Por Frank Sabatini Jr.
A neighborhood favorite in South Park will soon disappear after a six-year run. Alchemy plans on closing its doors Feb. 3, but will continue its efforts as an event management company for SILO in Makers Quarter, a cultural community space in the East Village.
“The role allows us to stay active in the future of a vibrant arts and culture district as it transforms into a hub of activity. Alchemy has coordinated over 40 events at SILO in the past 16 months and is working closely with the urban planning team from Makers Quarter to bring together a collaborative community and creative culture,” as stated in a press release issued in part by Alchemy co-owner Ron Troyano.
The release also states that Troyano will expand his participation in San Diego’s “food system development” and “collaborate on solutions to create business opportunities for local food entrepreneurs.” 1503 30th St., 619-255-0616.
A taste of The Emerald Isle arrives to Hillcrest via Oscar Wilde’s Irish Pub, which soft opens by Jan. 25 and will be followed by a grand opening sometime next month. The establishment moves into the space of the original Parrilla de chismes and features traditional pub décor, a full bar and a menu of “all the good stuff,” according to co-owner and Irish native Kevin Gallagher. “But the food comes with a little bit of twist,” he adds, referring to items like Shepherd’s pie, fish ‘n chips and bread-and-butter pudding. Irish breakfasts, imported beer and house-made Guinness ice cream also comprise the menu. This is Gallagher’s second San Diego venture since opening El arpa in Ocean Beach nearly a decade ago. 1440 University Ave., 619-567-8249.
Felines, java and pastries appear under one roof at the new Cat Café, a first for San Diego where cat lovers can interact or adopt cats while washing down Danishes and muffins with coffee drinks from Café Virtuoso y West Coast Coffee Roasters.
“I got the inspiration of doing this after hearing about the success of a cat café in Paris,” said owner Tony Wang, who formed a partnership with the San Diego Humane Society. “Some people are just dropping in for the coffee on their way to work,” he added. Located in the East Village, the café features a barista and cat playpen. It is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. 472 Third Ave., 619-786-2289.
Crazy Burger in Old Town has closed. Coming into its place is El Charko, a family-owned restaurant specializing in Mexico City-style tacos. Born from a catering company, the menu will feature such fillings as traditional campechano steak, chorizo and pastor. Hearty soups, grilled hot peppers and pecan pudding are also in the offing. 2415 San Diego Ave., 619-795-0908.
Create your own bento box at Artisan Bento in Bankers Hill, which held its grand opening Jan. 19. Customers get to pair multi-grain rice and miso soup to a choice of ginger pork, chicken, salmon and sashimi. A variety of create-your-own bowls are also available. The restaurant was launched by Shihomi Borillo, who also owns Azuki Sushi, and the chefs use “humanely raised livestock” and produce from local farmers. 2505 Fifth Ave., 619-231-0700.
The Chinese “Year of the Sheep” will be celebrated with flair during a free public event at 6 p.m., Feb. 20, at Parque Norte de Wang. Guests will walk a red carpet into the restaurant to partake in sake samples and good-luck hors d’oeuvres such as fish, noodles and dumplings. At 9 p.m., traditional lion dancers will perform to drums and cymbals to further ring in the new year. 3029 University Ave., 619-291-7500.
Chef-owner Mike Almos of Circa Restaurant in University Heights recently introduced “meatball Mondays” from 5 p.m. to closing every week. He created the deal “to make something warm and comforting for industry folk on Monday nights” while also opening it to the public. For $15, you get three hearty meatballs made with Duroc pork and King Ranch beef, a dish of pasta with marinara and warm focaccia bread, all made in-house. 2121 Adams Ave., 619-269-9152.
Tickets are reportedly selling fast for the upcoming San Diego Winter Brew Fest, scheduled from 7 to 10 p.m., Feb. 20 and 21, at the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park. The event features more than 40 craft brewers from throughout California and beyond as well as food and live music. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. 2131 Pan American Plaza, sandiegobrewfest.com.
—Frank Sabatini Jr. se puede alcanzar en [email protected].
