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Lunch of the Month: JRDN

With a relaxed but modern beachside atmosphere, a fresh menu and great service, JRDN is a perfect venue for business and casual lunches alike.  Patrons can choose to sit outside by the Pacific Beach boardwalk for prime people watching, or inside by the cozy, sophisticated bar and sushi/raw bar.  A contemporary California steakhouse, JRDN’s lunch menu offers a pared-down selection of salads, sandwiches and seafood and meat entrees.  Menus are seasonal, changing two to three times per year, and specials change daily.  JRDN uses all San Diego-based suppliers, using hand selected, Meyer Ranch all-natural meats, seafood from sustainable sources, and locally grown and organic produce.

On my last visit to JRDN, my dining companions and I were treated to Chef David Warner’s amuse-bouche of the day, a savory duck confit over parsnip puree and red Bartlett pear (we made a mental note to try the “Duck Duo” on the dinner menu.)  We also sampled the lobster + corn risotto to begin with, a creamy blend of sweet corn, Maine lobster and wilted pea vines, with parmesan adding a cheesy kick.  This earned the title of Lunch of the Month’s “favorite appetizer” and won over trisotto skeptics at our table.   We recommend the seared ahi salad for a starter or for a lighter entrée, a delicious treatment of seared ahi tuna atop greens with farro, garbanzo beans, pomegranate seeds, fennel pollen and pomegranate vinaigrette.

From the lunch menu, we sampled the lobster b.l.t., a generous portion of lobster with tarragon aioli in toasted brioche; and the pulled pork sandwich – a sophisticated  and flavorful take on pulled pork with roasted red peppers, arugula and sharp provolone cheese on a buttermilk bun.  Both came with delicious crispy, thin-cut garlic brushed French fries.  We also tried the special of the day, a very fresh, perfectly grilled piece of swordfish with a spicy chipotle shrimp risotto and roasted corn and mango pico de gallo.  JRDN doesn’t leave anything lacking in dessert, either.  We suggest the creamy vanilla panna cotta, served with poached pears, or the decadent chocolate fondant, served with homemade caramel ice cream and drizzled with raspberry and mint sauces.

JRDN offers a collection of wines from around the world, as well as signature cocktails and happy hour specials.  The restaurant is also well equipped for private parties, with a dining room and private patio perfect for business events.  For more information about private events, menus and specials, visit www.jrdn.com.