A new café opened at the LEED-certified Scripps Seaside Forum at the (SIO) on Aug. 8. Caroline's Seaside Café is operated by Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering of La Jolla.
This is not Ciuffa's first rodeo as a restaurateur; he also owns and operates the Sculpture Court Cafe at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park, the café at the in La Jolla, in addition to operating a successful La Jolla-based catering business.
"I chose [to open a café] at SIO because the idea of being in front of the ocean at a LEED-certified venue sounded really appearing," he said. "And as one of SIO's preferred caterers we did a lot of work at the venue in the past two years. Having the café gave us the exclusive for bar services and a company-exclusive for corporate catering, as well as the advantage to be able to book more weddings. I couldn't pass."
Ciuffa said the menu will include "something for everyone" and will feature hormone-free meats and poultry, seafood, fresh and locally grown produce, as well as other organic, sustainable-source offerings. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu items will also be available.
Address: 8610 Kennel Way, next to the Scripps Pier
Hours: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The café will be closed on holidays and during campus closures.
Cuisine: Farm-fresh, California-inspired.
Parking: Street parking is available during the week. Metered parking lot is available on the weekends.
Handicap Accessible: Yes.
Seating: The café will accommodate up to 100 diners.
Indoor/Outdoor: The venue allows for both indoor and outdoor dining, with 50 seats available for each.
Catering: Yes. Catering inquiries can be fielded to the café's parent company, Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering.
Website: Ciuffa said the website is still under construction. For now, those seeking additional Web-based information should visit giuseppecatering.com.
On-line Ordering: Not as of yet. Patrons are encouraged to check back with the Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering website for future updates.
Phone/Fax: Still pending.
Correction: Please note that the original post of this article incorrectly stated the opening was Aug. 1. The restaurant will open Aug. 8.
