Foodie News
JOEY La Jolla Opening at Westfield UTC Brings Upscale Dining to San Diego
Last Updated on April 22, 2026 by Daily News Staff
SAN DIEGO, CA — The award-winning JOEY Restaurant Group is continuing its U.S. expansion with the debut of its first San Diego location, JOEY La Jolla, opening April 23, 2026. The new restaurant will be located at Westfield UTC, one of Southern California’s premier retail and lifestyle destinations.
A New Dining Destination for La Jolla
Set in the heart of La Jolla, the 10,600-square-foot restaurant is designed to deliver a vibrant, upscale-yet-approachable experience. Guests can expect a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor dining, complete with a welcoming fire feature, lush landscaping, and a covered patio that opens into an expansive, modern interior.
Inside, the space features a lively bar and lounge area, complete with a DJ booth for select evenings, a curated wine wall, and contemporary art installations. The dining room centers around a striking olive tree beneath a wood canopy, creating a warm and immersive atmosphere ideal for everything from casual lunches to late-night gatherings.
Elevated Cuisine Meets Global Inspiration
JOEY Restaurants has built its reputation on globally inspired dishes and high-quality ingredients—and JOEY La Jolla is no exception.
The menu will showcase a wide range of offerings, including:
- Premium steak cuts like Bone-In Prime Ribeye and Tomahawk
- Fire-torched sushi and fresh seafood
- Shareable plates and handcrafted bowls
- Signature creations like Truffle Udon Carbonara
The beverage program is equally robust, featuring a curated wine selection and handcrafted cocktails such as the Good Life Margarita and Woodsmoked Old Fashioned. Guests can also explore “JOEY Supers,” a creative take on the classic highball with a refreshing twist.
Leadership Behind the Experience
The culinary and beverage program is led by an award-winning team, including:
- Matthew Stowe, Executive Chef and Top Chef alumnus
- Jay Jones, Bar Development Leader and Hall of Fame inductee
- Jason Yamasaki, Group Sommelier
Their combined expertise is expected to elevate JOEY La Jolla into one of San Diego’s standout dining destinations.
Soft Opening and Reservations
Diners eager to get an early look can reserve a table during the restaurant’s limited preview period from April 18–22, ahead of its official grand opening on April 23. Once open, JOEY La Jolla will offer full-service dining daily, including lunch, happy hour, dinner, and late-night service.
Hours of Operation:
- Sunday–Thursday: 11 AM – 12 AM
- Friday–Saturday: 11 AM – 1 AM
Location:
4489 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 1600
San Diego, CA 92122
A Strategic Expansion into Southern California
According to company leadership, the move into San Diego marks a significant milestone in JOEY’s broader growth strategy. With its strong culinary culture and coastal lifestyle, La Jolla provides an ideal backdrop for the brand’s signature blend of hospitality, design, and globally influenced cuisine.
As San Diego’s dining scene continues to evolve, JOEY La Jolla is positioned to become a go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking a dynamic and elevated dining experience.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
Food and Beverage
Little Bites® Brings Back S’mores Muffins for Summer Snacking
Last Updated on April 29, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Summer snacking just got a little sweeter. Little Bites® Snacks has announced the return of its limited-edition Little Bites® S’mores Muffins, giving families a simple way to enjoy the nostalgic flavor of a classic campfire dessert without needing a fire pit.
Inspired by the familiar combination of graham cracker and chocolate, these soft-baked mini muffins are designed to capture the cozy taste of s’mores in a portable, ready-to-eat format. Made with ingredients like graham flour and milk chocolate, the muffins offer a sweet, fluffy bite that fits perfectly into busy summer routines.
According to Rielly Whims, Brand Manager for Little Bites® Snacks, the product reflects the brand’s focus on bringing joy to everyday moments. With the return of S’mores Muffins, families can enjoy a fun, convenient snack that delivers the flavor of summer in an easy, grab-and-go pouch.
A Seasonal Treat Made for On-the-Go Moments
Little Bites® S’mores Muffins are positioned as an ideal snack for the season’s most memorable moments. Whether it’s a backyard hangout, a long road trip, a day at the beach, or a quick poolside break, the muffins are designed to bring a little extra sweetness to summer activities.
Their pre-portioned pouches also make them especially appealing for families looking for convenient snack options that are easy to pack, share, and enjoy anywhere.
Available for a Limited Time
The seasonal muffins are available now at major retailers nationwide while supplies last. As part of the broader Little Bites® lineup, the returning flavor adds a playful, nostalgic twist to the brand’s portfolio of baked snacks.
For Little Bites fans, the return of S’mores Muffins is a timely reminder that some of the best summer flavors do not need a campfire to be enjoyed. With familiar ingredients, portable packaging, and limited-time availability, this seasonal snack is set to be a fun addition to summer shopping lists.
About the Brand
Little Bites® is part of the Entenmann’s® family, a well-known name in baked goods with more than a century of baking heritage. Entenmann’s® operates under Bimbo Bakeries USA, one of the leading baking companies in the country, known for its wide portfolio of household brands and large-scale national distribution.
Together, that backing gives Little Bites® strong brand recognition and broad retail reach, helping seasonal launches like S’mores Muffins find their way into stores across the U.S. just in time for summer.
Related Links
Source
Visit the Food and Drink section on STM Daily News for the latest food news, beverage trends, restaurant stories, seasonal recipes, culinary events, and community-driven lifestyle coverage.
recipes
Say ‘Yes, Please’ to The Grilled Cheese of the Year: Gooey Goodness with a Protein Punch
Tne Grilled Cheese of the Year: A grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooey-gooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter – but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting a functional upgrade in recipes like The Protein Powerhouse and The Classic.
Last Updated on April 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Say ‘Yes, Please’ to The Grilled Cheese of the Year: Gooey Goodness with a Protein Punch
(Feature Impact) A grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooey-gooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter – but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting a functional upgrade.
It’s also safe to say nostalgia is delicious and addicting, which is why Borden Cheese is sharing not one, but two, prize-worthy recipes, one of which packs a protein punch and another that’s a pure classic, perfect for spreading smiles and happy bellies.
Protein, Please: The Protein Powerhouse is the Grilled Cheese of the Year, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a protein-packed masterpiece designed for the modern appetite. Featuring a creamy, dual-cheese combo of mild cheddar and Borden Mozzarella Cheese Melts, the sandwich is melted over 5 ounces of tender sliced chicken breast and delivers more than 40 grams of protein and about 8 grams of fiber when paired with the right bread. Served with a tangy Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard “powerhouse sauce” and pressed between golden, crispy bread, this grilled cheese isn’t your ordinary melt. It has been transformed into a massive protein boost.
Tried n’ True: While modern flavors and trends are delicious, nostalgia is too. In fact, a whopping 20,000 fans cast their votes for America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese, asserting a fervor that’s unmatched when it comes to their perfect melt, and awarded The Classic the title of “America’s Favorite.” This comforting recipe pairs extra sharp melts with American singles on sliced white bread for a perfect, ooey-gooey bite that reminds you the cheese truly “makes” the sandwich.
VisitBordenCheese.com/grilled-cheese-day for other ooey-gooey grilled cheese recipes created for 2026.
The Protein Powerhouse
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 2 slices bread fortified with protein and fiber
- 2 Borden Mild Cheddar Slices
- 1 slice Borden Mozzarella Melts
- 5 ounces sliced chicken breast (deli-shaved or thinly carved)
“Powerhouse” Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Heat griddle to medium heat. Butter bread. Layer cheeses and chicken on top of bread.
- Place bread on griddle and cook until lightly toasted. Flip and cook other side.
- Remove sandwich from skillet or griddle.
- To make powerhouse sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder and smoked paprika until well blended. Slice sandwich in half and drizzle with Powerhouse sauce.

The Classic
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 2 slices white bread
- 2 slices Borden Extra Sharp Melts
- 2 slices Borden American Singles
- Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice bread.
- Place cheese slices on unbuttered side of bread. Top with other slice of bread with butter facing upward.
- Place sandwich on skillet or griddle and cook 3-4 minutes on each side. Using spatula, lightly press sandwich down gently while cooking to melt cheese better.
- Remove from skillet or griddle and slice in half.

SOURCE:
Borden
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
Foodie News
Take to the Outdoors with a Fresh, Picnic-Friendly Sandwich
When the weather breaks and it’s time to get outdoors, there’s hardly any better place to be than resting on a deck, lounging in the backyard or curled up on a picnic blanket at a local park. Enjoy that leisurely time with loved ones by sharing a spread that includes these Picnic-Friendly Sandwich.
Last Updated on April 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Take to the Outdoors with a Fresh, Picnic-Friendly Sandwich
(Feature Impact) When the weather breaks and it’s time to get outdoors, there’s hardly any better place to be than resting on a deck, lounging in the backyard or curled up on a picnic blanket at a local park. Enjoy that leisurely time with loved ones by sharing a spread that includes these Picnic Party Sandwiches, perfect for a filling lunch that provides the energy you need for kicking around a soccer ball, playing tag or flying a kite.
Find more lunch ideas fit for enjoying the sunshine by visiting Culinary.net.
Picnic Party Sandwiches
Recipe adapted from “Crunch Time Kitchen”
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- 1 large fresh baguette
- 1/4 cup fig preserves
- 6-8 ounces cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami and capocollo
- 6 ounces brie cheese, sliced
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- Mash together room temperature butter with fresh parsley. Set aside.
- Cut fresh baguette length-wise and smear bottom half of the baguette with herbed butter. Top with fig preserves.
- Layer on cured meats followed by slices of brie cheese. For brie, cut off any large pieces of rind.
- In small bowl, toss arugula with lemon juice and salt. Add arugula to sandwich followed by top half of baguette.
- Cut baguette into four even sandwiches and eat immediately or wrap each one tightly in paper or plastic wrap.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
