Frank Sabatini Jr. | Uptown News
Coming to North Park from Coronado is a second location of Saiko Sushi, which co-owner and Chef Anthony Pascale says will be named something different.
“There will also be a few changes to the menu such as unique rolls specific to our new location,” he adds. But his premium sake list and adherence to using local fish whenever possible will remain in place. Since signing the lease for the space, which is 500 square feet larger compared to the eatery across the bridge, Pascale and business partner Evan Bennett have just begun hammering out design details. Their goal is to open in November. 2884 University Ave., 619-435-0868.
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Stay tuned for a grand opening sometime in June of the much-anticipated Modern Times Flavordome, which already began giving beer aficionados sneak peeks of its zanily designed tasting room. The 1,600-square-foot space in The North Parker marks the second beer-centric venture by North Park resident Jacob McKean, who also runs Modern Times Beer in Point Loma. Design elements include a mishmash of lampshades on the ceiling; old VHS cases fronting the bar; and floppy disks forming a wall portrait of Yoda. In the absence of food, the beer selection will soon come to include 16 taps. The company also sells its suds in to-go cans. 3000 Upas St., Suite 102.
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San Diego’s largest wine and craft beer bar is currently making way for Allegro Bistro, which will soak up a remaining chunk of space at 57 Degrees in Middletown. “We’ve been looking for the right restaurant partner for five years and this completes the final piece of the puzzle,” said owner Russ Kindom, who moved his wine business several years ago from the East Village into the current address that formerly housed Pier I Imports. Allegro’s all-day menus will reflect a fusion of Mediterranean and California cuisine spearheaded by Chef Nathan Rayle, who previously worked for local catering companies as well as at The Brigantine and The Venetian. Downtown restaurateurs Paul Garduno and Carlos Solloa are behind the project and construction is underway for an interior design accented with subway tiles and dark wood. Their goal is to soft-open in August. 1735 Hancock St., 619-234-5757.
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Old Town will see the arrival of its first Indian restaurant in the space that formerly housed Bentowich, an Asian-fusion eatery that operated for a little more than a year. Restaurateur Mayur Vadhwana says Indian Grill will open sometime in July and feature specialty dishes from both the north and south regions of his native country. With a tandoori oven already in place and a chef from New York City lined up, Vadhwana is currently modernizing the building’s interior and its spacious outdoor patio. 2367 San Diego Ave.
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A soft opening of The Patio on Goldfinch in Mission Hills is scheduled for June 11. The restaurant is an offshoot to The Patio in Pacific Beach, although the Mission Hills venture has incorporated into its design a temperature and humidity-controlled cheese cave and 20-foot-high living green walls. A menu spotlighting sustainable seafood and regionally sourced meats and produce will pair up with wines and craft beers on tap, plus an array of agave spirits and house-made soft drinks. (Coke and Pepsi products will not be available.) 4020 Goldfinch St., 619-501-5090.
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The menu at Little Italy’s new Cook Book Tavola Calda appears luscious and easy. For a flat price of $16.95, diners choose one item from either the “primi” or “secondi” menu along with two sides. Those initial choices include everything from lasagna Bolognese and paprika chicken stew to daily roast and baked fish. Among the comforting side dishes are “grandma style” mashed potatoes and green peas with bacon and onions. 2034 Kettner Blvd., 619-450-6064.
