The May 2008 issue of Condé Nast Traveler announces its 12th Annual “Hot List” of the world's best new restaurants, hotels, nightclubs and spas. Listed among 105 of the world’s best new restaurants is Whisknladle Neighborhood Bistro & Bar, located in La Jolla, California. Whisknladle specializes in Mediterranean inspired gourmet comfort food. The restaurant purchases all of its ingredients from local organic farms and growers and bakes, churns, smokes, ages, cures and pickles everything in-house.

Whisknladle is the only San Diego restaurant to earn the distinction of a 2008 “Hot Table.” The last San Diego restaurant to be honored with this distinction was Deborah Scott’s Island Prime / C Level in 2006.

“We are so honored to be named among the world’s most extraordinary new restaurants,” said Arturo Kassel, owner and proprietor of Whisknladle. “We put so much of ourselves into the creation of this new concept, that to see it be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler is a very humbling and rewarding feeling.”

Described by Condé Nast Traveler as, “A fresh addition to the San Diego area, Whisknladle is the product of two big talents: owner Arturo Kassel, who recently returned to his roots after managing Manhattan hot spot Kittichai, and executive chef Ryan Johnston, a Thomas Keller protégé.” Whisknladle adds the “Hot List”ranking to its list of glowing reviews.

“When opening Whisknladle our philosophy was to taka a back-to-the basics approach to food and dining, emphasizing the ingredients and the work that goes into making a truly memorable dish and dining experience for our guests,” said Ryan Johnston, executive chef and partner of Whisknladle. “To see our philosophy, personality and vision be appreciated and understood is truly an amazing feeling.”

According to Condé Nast Traveler a team of roving epicures visited 32 countries—from Chile to the Czech Republic, Thailand to Tunisia—to track down the world's most exciting new restaurants. Hundreds of meals later, 105 made the cut. And with tasting menus, tapas and texture-bending molecular gastronomy, there is something for every palate. For more information on Whisknladle visit their website by clicking here.

About Whisknladle
Located in the heart of downtown La Jolla, California, at 1044 Wall Street (between Girard and Herschel), Whisknladle is a neighborhood spot that takes a back to the basics approach to food and dining. Arturo Kassel, owner and proprietor, and Ryan Johnston, executive chef and partner opened the new concept in February 2008. Whisknladle specializes in Gourmet Comfort Food, heavily influenced by the Mediterranean that is tasty, honest, healthy and fresh, meant to satisfy the belly and satiate the soul. The restaurant purchases all of its ingredients from local organic farms and growers like Chino Farms and La Milpa and Chef Johnston also bakes, churns, smokes, ages, cures and pickles everything in-house – taking a very old-world approach in his kitchen.

Whisknladle features private dining, off-site catering, a signature wine program and an after-hours bar and lounge. Lunch is served daily and brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 to 3:00 p.m.  Enjoy cocktails and a snack menu during Sunset service from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. daily and dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Cocktails and a limited menu are available After Hours from 10:00 p.m. to Last Call on Friday and Saturday nights.
1044 Wall Street, La Jolla, CA, 92037.  858.551.7575 (tel)

About Condé Nast Traveler
Unlike many other travel publications, Condé Nast Traveler does not accept free travel and accommodations, and its correspondents, as far as possible, travel anonymously. The result is travel the way consumers experience it -- good and bad, with reporting that is fair and honest. Condé Nast Traveler recently won its 6th National Magazine Award and is still the only travel publication to have won the highest honor in magazine publishing. Condé Nast Traveler, the 2005 Zagat Survey Best Travel Magazine, has a circulation of over 800,000 and is published by Condé Nast Publications, Inc.