In these recessionary times, it’s great to see new places open–we all need to get out once in a while.

Paon opens in Carlsbad.  It features California French cuisine and a well-stocked wine bar in a luscious setting.  The people behind this venture include  Steve Barr and chef David Gallardo, both of the award winning Winesellar & Brasserie.  Buzz hopes to get a peek very soon.

Small Bar, just opened in University Heights.  The same owner as Hamilton’s Tavern in South Park  thought a grown-up bar in the area–no over-the-top weird cocktails, just 40 beers on tap and a full bar for those who might want a Manhattan–would be fitting for the neighborhood.   Bar food includes Hamiltonesque  burgers and more.  The website isn’t quite up and running but it’s at 4628 Park Ave., open daily from noon (10am on Sunday) til 2am.  619-795-7998.

Dear Readers,

Buzz has been on the road dealing with family illness in Los Angeles.  Do bear with her as she juggles postings and the 405 Freeway….

Check out the latest Our City: San Diego Magazine, the Fall issue is on the stands now.  For specific locations and more information:  www.ourcitysd.com

Tuesday’s at Anthology feature chef Eric Bauer doing his own riff on American classic foods such as mac and cheese with braised pork and  pale ale seafood and chorizo chowder.  The pocketbook friendly “fresh vibe” menu changes every week to complement the house band’s music.

Downtown restaurant watchers will be happy to note that Bice, will open late October.  It is the latest location for the worldwide restaurant group that began 70 plus years ago as a small neighborhood eatery in Milan.  The  Northern Italian menu–well-known in New York, Orlando and Los Angeles (Cafe Med on Sunset)–will feature local ingredients.

Point Loma will soon have a wine bar in the hood, half a block from Roseville, Pomodoro and Old Venice.  Look for the Wine Pub to open in the next couple of months.  Details soon.

October marks the 14th annual Chefs Celebration series of dinners to benefit scholarships for culinary students.  Every Tuesday in October, including one in September (29), you can eat five course meals created by five chefs (each week a different venue and chefs) for just $65 ($35 goes to the scholarship fund). Pamplemousse hosts the September meal with guest chefs Jason Kniebb (Nine-Ten), Jeff Thurston (Prado) and Jim Phillips (Barona).  On October 6, Terra hosts Norma Martinez (El Vitral), Katie Grebow (Cafe Chloe), Danny Bannister (Red Marlin) and Amy DiBiase (Roseville).  Good dinners for a good cause.