Fridays and Saturdays usually feature a jazz quintet and singer who smooth the transition from workweek to weekend with offerings like the hypnotic anthem Killer Joe. If stand-ins for the Sultans of Swing set the tone in the dining room, the Sultan of Brunei had something to do with inspiring chef Matthew Parker s stylish and largely enjoyable menu. This surely is a first for little San Diego. A fair number of items are offered both as small and large portions, and priced accordingly, but beware the supposition that a small plate will be appetizer-sized. The kitchen errs on the side of generosity.
Starters are in fact the menu s weakness.
Aubergine serves dinner nightly at 500 Fourth Avenue in San Diego.