In an effort to encourage modern-day families to take time out for eating together, Chef Jeff Rossman of Terra Restaurant in Hillcrest has launched “Sunday Suppers,” featuring a choice of entrees, side dishes, soups and salads served family-style on platters from 5 -10 p.m. each week.

“Americans and many other cultures have become so inundated with their busy schedules that the tradition of gathering at the dinner table is on its way to becoming legend,” said Rossman.

The menu varies weekly, offering “resurrected cuisine that many parents and grandparents enjoyed in their youth while they gathered with their families at dinnertime.” In the coming winter months, guests can embrace items such as meatloaf, tilapia, pot roast, brisket and vegetarian options as well. Rossman says that the menu choices will be established on the Wednesday prior to each Sunday.

The cost is $19.95 per person. Food portions are tailored to the number of persons in each party, but with plenty of food to go around the table. Reservations are recommended. Terra is located on the 3900 block of Vermont. For more information, call (619) 293-7088.

San Diego’s exploding dining scene is once again catching the eye of Zagat, a New York-based guidebook featuring worldwide restaurant reviews capable of adding extraordinary prestige to kitchens earning top ratings. The company rolls out a separate compilation on San Diego restaurants Dec. 3, after shifting its critical lens away from our city in 2001, at a time when foodies were still grumbling about too much surf and turf on local menus. Chefs, restaurateurs and consumers are itching enthusiastically to see which restaurants will make the cut.

Café 2121, known for creative fare with Azerbaijan roots, has moved from its namesake address on Adams Avenue to a new spot further up the street in Normal Heights to 2736 Adams. Menu changes and new hours of operation are also in place. The quaint café is now open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays, boasting a wider selection of omelets, homemade pastries, sandwiches and wraps. Highly recommended is the Humpty-Dumpty breakfast available on weekends – boiled eggs wrapped in proscuitto with mustard sauce and served over mashed potatoes. For more information, call (619) 252-5974.

The short-lived Russo’s House at 127 University in west Hillcrest gives way to The Better Half, scheduled to open next month. Former Blanca manager-sommelier Zubin Desai took over the early-California bungalow to present a sophisticated lineup of French bistro fare as well as copious wines sold by the half bottle; thus the inspiration for the restaurant’s name. (619) 543-9340.

In addition, the neighborhood says goodbye to Crush, as new owner Ric Libiran prepares to open Café Bleu, a supper bistro and wine lounge slated to offer a homier menu of small plates and full entrees. Chef Stephen Clickner arrives from Soleil@K to head up the menu. 530 University Ave., (619) 291-1717.

Taste Artisan Cheese & Gourmet Shop at 1243 University in Hillcrest celebrates its third birthday on Dec. 1, with an art show and final selection of a winning recipe for the Taste Mac-n-Cheese contest. The free event will be held from 4 - 6 p.m., and also features cheese samples and door prizes. For more information, call (619) 683-2306.

Pheasant, ostrich, partridge and guinea hen coupled with white and black truffles imported from Europe are among the gamy delights available on a special menu at Trattoria Acqua in La Jolla through Dec. 2. Executive Chef Damaso Lee presents the “fest” after his recent inspirational excursion to Italy’s culinary capitals. The seaside restaurant is located at 1298 Prospect St. For reservations or more information, call (858) 454-0709.