It’s continually said that Mission Valley is the center of San Diego; home to our football stadium, dozens of hotels and shopping centers, and easily accessible from all major freeways. So, what better neighborhood for an All American restaurant than the heart of America’s Finest City?
Fourth generation San Diegan Mark Oliver has a strong background in the local restaurant industry and an even stronger passion for American history and business. When he turned a down economy into a new opportunity and took his vision from dream to reality, we San Diego foodies discovered All American Grill in Mission Valley.
For years Trophy’s was an iconic sports bar in Mission Valley, overflowing with local team memorabilia and welcoming sports fans and families from all over the County. Like many chains, Trophy’s needed a modern touch-up and was hit hard in the 2008 - 2009 economic drop. While part of the executive team at George’s in La Jolla, Mark Oliver saw value in the Trophy’s legacy and decided to take over and turn a new leaf.
Growing up, Mark was interested in the American trade industry and always kept tabs on international production flux and the number of American businesses moving overseas. If everything is going out, not coming in, how will the American stronghold survive? It was then, and still is now, his passion to support the businesses still creating and operating in America.
Mark will be first to acknowledge that, “We’ve made mistakes in America.” But, he believes that “it’s better to focus on the positive. With All American Grill, we strive to create an atmosphere that evokes a sense of pride.”
Located in Hazard Center, the old Trophy’s venue is now the new All American Grill. Enter through the revolving red door and try not to be captured by the glass enclosed cases of iconic San Diego sports memorabilia. Trophy’s passed-on treasures range from the 1994 Chargers AFC Western Division Championship rings to the 1984 Padres National League Championship plaque, and dozens of signed baseballs, footballs, helmets and mitts. Aside from this sports-dedicated entryway, the new All American Grill has completely redefined the familiar space.
Light wood tables with black trim appear welcoming on either side of the restaurant as guests walk through the “Hall of Champions” inspired carpeted path that is covered by a silver overhang and leads straight to the central bar. The open air bar invites you to gaze at all the U.S.A.-made wine bottles on display, with 3 TVs resting on top, and the outdoor patio in backdrop view.
The most eye-catching element is the series of iconic American images featured on translucent boards, broken into sections and suspended by cables. These striking photos represent honorable elements of American history in such an artistic way that evokes a sense of pride without overbearing the viewer. The chosen images include the Statue of Liberty, Mt. Rushmore, Spirit of St. Louis, F-18 Plane, Apollo 11, and a classic Corvette car.
Mark, who once drove a Corvette through the streets of La Jolla but now only admires the one on his wall, explains the artistic vision: “We have endeavored to capture the spirit of America in our design with specifically chosen art displays that reflect inspiring reference points in our national heritage.”
From the artistic graphics to the complementing wall hues, flashes of red, white and blue meet the eye, but there is no corny patriotic color scheme; All American Grill lets the menu preach patriotism.
All American Grill is a chef driven neighborhood restaurant, and Chef Timothy Au and Proprietor Mark Oliver have collaborated to create a delicious offering of American dishes with American made ingredients. The menu is rich in flavor, but will be most memorable for the educational experience. We’re not kidding … everything on the menu is created, packaged and delivered in America.
Let’s start off with some spirits and cocktails, shall we?
The drink menu encourages you to escape the restraints of your go-to brands, and embrace our nation’s flavor. The expansive wine list may not be so surprising (hello, Napa?); however, from tequila made in Temecula to American beer that expands far beyond Budweiser, we think you’ll enjoy this history lesson.
American Beer
Stone Pale Ale – Escondido, California
Samuel Adams – Boston, Massachusetts
Land Shark Lager – Jacksonville, Florida
Kona Longboard Lager – Kailua Kona, Hawaii
Victory Golden Monkey Tripel – Downingtown, Pennsylvania
American Liquor
Skyy Vodka – California
Jim Beam Bourbon – Kentucky
Jack Daniel’s Whiskey – Tennessee
Aviation Gin – Oregon
JB Wagoner’s Tequila – Temecula, California
All American Grill also offers a selection of specialty cocktails, including the Red Trolley Cosmo with fresh infused Strawberry Smirnoff Vodka, Triple Sec, fresh squeezed lime, cranberry juice, lemonade, and a float of champagne, served in a martini glass. We recommend enjoying the Trolley Cosmo with friends on the outdoor Trolley Terrace.
And now for the All American food…
The lunch and dinner menus were hand crafted by Chef Timothy Au, a well-respected San Diego chef with former experience at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, WineSellar and Brasserie, and Molly’s Restaurant. Not only do the item names celebrate popular cities, trends and historical moments, but all the ingredients (aside from spices and such) are made and distributed in America. If only history class had tasted so good…
Grazing
Daddy Warbucks – baked oysters ‘Rockefeller,’ smoked bacon, spinach, tomato, parmesan cheese
Berkley – baked Portobello mushrooms, wilted spinach, sun dried tomato, goat cheese, thyme vinaigrette
Boise Skins – six flash fried potato halves, cheddar, bacon, green onion, choice of dressings
Entrées
Mission Valley Salad – red leaf, romaine, spinach, onion, olives, tomato, avocado, blue cheese, hazelnut vinaigrette
Tennessee For Me – char grilled 10 oz. prime top sirloin steak, Jack Daniels-shallot sauce, wood roasted vegetables, corn mashed potatoes
*Capitol Hill – grilled double cut pork chop, roasted potatoes, tart apple (Mark Oliver’s favorite named dish)
Mississippi Sound – gulf shrimp, pasta, olive oil, garlic, capers, Kalamata olives, tomato, chili
True Nickel Burger – grilled Wyoming buffalo burger, lettuce, tomato, onions
The Haight Ashbury Pizza – basil pesto, sun dried tomato, baby spinach, red onions, goat cheese
Mission Valley is the center of San Diego, and All American Grill is your neighborhood restaurant in Mission Valley. Although corporate run chain restaurants abound in the area, no independently owned and operated, chef driven restaurant compares to what you’ll find at this Hazard Center staple.
Above all else, Mark Oliver wants to evoke American pride, support American business, and provide a sophisticated, comforting and enjoyable dining experience for all San Diegans. From his time in the San Diego restaurant industry, he knows what a real neighborhood restaurant is, and he knows what real service means. Go discover the All American Grill for yourself.
Insider Tip: Mark Oliver is a one of the most proud and dedicated SDSU Alumni in San Diego County, and still attends every Aztecs football game.
Discover more fun U.S.A. facts at All American Grill.
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