Few dishes are as versatile as a hearty salad full of veggies and whole grains. Building a healthy and hearty salad is simple: when it comes to greens, the darker the better. Whole grains are always a better choice than their refined counterparts. And don’t forget to add fats! Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats like olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds, and fatty fish can lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Need some salad inspiration? Scripps Center for Integrated Medicine has you covered. This kale, edamame and quinoa salad recipe is a filling and flavorful option that will add a healthy dose of fiber to your dinner table.
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For Executive Chef Emily Brubaker, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa feels like home. She grew up just a mile-and-a-half away from the 400-acre property and fondly recalls walking the golf course perimeter as a kid. Though her ambitions led her away from San Diego for nearly two decades in which she honed her craft in some of the highest of high-profile Las Vegas restaurants—including triple Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand—they ultimately brought her back to North County.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Today, the classically French-trained chef, who’s fresh off a victory on NBC’s Yes, Chef!, judged by Martha Stewart and José Andrés, oversees Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s seven distinct dining concepts. Her goal is to elevate the resort’s culinary program with her creative, hyperlocal ingredient-driven approach while maintaining the Spanish- inspired flavors and fresh California coastal cuisine that are the bedrock of its culinary identity.
“The San Diego food scene is really growing, and in North County alone, it’s really exploded in the last five years,” Brubaker says. “There are Michelin stars, beautiful tasting menus, craft bakers, and all this food—when I was growing up in La Costa, it was fish tacos. Now there are really cool things popping up, and I’m so happy to be here to see where it’s going to go.”
Brubaker gives chefs de cuisine at each individual restaurant autonomy, however, her influence is evident across the resort.
For example, lobby restaurant Bar Traza serves as Omni La Costa’s culinary centerpiece and features bold Spanish flavors in a lively, social atmosphere. Brubaker overhauled the menu to be more consistent and centered on casual bites with that signature vibe. Think smoky paprika, vibrant citrus, and Spanish meats and cheeses.
At VUE, the focus is on seasonal offerings, California coastal cuisine, and Baja-inspired dishes. She and Chef de Cuisine Cameron Dixon change the menu biannually, which heading into summer, will highlight farm-fresh produce and hyperlocal ingredients—the resort even has its own herb garden and honeybee hives.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Poolside dining options are leaning into the country’s 250th this summer with a selection of classic American dishes with an Omni La Costa twist. And Bob’s Steak & Chop House (Brubaker is a trained butcher) offers a classic steakhouse experience with elevated service.
The chef and company also plan menus for special events at the resort where her creativity can really shine. For an upcoming National Ski Association dinner, the banquet hall will be transformed into an Alpine-themed winter wonderland complete with a snow machine, savory sausages, and melty, decadent raclette. A recent dinner was built around the Carlsbad Flower Fields and each course was matched to a color of ranunculus (Did you know pink dragonfruit are grown in North County? You do now.).
“It’s my zen to be in the kitchen playing with food,” Brubaker says.
Omni La Costa’s culinary program is a key part of the resort experience. And with Brubaker’s leadership, it’s becoming a draw for visitors and locals alike.
“These aren’t just hotel restaurants, these are restaurants that you should go to. They’re destinations, and I’m really hoping for the future that’s where we’re going,” Brubaker says.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Brubaker is also channeling her experience on Yes, Chef! into the culture at Omni La Costa—more emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, empowering her staff to share constructive critiques, and embracing different perspectives. Alongside her leadership role, Brubaker has become an advocate for mental health in the hospitality industry, serving as chief ambassador for the Burnt Chef Project and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Apex Culinary Program, where she mentors and develops future talent.
On the night of December 7, 2023, San Diego Police Sgt. Anthony Elliott’s life changed forever. He was shot in the head while responding to a call. He was taken to the Barbey Family Emergency and Trauma Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, one of two Level I trauma centers in the Scripps system. His doctors were amazed that he remained conscious and alert. He had surgery to repair his skull, then transitioned to the medical-surgical unit, where he began physical therapy. Tony also enrolled in Scripps’ Brain Injury Rehab Outpatient Program. Though his journey wasn’t easy, his hard work and determination, combined with the expert care he received, allowed him to return to the career he loves just one year later. Read more about Tony’s story and the specialized care he received at Scripps here.
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Ever heard of the “Christmas holiday effect”? Your cardiologist has. The term refers to the annual uptick in cardiovascular deaths in late December and early January. The reasons for the increase are many. Issues with stress, poorly controlled blood pressure, and delays in seeing the doctor or going to the hospital can exacerbate heart conditions and overindulging can play a role for those with a history of heart failure or cardiomyopathy. Even deviating from your normal routine may be significant enough to impact heart health. Click herefor a Scripps cardiologist’s recommendations for keeping your heart healthy.
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A young athlete beat testicular cancer with the support of Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center
Sean
In May 2021, 22-year-old Sean O’Callaghan made a life-changing discovery that took him on an unexpected health journey. One side of his testicles looked bigger than the other, then he started to experience numbness and pain. Sean went to his primary care physician and heard the news no one wants to hear—it was likely testicular cancer. He sought treatment at Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center and his care team coordinated a disease-specific care plan that included surgery and chemotherapy. He kept a positive outlook throughout treatment and is now cancer-free. Read more of his story here.
When in doubt, get it checked out—that’s the message for men with any testicular concerns. Testicular cancer is most common in men ages 15 to 44. As with many cancers, the key to successful treatment is early detection. Click here for common symptoms of testicular cancer.
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The 53rd Scripps Invitational Golf Tournament raised more than $600,000
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The 53rd Scripps Invitational Golf Tournament on September 30 raised more than $600,000 for research and innovation at Scripps Clinic. Golfers enjoyed an afternoon on the Torrey Pines South Golf Course, which was followed by an outdoor awards reception at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Also, long-time volunteer and supporter, Jean Snow-Anderson, received the Ellen Browning Scripps Humanitarian Award for her contributions to Scripps Health.
That said, this holiday season, it’s better to give and receive. You may not be getting all the tax advantages of your charitable donations and the clock may be running out to cash in on philanthropy’s financial benefits. Click here to find out if your donations may qualify for a tax break if you itemize deductions on your federal income tax return.
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The holidays are right around the corner and while electronics and the must-have toys of the year are probably pretty high on your child’s wish list, gifts that will keep them active have far better benefits. Active play can help kids develop healthy habits early on and can also promote academic performance, improve sleep, sharpen motor skills, decrease stress, and boost self-esteem. There are a ton of options to keep active kids engaged, such as bikes, sports equipment, and fun experiences like surf lessons or a trip to a trampoline park. And as always, safety is paramount. Check out our top picks for holiday gifts here.
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