During the afternoon of Oct. 16, Mark Watney didn’t eat a single fish taco. Not one. I know this because I’ve seen a video of his activities that day, and I scrutinized it very thoroughly on your behalf. His choice of solid fare consisted of two items – potatoes and more of ’em. This is especially odd in a place like San Diego, where fish tacos are almost the local currency. Full disclosure: Watney, a botanist and a lower-level astronaut, is also Matt Damon’s character in the new movie “The Martian,” and his diet is pretty much imposed on him as he fights to survive the burnt-orange planet’s deadly climate. The movie, based on UCSD grad Andy Weir’s debut novel, lives and dies by its sometimes outlandish improbabilities, and at 2 hours and 40 minutes, it’s a tad long. But two things do stand out here: Melissa Lewis, Watney’s commander, is played by Jessica Chastain, to whom I’ll pledge my undying hand in marriage at the first opportunity; and the best fish tacos in the history of the universe are only steps away from the theater. In fact, they’re in the same building, now known popularly as The Lot. Looming over the site at 7611 Fay Ave. some 17 months after the closure of iconic Jonathan’s Market, the exterior is the picture of postmodern architecture – a bulky, officious entry whose squeaky-clean lines and pristine accessories somehow make you wonder what’s going on inside. The answer becomes all too apparent at the very first encounter with staff. Bottom line: Amid its craft cocktails, locally sourced coffee, exceptional cuisine and celebration of leisure, The Lot is absolutely everything everyone says. And that says absolutely everything. I was told that the personnel were expecting me for lunch, but I never thought I’d be the central figure in what amounted to a coronation. Floor manager Robert and waiter Tyler could not have been more accommodating and knowledgeable, especially when it came to my meal preference (beer-battered fish tacos; what else?). Tyler’s time as a kid in Hawaii fueled his savvy on the fare, and he said I’d picked the best possible white wine to pair with (New Zealand’s Esk Valley Sauvignon Blanc). Meanwhile, I noted to my astonishment that every single taste of my fish and tomato-heavy salad was distinguishable from every other. “That’s what we want,” Tyler said with a nod and a thumbs-up. “That means the chef’s done his job.” The guy who did his job is Matt Sramek, late of Avant and the Rancho Bernardo Inn, who explained that plans for The Lot’s second locale, at NTC’s Luce Auditorium in Point Loma, will now see daylight sometime in January. He added that ownership is also formulating efforts toward expansion into L.A. Even as Sramek spoke, Robert was planning a surprise in the form of a delicious little ceviche affair featuring octopus, which I’m normally crazy about anyway. (Please be advised, however, that this dish is normally available only for dinner and that Sramek probably won’t repeat his gesture for your benefit. The difference is that, like Damon, I’m a star.) On and on the procession filed by, with one pretty waitress after another offering well-wishes. One shared her vast preference for white wine, and I happily concurred; and unbelievably, another actually remembered me from the venue’s Sept. 29 press opening, attended by about 40 million people from all over the solar system and lasting long into the night. How she ever recalled me is a minor miracle. She must be with, like, Mensa or something. (Please be advised, however, that these gals probably won’t replay their kindly overtures to you. The difference is that, like Damon, I’m a total star.) Soon enough, it’s curtain time, and the break offers a chance to reflect on the centuries-old connection among food, drink and theater. Hey, maybe that’s the draw to a venue like The Lot – perhaps the place is a 21st-century retake on the Dionysian pairing between storytelling and the high-end cuisinery that goes with it. Gone are the old clay tables and rostrums that dotted the Ancient Greek parlors and pubs; in their place, you get state-of-the-art audiovisuals, which in the case of “The Martian” are peppered with surprisingly appropriate bumper music like Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff,” David Bowie’s “Starman” and ABBA’s “Waterloo” and were filmed in Jordan and Hungary. A rich man’s “Apollo 13,” this film is, with Ridley Scott’s aging but accurate directorial hand evident throughout. The venue boasts seven large-screen theaters with outstandingly good acoustics and seats for 55 to 70 each. Yes, the seats recline; yes, they come with built-in footrests; yes, they’re covered in leather; and yes, they flank call buttons should the munchies declare themselves. Maybe one of the coolest touches of all: No wastebaskets in the men’s room (probably the women’s too), only wood-lined receptacles on the tops of the sinks. How Lot it all is! (Please be advised, also, that you’ll likely be guided to the restroom by a staff member who simply can’t do enough to see to your comfort, like all the others. The difference is that, like Damon, I’m a total damn star.) But enough about “The Martian,” which you’ll see in due time. The important thing is it’s playing at what could easily become a pivotal community resource. I hope CEO/La Jolla resident Adolfo Fastlicht and his crew see the possibilities for a gigantic draw here – like the tens of thousands who gather at UCSD (probably three miles away) for medical meetings, educational conclaves, architectural seminars and everything else. The Lot could become the region’s focal point for such conferences and more, fueling an especially robust coffer for the rest of us. Until then, The Lot is indeed living up to its tagline, “Where the Neighborhood Comes to Play.” Reports of repeat business and a deluge of good wishes support this – and if it keeps up, Jessica and I just might have to host our rehearsal dinner and reception here. I may be the star, but out of question, she’s the rest of the galaxy. For more on this positively outstanding venue, see thelotent.com or call (858) 777-0069.