By Frank Sabatini Jr.
A dual concept of Asian cuisine recently opened in Little Italy under the names, Pokirrito and Rakiraki Ramen, which are giving consumers a taste of creative sushi burritos and handcrafted noodle dishes under one roof. It is the second such venture by Tokyo transplant, Junya Watanabe, who has operated the same two eateries at 4646 Convoy St. in Kearny Mesa for the past four years.
His new offshoot features floor-to-ceiling windows, communal and traditional tables, two order counters, and a large John Lennon-inspired mural of himself presiding over the casual dining areas. The menus feature everything from charcoal-fired yakatori items and Asian-style burritos wrapped in nori to poke bowls and ramen served in various broths. 2254 India St., 619-240-8511, pokirittosd.com and rakirakiramen.com.
The Gaslamp Quarter saw early-fall closures of two well-known establishments: Dick’s Last Resort, and Blush Ice Bar + East-West Kitchen. By press time, neither restaurant had offered explanations on their websites or Facebook pages for suddenly disappearing. Dick’s, however, currently maintains locations in 16 other cities that include Las Vegas, Dallas, Chicago and Boston. dickslastresort.com.
Coming in the few months to Andaz Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter is STK San Diego, which will combine a swanky DJ-fueled atmosphere with “re-imagined” American cuisine that includes a variety of steaks.
Developed by The One Group, a hospitality company with an international portfolio of restaurants situated mostly in hotels and casinos, STK is a fast-growing brand with locations in New York, Miami, Atlanta, London and other high-energy cities. Aside from loin strips and porterhouses, the menu will feature wagyu beef sliders, lobster mac n’ cheese, classic steakhouse sides, and more. 600 F St., 619-849-1234, stkhouse.com.
Patio Restaurants is branching into the East Village with Harvest by The Patio, which is slated to open in early November in the two-level brick structure previously occupied by Table No. 10. Unlike its other patio-theme restaurants, Harvest will take a more casual service approach, with a greater focus on healthy meal options such as organic salads, sustainable meats and vegan dishes. In addition, it won’t have a patio.
“The first floor will feature a grab-and-go counter and the second level will have seating and a full bar for enjoying cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients,” said marketing director Julia Baker.
The venture is being launched in conjunction with Legal Restaurant Group, which helped open Fireside by the Patio in Liberty Station. 369 10th Ave., harvestbythepatio.com.
Quell your hankering for a hot pastrami sandwich and house-made pickles at Larry’s Deli, which opened recently next door to the west entrance of Petco Park. Launched by J Street Hospitality, the menu features nearly a dozen different sandwiches that also include rib eye, tuna, turkey, and other meats sourced from RC Provisions, a Burbank-based supplier favored by prominent restaurants and delis along the West Coast.
Also in the offing are soups, side dishes, and deviled eggs pickled in beet juice. The booze list includes bottled and rotating draft beers, plus wine. Regarding the deli’s name, “Larry” was a random pick that doesn’t reflect anyone in particular, we’re told. 323 Seventh Ave., 619-453-0000, hungrylarrys.com.
Ceviches inspired by Peru, Mexico and the Caribbean have splashed into the East Village with the arrival of Como Ceviche!, the latest venture by local restaurateur Johan Engman, who teamed up with San Diego publicist, William Lopez of Alternative Strategies. The fast-casual eatery, which opened Oct. 1, features ceviches using a variety of fresh seafood, such as calamari, octopus and shrimp. They can be ordered in bowls, wraps or as stand-alone servings. The menu also includes a vegan ceviche made with cauliflower, red onions, Serrano peppers and other veggies. 317 10th Ave., 619-343-1191, comoceviche.com.
A series of al fresco dinners presented by Chef Michael Poompan of Coronado Island Resort & Spa Marriott kicks off at 6 p.m., Oct. 16, with a “full moon” Oktoberfest meal on the property’s pier overlooking San Diego Bay. The meal is timed for watching the full moon rise as guests dine on Munich-style pretzels, German sausages, schnitzel and other theme dishes. Meal courses will be paired to seasonal beers by Mike Hess Brewing. The cost is $70 per person. Other upcoming pier suppers include an “Oaxacan feast” on Oct. 30, and a “Tuna Harbor seafood dinner” on Nov. 13. 2000 Second Ave., Coronado, 619-435-3000, marriott.com/sanci.
—Frank Sabatini Jr. can be reached at [email protected].
