Wolf in the Woods in MIssion Hills, San Diego

                                                Carne adovado with fry bread

 If I lived in this neighborhood, I would be at Wolf in the Woods all the time.  The cooking is New Mexican and Spanish influenced.  The menu is divided into snacks, cheese and charcuterie boards, tapas, pinchos (bite-sized snacks), tostas (appetizers on bread), "farmer's giving", "wine and dine" (entrees) and desserts.  It is a good idea to review the menu in advance, because it isn't a traditional format.

We started with zero-proof cocktails with an alcohol-free mezcal.  These were excellent.

We ordered a French baguette with butter and the house-made potato chips with a Hatch-chile crema as a dipping sauce.  This was a very nice start to settle in and relax.  

We next had a round of the sweet corn with pinon soup.  This was delicious.  

We moved on to the "pisto" - roasted eggplant on toasted bread and carne adovada with fry bread.  We shared both.  I especially liked the adovada which was very New Mexican in its flavor palate.  It had a generous portion of pork and I took most of it home for next-day lunch.

This place is very pretty with a rustic decor.  It felt very homey and romantic.  The tables in the back overlook a canyon and there are tables outside on the sidewalk.  The neighborhood of Mission Hills has some beautiful homes, especially some beautiful California Craftsmen style houses.  Many were decorated for Christmas, so it was a charming setting.  It was easy to find street parking.

This is a great place for a light meal with drinks.  They have a nice wine menu.  The portions are on the small side, so you need an appetizer, soup/salad and entree to get a filling dinner.  I love the cuisine of New Mexico - it is distinctive and has many elements inspired by the food of the Native peoples of the region.  I was happy to find it in San Diego.