and was completely blown away by my experience.
On a recent trip down to San Diego, I visited Hundred Proof with an out of town friend who was visiting me. We stopped into the restaurant for a leisurely lunch starting with a couple of libations. I was immediately drawn to Chili Mango Slushie ($8) a deliciously refreshing drink comprising jalapeno tequila, citrus, mango, with a little sprinkle of Tajin on top. Another cocktail is Green Machine ($11) another bright cocktail using Knob Creek bourbon, honey, orgeat, lemon, and fire bitters.
The menu is also a melange of delights during lunch. Hawaiian Style Ahi Poke ($14) is one of the best renditions I’ve had in a long time. The chunks of ahi tuna are marinated in an umami-packed sauce, tossed with avocado and Togarashi aioli — shichimi togarashi is a Japanese seasoning comprising seven ingredients — layering the dish’s flavor. Nori (seaweed) chips and macadamia add crunch.
I will never pass up corn and Elote con Chorizo ($14) jumped right out at me. The sweet corn is mixed with house-made chorizo sprinkled with cotija cheese and a drizzling of Cholula mayo. Tajin brightens and balances the richness of the dish. I can see this dish enjoyed wrapped in warm tortillas!
What’s better than fried chicken to nibble on while sipping on cocktails? Crispy Chicken Thighs ($12) is Chef Brad Wise’s rendition of Korean fried chicken. The chicken is enveloped in a sticky Korean gojujang sauce, topped with a handful of serrano peppers for heat, as well as mint and cilantro for added brightness. It is so good I could eat it every single day!
Those of you wanting lighter fare may enjoy Italian Chop Salad ($10) a delectable concoction of salami, garbanzo beans, pickled peppers, aged Gouda, and red onions, all tossed in a gorgeous Italian dressing. I love acid in my food, and perhaps this is why I’m utterly enamored with Chef Wise’s cuisine. He is not afraid, and rather bold with adding tartness to his dishes.
Blackened Mahi Mahi Sandwich ($13) is a solid lunch item with flaky and moist mahi mahi, cabbage slaw, lemon caper aioli, and tomato between a sturdy bun. I’m not a huge fan of sandwiches because most of the time, the bread to filling ratio is never quite right. No so here! Our server Katie wasn’t kidding when she said it was delicious!
Of course, we can’t leave without trying one of the pizzas. Charred Kale Pizza ($15) is topped with Italian sausage, Taleggio, Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses, and of course, kale! I love how crispy the thin crust is, and that the toppings aren’t so heavy handed that it weighs the crust down.
Hundred Proof is yet another testament that the collaboration between Chef Brad Wise, and owner Steve Schwob is a winning one. Everything they touch turns to gold, and I can’t wait to return for another meal at either restaurants on my next San Diego trip!
Hundred Proof
4130 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92103
Tel: 619-501-6404
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