Cal Mar
The culinary inspiration for Cal Mar begins in the Mediterranean, rooted in the connection California has with this coastal region. Both share more than a similar climate and abundance of ingredients, both are cultural crossroads where those intersections inspire the most interesting dishes, where fresh, local ingredients meet flavors and traditions from across the world. Grounded in simplicity and quality, this tradition honors a strong bond with land and sea, paying homage to the hardworking individuals who produce food sustainably, embracing seasonality, and promote a balanced way of eating and enjoying life.
At Snack Bar Cal Mar’s food philosophy is of rustic, flavorful cooking with the best the area has to offer to create dishes with a vibrant blend of flavors and ideas that defines California Cuisine.
The kernel of the idea that spawned this concept started during my travels around Portugal and Spain, I couldn't help but notice the ubiquitous presence of "Snack Bar" adorning the sides of local eateries. A perfect distillation of what they offered, good honest food paired with sprits, wines, beers all in a casual friendly setting. When envisioning a neighborhood restaurant, I’ve always taken inspiration from the accessible and enjoyable atmosphere of these eateries, where guests are encouraged to share and sample an array dishes and drinks. It's in this spirit that we will combine this style of Mediterranean dining with our rich local bounty of ingredients and diverse global influences that converge in our great state to make California cuisine .
FRESH SEAFOOD
The menu will center around fresh fish and seafood, presented simply, roasted in a wood oven, lightly sautéed or featured in homemade pastas. Plates will be accompanied with delicious a la carte sides, salads and breads.
WOOD ROASTED
The wood oven that sit at the center of the restaurant is also its beating heart and hearth. The dishes cooked in it will be the centerpieces of the meal. Along with seafood, we will offer wood roasted vegetables, meats, cheeses and breads, using the oven in novel and dynamic ways, imbuing the flavor of wood fired cooking into each an array of dishes.
Fresh Fish, Oysters, Clams, Crudos, Ceviches,
Fresh Fish, Oysters, Clams, Crudos, Ceviches,
CRUDO BAR
The back bar will feature a raw bar with a wide range of seafood like Oysters, Crudos and Ceviches
Rounding out the menu will be an array of thoughtfully composed small plates, easy to share, perfect to pair with a beverage, featuring interesting ingredients. This will include seasonal vegetable sides, salads and outstanding starters that can serves as accompaniments to the larger plates or as stand alone dishes.
Cal Mar
WINE BAR
The beverage program will feature carefully curated, food friendly wines, highlighting lesser known varietals from the coastal wine growing regions of California, the Mediterranean and beyond. It will be complimented with craft cocktails and micro brew beers as well as unique non-alcoholic offerings.
