"San Diego’s foray into the fine dining scene reached a new level when Lilo opened in Carlsbad on April 17. The ambitious restaurant from chef Eric Bost and John Resnick, tucked behind their all-day restaurant, Wildland, serves a 12-course tasting menu. With 22 diners seated around an open kitchen, meals start with littleneck clam alongside Buddha’s hand and tomatillo granita before dishes like a Kaluga caviar tartellette and a 40-day-aged rib-eye come out. Pair the meal with wine and cocktails from wine director Savannah Riedler (previously of Saison in San Francisco) and beverage director Andrew Cordero (who manages the other three Bost-Resnick restaurants)." - Helen I. Hwang