banker's hill

escargot at Parc Bistro Brasserie

Lately in San Diego, it's been raining a bit. This kind of weather temps me to morph into homebody mode, safe and dry from the rain, but a little drizzle couldn't stop us from a San Diego Restaurant Week preview at Parc Bistro Brasserie. This restaurant took over the Banker's Hill spot of the well known Croces (4+ decades of live music and dining between here and gaslamp). I'd been having good luck with picks in the Banker's Hill area (Azuki Sushi, Banker's Hill Bar & Restaurant) and hoped to keep the trend going!

dining at Parc Bistro Brasserie

We checked in at the front and were shown to our seats in the cozy back area. A huge wine rack display caught my eye and other guests seemed quite content, enjoying a glass or two with intimate company.

We felt like we were on a date night with the romantic French music filling the air plus we could read our menus (I prefer this over darker 'ambiance' lighting)! For the San Diego Restaurant Week $40 dinner menu, there were between 5-6 choices for the appetizers and entrees, making it hard to choose. Everything sounded so good! We were informed that their best dishes were available as part of San Diego Restaurant Week.

Azuki Sushi in Banker's Hill

These days, we no longer count candles but instead just enjoy the company of friends, such as this surprise birthday meal at Azuki Sushi in Banker's Hill. Since the restaurant was farther from University Ave, the parking was easy (across the street) on this early weekend dinner. Most of us arrived before the guest of honor.

Azuki Sushi in Banker's Hill

You can watch the sushi chefs at work if you sit at the bar! Dennis had been here once before but didn’t know about the upstairs enclosed patio area until we were seated there! He thought it had better ambiance and mood lighting verses the brighter front area.

ginger and wasabi at Azuki Sushi in Banker's Hill

At our table, we were given these huge portions of ginger and wasabi in preparation for the approaching gastronomy.