Happy Monday, San Diego! Here at San Diego Pepper Company we spend a lot of time eating our way around the county (somebody has to test the hot sauce pairings), and this week’s food news has us hungry. From a big new Mexican spot in Liberty Station to holiday bake boxes and a steakhouse debut in Santee, here’s what’s cooking.
New Openings
El Punto opens today — Liberty Station
City Tacos founder Gerry Torres is debuting El Punto today (Nov. 9) in the roughly 8,800-square-foot Perry Road space that once housed El Jardin. The coastal Mexican menu pulls together Torres’ favorites, including City Tacos staples and the pibil tostaditas fans remember from his shuttered North Park spot, Tostadas, alongside crudos, soups and entrees like pollo con mole. It’s dinner-only to start, with a big patio, a kids’ area and an enclosed off-leash dog zone. (via San Diego Magazine and There San Diego)
Tabac Plus brings Ottoman and Anatolian cooking to Kettner — Little Italy
Tabac Plus at 2215 Kettner Blvd. is now serving Turkish palace-style and home-style dishes from chef Mehmet Sarı, who has been cooking since 1998 in Istanbul. The family-friendly indoor dining room is smoke-free and the bar pours no alcohol, while a separate 21-and-over patio lounge offers hookah. (via There San Diego)
The Heritage Steakhouse debuts Friday — Santee
East County gets a classic, Art Deco–inspired steakhouse on Friday, Nov. 13, on the sixth floor of 200 Lantern Crest Way. Executive chef Meredith Manee is reworking old-school favorites like the wedge salad and shrimp cocktail, and the steak list runs from a 36-ounce USDA Prime tomahawk to Snake River Farms Wagyu. It’s open to the public, not just residents of the Lantern Crest community. (via San Diego Magazine and There San Diego)
Closings
SRO Lounge closes after 44 years — Bankers Hill
The Fifth Avenue bar shut its doors on Sunday, Nov. 1, announcing the news on Instagram just hours ahead. Opened in 1982, SRO became a long-standing welcoming spot for San Diego’s trans and gender non-conforming community. No official reason was given, though the owners framed it as a “see you later” rather than a final goodbye. (via Times of San Diego)
New Brands & Products
Craft Fish Co. tinned albacore — sold around San Diego County
Family-run Craft Fish Co., from JJ and Jessica Gerritsen, packs small-batch albacore that JJ catches by pole and line aboard his boat off the Pacific Northwest. Options include olive oil, sea salt and no-salt-added versions, distributed by San Diego’s Sosal Line and stocked locally at spots like Fox Point Farms and Clos. (via San Diego Magazine)
Spill the Beans brings back its Pandesal Bagel — five San Diego locations
The seasonal Thanksgiving-inspired bagel has returned, and it comes with a cranberry habanero cream cheese. A little sweet, a little heat — you know we approve. (via There San Diego)
Food Events & Pop-Ups
Friendly Feast Bake Sale — Mission Hills
A lineup of local pastry chefs, including bakers from MIHO, Nine-Ten and Morning Glory, are teaming up on just 50 six-item boxes built like a tasting menu, from a savory croissant to a chocolate hazelnut mousse cake. Pick-up is Sunday, Nov. 15, 9:30–11 a.m. at Cardellino, with boxes running $45–$65; order ahead online. (via There San Diego)
Pie Making Workshop at Fox Point Farms — Encinitas
Haven Farm + Table is hosting a hands-on pie class on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and you’ll leave with a pie of your own — handy timing with Thanksgiving around the corner. (via There San Diego)
Side Bar turns 23 — Downtown / Gaslamp
The Market Street nightspot is marking its anniversary with a black-tie, 21+ party on Thursday, Nov. 12, including a hosted bar from 8 to 9 p.m. (via There San Diego)
Pizza and wine night at Pali Wine Co. — University Avenue
Pali’s tasting room at 1440 University Ave. is teaming up with Sun Coast Pizza for wood-fired pies paired with wine on Friday, Nov. 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Reservations recommended. (via There San Diego)
Harvest wine dinner at The Rose Wine Bar — South Park
The Rose is serving four family-style holiday courses with wine pairings on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. Tickets are $90 before tax and tip. (via There San Diego)
Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar arrives Nov. 19 — Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, Gaslamp
A themed holiday pop-up bar opens at the Hard Rock on Thursday, Nov. 19. Tickets will be sold only through Bucket Listers and weren’t on sale yet at last check, so join the waitlist if it’s your thing. (via There San Diego)
Sources
- San Diego Magazine — First Look: El Punto
- San Diego Magazine — First Look: Heritage Steakhouse
- San Diego Magazine — This Tinned Tuna Is About As Local As It Gets
- There San Diego — The Craving: San Diego Food + Drink News
- There San Diego — Tabac Plus
- There San Diego — Friendly Feast Bake Sale
- Times of San Diego — SRO Lounge closes after 44 years
Stay spicy, San Diego — see you next Monday! — The San Diego Pepper Company crew