Starting out a few years ago as the latest "in" spot for dinner, Laurel Restaurant & Bar has matured into a permanent San Diego favorite. Located just off of Balboa Park, it is a popular theater dinner choice, with a lively after-five upper-echelon business crowd in the bar. The food note struck is southern French, and the Provencal dishes still dominate much of the menu. The menu changes twice per week. Chicken in Crock and Venison with a dried cherry crust and onion confit are just to name a few items.