A year ago, PlainClarity began representing The Red Door Restaurant & Wine Bar, one of our favorite restaurants. As you can imagine, representing businesses you already adore is a joy. The Red Door and its executive chef, Miguel Valdez, have made their marks in San Diego, inspiring people to eat locally-sourced ingredients — many from The Red Door’s own garden — and to support local artisans. Chef Miguel has been called one of the most talented chefs in San Diego, driven by fierce intuition and a wise palate.

What you may not know is that Chef Miguel and his team cook simultaneously for two restaurants with decidedly different menus. Neighboring The Wellington Steak & Martini Lounge is The Red Door’s sassy sister, with live music from musical masterminds like classical guitarist Fred Benedetti on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. and a talented jazz duo on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. The Wellington’s menu consists of perfectly prepared, humanely raised meats; choice cuts of beef; a fresh take on the classic Beef Wellington; and an extensive martini menu with traditional and exotic flavors ($8 drink specials every Monday).

Ah, The Well, as we fondly call her. You’ll be seeing more of her now; we just brought her on and, with her, owners Trish and Tom Watlington’s enduring confidence. We love you, too, The Red Door/TheWell lot. :)

Live music, martinis and a perfectly cooked beef wellington: isn’t life good? Oh, before I forget! We'll have big news to share about Chef Miguel very soon. Stay tuned!