New and Renewed Ocean Friendly Restaurants (OFR)
| All Rise and Shine Restaurants: | Mission Valley Breakfast Company |
| Breakfast Republic Palm Desert | Ox Coffee |
A BIG THANK YOU GOES OUT TO ALL OUR OCEAN FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS!
Stop in for a meal with family and friends to show your support for our Ocean Friendly Restaurants. Visit the Surfrider Foundation San Diego OFR page to see 100+ San Diego County OFR's.
March Ocean Friendly Restaurant Spotlight
Introducing Executive Chef Jose “JoJo” Ruiz, the advocate behind three outstanding San Diego Ocean Friendly Restaurants.
If you are looking for the freshest and most sustainable seafood in San Diego County, make sure to visit one of these delicious Ocean Friendly Restaurants (OFR) and don’t forget to thank them for being an OFR.
Partner/Chef Jose “JoJo” Ruiz of Clique Hospitality earned the prestigious accolade of James Beard Certified Smart Catch Leader due to his commitment to sustainable seafood practices in early 2019. Lionfish, Serẽa, and Temaki Bar Sushi are the only restaurants in San Diego, Coronado and Encinitas to have been awarded this recognition.
According to Clique Hospitality, under Chef Ruiz’s leadership, their restaurants are in full support of the protection of the oceans, beaches and community for generations to come. Chef Ruiz is committed to supporting ocean-friendly sustainable practices and is passionate about significantly reducing waste in his restaurants. He first registered Lionfish as a Surfrider Ocean Friendly Restaurant in 2017!
Chef Ruiz only uses eco-friendly supplies in his restaurants, from biodegradable paper straws to compostable and biodegradable take-out containers and silverware. The use of reusable tableware is the core criteria to become an OFR.
Chef Ruiz attributes his learning of sustainable practices to Patrick “Paddy” Glennon, founder of the Culinary Liberation (CLF), which brings together a group of chefs to join forces within their respective communities to promote environmental initiatives in the restaurant industry and promote nutritional education.
Chef Ruiz is also involved with the Waste Not San Diego program, which gives restaurants the opportunity to donate excess food to local nonprofits to help feed the hungry.
“As a San Diego native, JoJo enjoys using only local ingredients and produce available fresh at the farmer’s market. His dishes are infused with the essence of San Diego’s personality and always exemplify his strong commitment to sustainable seafood practices and elevating the local fishing and farming communities through choosing the freshest, locally sourced seafood, meats and produce to be used in his culinary creations,” says Clique Hospitality.
Chef Ruiz and Clique Hospitality have been longtime supporters of Surfrider Foundation San Diego County Chapter. We thank them for their leadership and support to help protect the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people.
OFR Updates
April OFR Meeting
We haven't had an OFR meeting in a while so mark your calendars for our virtual meeting via Zoom on April 3rd, from 6:30-7:30 PM. We'll discuss all the exciting events lined up for April and go over our Spring Rally plans. Your input is valuable, so make sure to join us for a productive session.
The Ocean Needs More Friends - Can We Count On You?
Become a Surfrider Foundation Member today by donating here. To find out more about what we do watch Surfrider's 2023 Year in Review.