By Frank Sabatini Jr.| SDUN Reporter
The smoked marlin tacos and fish stew made famous by Mariscos mexicanos de Oscar in north Pacific Beach have arrived to Hillcrest.
The eatery opened an additional location on Feb. 22 in place of Tiki Taka Grill next door to Uncle Biff’s Killer Cookies. Red meat is a footnote on the menu, which primarily focuses on shrimp, scallops and marlin appearing in tacos, tortas, ceviche and stew. There are also zesty house-made sauces presented in squirt bottles that include creamy chipotle. Get there between 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and the regular fish tacos made with mahi are only 99 cents. 646 University Ave., 619-798-3550.
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After a short run, French Concession at 3671 Fifth Ave. has closed. Owner Alex Thao, who recently transformed Celadon into the dim sum restaurant, says a rent hike prompted him to pull out. He has since opened another dim sum house in the Gaslamp District called Lucky Liu’s: 332 J St., 619-255-5487.
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Everything from braised octopus and grass-fed brisket to roasted tofu and cauliflower “steaks” can be found at the new JUKE, a small farm-to-table café hidden in the back of Bottlecraft in North Park. Launched by Juan Miron and Kevin Ho, the foodie entrepreneurs semi-retired their MIHO Gastrotruck in lieu of an actual address. Their culinary concept remains the same with a “neo-traditional” menu highlighting international street foods. Seating is limited to a couple of communal tables outside the store. 3007 University Ave., 619-501-1177.
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From an agricultural research assistant at Washington State University to a dough tosser in Little Italy, San Diego native Miguel Valdez has become the new executive chef at 100 Vinos in Hillcrest after helming the kitchen at la puerta roja in Mission Hills and working at the former Anthology. He’s refreshed the menu, adding more than a dozen dishes that reveal California twists on Mediterranean-style fare. 1027 University Ave., 619-491-0100.
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What gets wetter and wetter as it dries? The riddle is among numerous questions you might hear tossed out from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays at Wine Steals in Hillcrest during its newly introduced trivia nights. The games, led by former employee and London native Justin McIntyre, feature six rounds each in various subject categories. Participants enter for free with a chance of winning Wine Steals gift cards valued at $20 for first place, $15 for second and $10 for third. In regards to the question above, the answer is “a towel.” 1243 University Ave., 619-295-1188.
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Up in North County, in the Torrey Highlands Village Center, comes the first kitchen in San Diego County specializing in exotic cuisine from southeastern Africa. The 3,000-square foot restaurant, peri Peri, reflects the namesake chili pepper indigenous to Mozambique, and it shows up in signature plates incorporating chicken or shellfish. The menu also features meat skewers, curries and vegan-friendly dishes. 7845 Highland Village Place, #C101, 858-538-2282.
