Wine + Dine atop the Lexus Centre in Escondido

Everyone in business knows that one of the biggest reasons you succeed is location, location, and location. Renowned Chef Deborah Scott is one that’s ahead of the culinary curve opening another unique concept: Vintana Wine + Dine. Indigo Grill, Island Prime, and C Level are some of the collaborative establishments Chef Scott and the Cohn Group have opened here in San Diego, and when it comes to location, their restaurants occupy choice real estate like downtown and Little Italy. This brand new 20,000 square-foot restaurant sits atop of maybe the most innovative location—­the Lexus Centre in Escondido. And yes, I said atop of the largest car dealership in California. On the penthouse level, Vintana’s 17-foot high windows offer picturesque views of the town, countryside and a large, Bellagio-like fountain. Chef Scott cooks up seasonal California Cuisine for lunch, “Social Hour”, and dinner seven days a week with tons of affordable eats for those visiting this destination point in North County. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and goes until 2:30 p.m. with artisanal sandwiches like the Apple Grilled Cheese with Smoked Gouda and Fontina, and healthy salads such as the White Bean and Arugula roughage and Crispy Chickpea Calamari for a light bite for those wanting grab some quick grub.

In between lunch and dinner (2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.), Vintana offers the Lanai Menu that features 14 options under $14 like Muay Thai Wings, Oysters on the Half-Shell and Chef Deborah’s Roasted Nut Crusted Brie.

When it comes to beverages at Vintana, it focuses on wine, but the beer and liquor follow suit. 13 choices of beer (including Stone, Alesmith and Karl Strauss), 13 signature cocktails like Chef Deborah’s Mai Tai and Vintana Tropic. In addition, Vintana offers an astounding 125 different vodkas that guests can use to make any number of $7 martinis.

The dinner menu kicks in at 5 p.m. with a vast assortment of appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts. Chorizo Mussels or Caesar Salad prepared tableside would be a good start while the Vintana Filet Trio, the Blackberry Glazed Bizon Spareribs or fresh caught Sustainable Seafood peak an intestinal interest for a main. Three of a Kind (cookie sandwiches with house made ice cream), Banana Cream Tart or a Citrus Mascarpone Cheesecake helps curb your appetite at the end of the night if it’s called for.

Chef Deborah Scott and the Cohn Group have a prized location for this primetime restaurant, Vintana Wine + Dine. The Lexus Centre in Escondido offers shopping at boutiques, use of a golf simulator, a children’s play-place, private library and even outdoor concerts during the summer. So if those reasons aren’t enough reason to visit, let the thoughtful and locally inspired California cuisine at Vintana Wine + Dine be the deciding factor.