Within two hours of opening up reservations, the month of December was booked, according to Chef Travis Swikard.
SAN DIEGO — Chef Travis Swikard’s highly anticipated French-Italian Riviera restaurant, Fleurette, opened its doors to the public Wednesday in the UTC area, marking what the chef calls his second dream come true.
The restaurant features cuisine inspired by the flavors of the South of France, with all ingredients sourced from local farms. A garden out back supplies fresh fruit and herbs that Chef Swikard incorporates into dishes prepared using French technique combined with his own creative touch.
“You’re not going to come to this restaurant and expect steak frites and escargot,” said Chef Swikard. “This style of restaurant is focused more on the light, bright cuisine de soleil from the South of France, which is very similar to what we have in San Diego, the climate, the culture, the people.”
“I felt like this is kind of an evolutionary restaurant for me and for my hometown in San Diego,” he added.
The restaurant’s design transports diners to the Mediterranean, with a dining room meant to mimic a Mediterranean yacht, complete with sails on the ceiling and floor designs representing the movement of the sea. Matisse-like paintings of Swikard’s mentors adorn the walls, with everything bathed in natural sunlight.
Among the offerings is a traditional Provençal fish stew called bouillabaisse, featuring local sheepshead and lobster caught by local fishermen.
Another signature dish is Oeuf and Eggs, which features uni at the bottom of the shell with marinated local eggs and Provençal black truffles.
“It’s kind of eggs on toast done in a fun shareable way,” said Chef Swikard.
Swikard, was featured in CBS 8’s On the Menu last year, discussing his downtown restaurant Callie. It received the Bib Gourmand award in the Michelin Guide and remains wildly popular. Chef Swikard acknowledged the pressure of opening a second establishment.
“Obviously people are going to come here with high expectations,” he said, adding that “Fleurette has a personality of its own.”
In September, the Robb Report named Fleurette one of the 13 most exciting restaurant openings in the country.
The chef emphasized his commitment to San Diego.
“There’s not a lot of places in the world like it. I think its nice to be a part of it and help to highlight it in a special way,” said Chef Swikard.
Dining and Cooking