Founded in 2014 by chef/owner Jesse A. Paul and founder/owner Catherine Paul, The Wooden Spoon intends to provide the freshest quality foods that are sourced from local farms and artisans. We are organic when possible, GMO-free, sustainable and natural. Our food is made with love and respect. We are guided by passion and driven by perfection.
Everything is made in-house unless listed otherwise on the menu, we love to give credit to our local businesses that provide us with their own amazing products!
Welcome to The Wooden Spoon,
Jesse & Catherine
Farms and Local Businesses used
Be Wise Ranch
Rio Del Rey
Lucky Dog Ranch
Kenter Canyon Farms
Sadie Rose
Pitman Family Farms
About Chef Jesse A. Paul
A graduate of the Art Institute of Los Angeles, Jesse A. Paul has been cooking in San Diego since 2000. Most recently, Chef Jesse was the Chef de Cuisine for Vivace at the Park Hyatt Aviara (formerly the Four Seasons). Prior to that, Jesse served as the Executive Chef of Star of the Sea, where he was inducted into the Chaine de Rottissuers. Jesse also worked at L’auberge Del Mar as the Tournant Chef and Top of the Cove in La Jolla as the Sous Chef.
During his 18 year career in San Diego Chef Jesse has been awarded numerous accolades including:
- 103 Dishes to Eat in San Diego before You Die (The Spoon Burger @ The Wooden Spoon) 2017, (San Diego Magazine)
- San Diego’s Best French Fries (The Wooden Spoon) 2016, (San Diego Union Tribune)
- Best Desserts Guide: 7 North County Must Haves (Butterscotch Pot De Crème @The Wooden Spoon) 2016, (You North County Local Lifestyles Guide)
- Best New Restaurants (The Wooden Spoon) 2015, (San Diego Magazine)
- San Diego’s 30 Best Burgers (The Wooden Spoon) 2015, (San Diego Union Tribune)
- Best Brunch (Pranzo @ Vivace) of 2013, (San Diego Magazine)
- Best Restaurant (Vivace) of 2012, (San Diego Magazine)
- Best Pasta San Diego (Vivace) 2012, (Ranch and Coast Magazine)
- 4 Diamonds for (Vivace) 2009 – 2013, (AAA)
- Best Fine Dining Seafood San Diego (Star of the Sea) 2005, (Ranch and Coast Magazine)
- Runner up – Chef of the Year (Star of the Sea) 2005 (California Restaurant Association)
- Best Chef San Diego (Star of the Sea) 2005, (944 Magazine)
- Best Dessert San Diego (Star of the Sea) 2005, (Ranch and Coast Magazine)
