Books and Records in San Diego: Look, Listen, Eat!
The Books and Records dining room is warm and inviting, with directional lighting, wood tones, and smaller size
The Grinnells- Justin and Melonie- play jazz at Books and Records in San Diego
Books and Records opened in September 2023 and has quickly established a following. There’s a good social vibe here, with an active bar and live music. The jazz duo The Grinnells were there the night we visited. The interior is dark and moody, with black walls, directional lighting, and a wood-accented 12-seat bar that displays music memorabilia, including album covers and 45s. Out front, there is a heated open-air patio and a street view.
Books and Records well-stocked bar
The bar lines one wall of the restaurant and features booze, album covers, and 45 records as a backdrop
The craft cocktail menu is creative with drink names inspired by popular songs. The B&R wine list is small but mighty; whites, reds (with a heavy California lean), and sparklings.
Our server recommends sharing plates and tells us the dishes come out sporadically. There’s a lot to take in with the four-section fusion-inspired American cuisine menu of intriguing offerings
Tuna Crudo-kimchi-pineapple aioli, candied jalapeno, pickled ginger, lemongrass oil
We start with Tuna Crudo, sushi-grade bits of tuna topped with kimchi pineapple aioli, candied jalapenos, pickled ginger, and lemongrass oil. We quickly discover they like cilantro here, as most of our dishes are topped with it. The fresh tuna brings a buttery mouth, and when blended with the spicy/tangy aioli, sweet ginger, and candy jalapeno, leaving a mild afterburn, it’s a great start. We leave off the cilantro.
Maitakeyaki- tempura maitake mushroom, chipotle hoisin on top, and kewpie mayo on the bottom
Maitakeyaki—tempura maitake mushrooms drizzled with chipotle hoisin in a puddle of kewpie mayo is next. I’m not sure why so many restaurants have trouble making a good tempura batter, but B&R nailed it. The mushrooms are clustered together and fried to a perfect crunch. Sandwiched between the two sauces, it is mouthwatering.
Snake River Trout, al pastor style, grilled pineapple, annatto seed, fresh herbs.
Snake River Trout is a healthy filet topped with grilled pineapple annatto seeds and another pile of cilantro. The lightly seasoned fish is flaky and tender. With a squeeze of the accompanying grilled lime and a bite of pineapple piled on, the flavor is next level. It’s hard to say if the charred skin on the bottom was intentional, but it has a burned taste and is inedible.
Duck Carnitas- Coca-Cola Braised duck, shisha pancakes, salsa matcha, salsa verde. Just look at the beautiful duck!
The carnitas are the ultimate finger food: duck, salsa macha, and pickled onions all stacked on that shisha pancake take top prize for the night
The culinary king tonight is Duck Carnitas: Two pieces of duck braised in Coca-Cola, cooked to a golden brown and topped with a sour cream drizzle dusted with scallions. The Coke both tenderizes and caramelizes the meat, adding a sweet hint to the savory meat. It’s an example of the inventiveness of the kitchen. Served with shiso (Japanese aromatic herb) filled pancakes and two salsas- macha and Verde, pickled onions, and cilantro it is a simple and fist class bite. Take my word on this- try the salsa macha. Devine.
Books and Records Lava Cake is warm and gooey,
Lava cake is a warm pile of gooey chocolate topped with whipped cream with toasted seeds and dressed with blood sorrel greens. It is a deconstructed chocolate cake in a puddle of warm ganache and a fantastic end to our meal.
Service is on their game, with a knowledgeable staff and snappy service (except for the rather busy and surely bartender). The noise level is moderate, prices are fine dining level, and there’s a public parking lot across the street. Online reservations are available and recommended. Ready for some fusion, music, and cocktails? This is the place.
Books and Records is located in the Bankers Hill section of San Diego
