Starlite makes it official

If you have been lucky enough to wine and dine at the newest establishment to grace India Street, you know Starlite is a place you won’t get tired of.

I spoke with Matt Hoyt, one of the owners of Starlite about the new digs and why they decided to hold off on the grand opening until now.

What is the purpose of a grand opening after Starlite has been open for nearly 11 weeks?

According to Matt, there was not enough time. He along with co-owners Tim Mays and chef Travis Murphy have spent a lot of time on this labor of love and have not had a moment to stop and enjoy the ride. Word of mouth momentum is what launched Starlite’s success and unsolicited press has been adding to it. Now that the sign is up and the owners can take a breath, it is time for them to thank their colleagues and the community for embracing their new venture. The grand opening will be on Thursday, September 13.

I asked Matt Hoyt if Starlite was everything he expected it to be. He said that the restaurant and bar which was created by Interior Design & Build Firm: Bells & Whistles (Barbara Rourke & Jason St. John) exceeded his expectations and is more than happy with how everything turned out.

Next, was the music question. With Tim Mays being the owner of the Casbah, Steve Poltz (local troubadour) as an investor, it is hard to imagine music not being a part of the Starlite mix. Matt Hoyt told me that they are not interested in having DJ club nights. They would love to see the DJ’s provide a musical atmosphere to those enjoying their high end cocktails and their ever changing food menu. There will be DJ’s spinning an eclectic mix of music on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10p to close.

How did the partners come together?
Well, Matt Hoyt (Filmmaker & Entrepreneur) found the building, Tim Mays (Casbah, Turf Club, Krakatoa) wanted to start a new venture, Steve Poltz (Musician/Songwriter & Troubadour) was interested in investing in something that would succeed and chef Travis Murphy had previously cooked for Tim and other colleagues and they knew it would be the perfect fit.

With full service front and back bars, a menu that features fresh, organic, and sustainable products from local suppliers, and an atmosphere that is swanky yet inviting, Starlite caters to a large range of people. They want Starlite to be an option for people to stop in before or after an event, enjoy a drink (whether it’s Miller High Life or a $70 bottle of champagne), bring a date and not need reservations.

Just to give you a tip on what’s hot on the menu – I will list the favorites from each category. First things first, order a drink. The Starlite Mule will kick your butt if you have too many but it is delicious, so try it. The Mule is made with 100% Organic Rain Vodka, Cock n’Bull ginger beer, fresh lime, bitters, served in a copper mug.

As an appetizer, the generous cheese plate with Humbolt Fog, Brillat Savarin and Red Hawk with Hazelnut Raisin bread, honey comb and pickled raisins. And for the entrée, dig into the all natural Brandt ground chuck burger with Gruyere, carmelized onions and frites (they have vegetarian items – the Risotto is my personal favorite). And for desert, pistachio-toffee chip cookie ice cream sandwich.

If you have not stopped in to enjoy the Starlite, come by for the grand opening Thursday, September 13. The friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to serve you. And as Matt Hoyt put it, “If Turf Club is college, Starlite is graduate school.”

Starlite is open 7 days a week from 6pm til 2am and serve dinner until midnight.

3175 India Street
San Diego, CA 92103
(619)358-9766