News & Press Releases
San Diego Restauranteur Brings Latest Concept To Del Mar Highlands Town Center
SAN DIEGO RESTAURANTEUR BRINGS LATEST CONCEPT TO DEL MAR HIGHLANDS TOWN CENTER
Daphne’s Greek Café founder brings fresh casual, social, Greek cuisine
back to Carmel Valley with Tavérna Blu®
San Diego, Calif. – (June 21, 2011) – Del Mar Highlands Town Center customers are now seeing Blu –Tavérna Blu® that is. From the founder of Daphne’s Greek Café, George Katakalidis, Greek cuisine is among the all-star lineup joining the budding restaurant scene at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center.
Tavérna Blu®’s fun and casual menu features authentic Greek flavors with an American twist. Small plates encourage sharing with favorites such as Garlic Hummus, Spicy Feta Spread, and Homemade Yogurt Tzatziki with fresh pita bread and pita chips. A variety of fresh salads, pastas, house specials such as the signature Lamb Shank, Tavérna Blu® Burger and delicious desserts, like Baklava Ice Cream Sundae round out the affordable, fresh and unique menu. The menu is creative and well balanced with many vegetarian and delicious proteins, like the Garlic Pesto-ccini, Pan-seared crusted Salmon or the Honey Glazed Pork Chop. The restaurant also features a daily “Blu Plate Special” for about $12, and the bar highlights wines and beer from around the world, including Greece.
"I believe there is a need for a new and exciting Greek/Mediterranean place in San Diego – something similar to a bistro or pub-like tavern – and Taverna is another name for a bistro or pub,” said Katakalidis. “Tavérna Blu® highlights exactly how Greek food should be enjoyed – shared amongst family and friends in a fun, casual and social atmosphere with great flavors, and reasonable prices.”
Tavérna Blu®’s casual neighborhood charm features an interior of old world accents and modern touches from the red brick walls and hand crafted murals of Greek temple blueprints, to the rustic woven baskets and sparking “blu” granite bar. Tavérna Blu® has a wonderful 30-person patio for outdoor dining. Tavérna Blu® will also have a curbside service option starting in July, where diners on the go can call in their orders and pick up their food without having to leave their cars.
“We are thrilled to welcome George Katakalidis and his team back to Del Mar Highlands Town Center,” said Elizabeth Schreiber, Vice President and General Manager for Donahue Schriber, owner and operator of Del Mar Highlands Town Center. “Tavérna Blu® is another wonderful addition to the quality dining, shopping and entertainment options we are offering the Carmel Valley community through our renovation.”
Born in Greece and raised in Toronto, Canada, Katakalidis first came to San Diego to play soccer with the San Diego Sockers. His latest endeavor, Taverna Blu®, marks a homecoming of sorts for he and his team. He opened his first Daphne’s Greek Café in the shopping center 20 years ago. “The Tavérna Blu® crew knows the people and the neighborhood and is ready to share the fun, tasty new scene!”
“My aim is to produce high quality food at reasonable prices. Our menu has price points to fit any budget with prices ranging from $4 to $16,” said Katakalidis. “Although opening a new restaurant is not for the faint of heart, I am truly inspired by the neighborhood, and providing guests with an exciting new restaurant!”
Located in between Tilly’s and The Counter, Tavérna Blu® will open in June. For more information, please visit www.tavernablu.com.
About Del Mar Highlands Town Center
Originally developed by Donahue Schriber in 1989, the Del Mar Highlands Town Center continues to be the dominant community shopping center in the Carmel Valley area. The center is located at the corner of Del Mar Heights Road and El Camino Real and is anchored by Ralph’s Fresh Fare, Rite Aid, Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas, Barnes & Noble and Jimbo’s…Naturally.
Donahue Schriber worked closely with the Carmel Valley community to create plans for a re-imagined Del Mar Highlands Town Center, which will provide family-oriented amenities, including intimate gathering spaces and entertainment, that create a sense of neighborhood, as well as an increased variety of quality dining, shopping and entertainment options in line with the community’s desires. Additionally, the renovation will improve parking, traffic flow and the overall pedestrian experience at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center. For more information about the Del Mar Highlands Town Center or the renovation, please visit www.delmarhighlandstowncenter.com.
Attachments
TavernaBlu6.21.11.pdf