McCabe Leaves 1540

[foodiechick]

Via Riveria's Troy Johnson:

HUGE SD FOOD NEWS. Paul McCabe leaves Kitchen1540 to be chef-partner @ Delicias. Remodel/redo. 4 locations planned for SD.

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Delicias Restaurant
6106 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

[karaethon]

I was at 1540 last night and caught wind of some of their plans. After McCabe leaves, they are going much more traditional with more just appetizer and entrees.

The menu is going to be "dumbed down" to be more focused towards the chicken and salmon spectrum. I can totally see 1540 becoming the next Arterra (in a bad way)...

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Arterra Restaurant
11966 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130

[foodiechick]

That is really sad news. What a huge step backwards.

[stevewag23]

North County does seem like it is going in a "one step forward, two steps back" routine.

"more focused towards the chicken and salmon spectrum" doesn't sound too fun, but we shouldn't close the casket until it opens.

[honkman]

I will give them the benefit of doubt before the new chef will have time to have an impact on the menu. Having appetizers and entrees like before is not bad as we had an outstanding tasting menu at that time. Even dumbing down the menu could still left good food on the menu but overall I agree that I tend to be also not really excited about the recent changes at Blanca and 1540

[Pentagarn]

We didn't have a good experience with the newer style of sample/savor/share menu they offered, so I don't think that's necessarily a bad decision. There are plenty of places in the U.S. that do the appetizer/entree style and put out superb food, so I don't think there's anything wrong with that in itself.

It's disappointing to hear they feel they have to dumb-down the food at the same time, though. I thoroughly enjoyed Kitchen 1540 before the newer-style menu and I'll be sad to see them lose everything they had. Perhaps they just don't know what they'll be until they actually get a new chef?

I'll be curious to see what Delicias does with McCabe, though it's a bit more of a drive for those of us not living in North County.

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Delicias Restaurant
6106 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

[stevewag23]

"It's disappointing to hear they feel they have to dumb-down the food"

It is a tried and true recipe for success.

[honkman]

Based on recent interview McCabe is not planning to have food similar to Kitchen1540 at his new place. He wants to have (surprise, surprise) more casual, bistro-style food and will change Delicias in that direction.

[stevewag23]

Is he going to have craft beers?

Burgers?

Perhaps some Deviled eggs?

Maybe some Mac and Cheese for $14?

[Rodzilla]

I think you misheard.

[mjill]

Sounds like we know where Maitland will land...

[Chowchowchris]

Let's hope not.. Maitland seems to ruin everything he is involved with. Big loss for 1540 though...