By Frank Sabatini Jr.
San Diego-based Primos Management Inc. has opened Primos Public Corner, a full-service restaurant and bar in Mission Valley’s Fenton Marketplace. The company operates more than 20 fast-casual eateries under the name Primos Mexican Food, although this is its first large-scale establishment, says chief marketing officer James Quijano.
In addition to a wide selection of Baja-style cocktails and craft beers, the food offerings include everything from mole French fries and bourbon-Sriracha flautas to New York strip tacos and fire-roasted chile rellenos. 2401 Fenton Pkwy., Suite 104, 619-684-5777, primospc.com.
The Flame Broiler, which has several locations throughout San Diego, including Mission Valley, has added extra-firm, organic tofu to its menu. It is the first menu change since the company’s inception in Orange County some 20 years ago. Served cubed and charbroiled over white or brown rice, the tofu bowl starts at only 140 calories. 5618 Mission Center Road, Suite 1003, 619-299-0118, flamebroilerusa.com.
After operating for a little more than a year as a wine bar, bakery and gourmet deli near the University of San Diego, Pacific Time has shuttered. No reason was stated on the establishment’s website or Facebook page for the sudden closure, although the writing was on the wall when the owners held a major wine sale a couple weeks prior. 5277 Linda Vista Road.
Shawn’s on Congress, a wine and beer bar that opened less than a year ago in Old Town, closed on Sept. 24. Its owner, Shawn Magurno cited “lack of business” as the reason, adding that he will now focus on opening an urban winery in the coming years, perhaps in East County. He currently produces wine at his San Carlos residence, including a strawberry Riesling that is available at The Alamo Mexican Café in Old Town, 2543 Congress St., 619-296-1112, alamomexicancafe.com.
Saffron in Mission Hills is slated for a remodel as owner Su-Mei Yu enters into partnership with Karina’s Group, which operates several Mexican seafood restaurants throughout San Diego County. After work is completed early next year, the restaurant’s small adjoining space that is famous for its rotisserie chickens will become Karina’s Ceviche & More. The chickens, also available in the sit-down restaurant, will remain in the offering after the remodel, along with the same full menu of noodles, stir-fries and other Thai entrees. 3731-B India St., 619-574-7737, saffronsandiego.com.
San Diego’s biggest Epicurean event, the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival, returns for the 13th year with a host of chef-driven dinners, culinary presentations, and wine and beer tastings held Nov. 14-20 at various venues throughout San Diego.
The festival’s main attraction is the Grand Tasting, which features samples from more than 700 wines, plus foods from nearly 70 of San Diego’s most notable chefs and gourmet vendors. It will be held from noon–3 p.m., Nov. 19, at Embarcadero Marina Park North (500 Kettner Blvd.) Tickets are $135 or $175 for early entry at 11 a.m. For a complete list of events and highlights, visit sandiegowineclassic.com.
—Frank Sabatini Jr. can be reached at [email protected].
