![\"Tender](\"https:\/\/missionvalleynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Tender-Greens-aeroponic-tower-gardenswebtop.jpg\")
<\/a>(Photo by Ellen Lu)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
The vertical columns are positioned on the outdoor patio and use 95 percent less water compared to traditional farming methods, according to a company spokesperson. Only a few other locations in the Los Angeles area have implemented the towers. Heading up the Mission Valley kitchen is Peter Balistreri, who worked previously at Tender Greens in Liberty Station and Westfield UTC. The fast-casual eatery, known for its farm-driven fare and bright interiors, can also be found in downtown San Diego. Its latest outpost is located at 1640 Camino del Rio North, Suite FS-7, 619-894-8916<\/em>.<\/p>\n Michael Skubic of Old Harbor Distilling Co.<\/a><\/strong> en el East Village<\/strong> is ecstatic over the recent passage of the California Craft Distillers Act of 2015, which goes into effect Jan. 1. The new law lifts restrictions on state distillers, allowing them to conduct private tastings and events, and sell up to three bottles of spirits per consumer, per day. As a result, Skubic is putting the finishing touches on a bar inside his facility, and said it will be ready by the first of the year.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll now be much more like a brew pub rather than just a production facility,\u201d he said. \u201cThe new bar will make it more comfortable to hang out here, and we\u2019ll be able to do cocktails.\u201d<\/p>\n Old Harbor\u2019s product line currently features gin and Navy-strength rum, which are carried by nearly 150 bars, restaurants and liquor stores in San Diego County. Among the Downtown-area establishments where you can find them are Taberna Gaslamp<\/strong>, Forma rara<\/strong>, Juniper & Ivy<\/strong>, y Pescado y ostras Ironside<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Tours of Old Harbor Distilling Co. are conducted by reservation only at 5 and 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 270 17th St., 619-630-7048<\/em>.<\/p>\n Pastry maestros Keegan Gerhard and his wife, Lisa Bailey, have decided to close Barra D<\/strong> on Dec. 20 after a 3.5-year run in Hillcrest. The couple owns a dessert eatery under the same name in Denver, Colorado and Gerhard said they will continue to operate that venture in addition to exploring \u201ca commissary project\u201d there.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of the biggest reasons I\u2019m closing Hillcrest is that I\u2019m tired of being separated from my wife,\u201d Gerhard said. \u201cIt isn\u2019t because of a rent jack-up. I just need to be in Denver more.\u201d<\/p>\n D Bar\u2019s last day of business will conclude with brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., although Gerhard says he will offer various drink and food specials leading up to the closure as a way of thanking customers for their support. 3930 Fifth Ave., 619-299-3227<\/em>.<\/p>\n Proprietors of the former Local Habit<\/strong> in Hillcrest have transformed the space into a colorful Mexican eatery called La Vecindad<\/strong>, which focuses primarily on street tacos and ceviche. Menu standouts on a recent visit included tacos filled with bacon-wrapped shrimp, carnitas and beer-battered tilapia. Margaritas are generously portioned, with the shaker served alongside the glass.<\/p>\n Tony Fragoso, who co-owns the restaurant with his brothers Guillermo and Javier, said they closed Local Habit in October because \u201cpeople didn\u2019t respond to the Louisiana-style menu we offered.\u201d He describes the current concept as \u201cMexico City with a little bit of California.\u201d<\/p>\n The interior redo shows off vibrant wall colors, picnic tables and whimsical d\u00e9cor that includes garments pinned to a clothesline hanging above the dining area. The full bar was also given a bright makeover. 3827 Fifth Ave., 619-501-2885<\/em>.<\/p>\n Winemaking is occurring in the heart of Hillcrest with the arrival of Vinavanti Urban Winery<\/a><\/strong>, which opened Dec. 5 in the space that was V Outlet<\/strong> discount store. The venture was moved into the neighborhood from Sorrento Valley by Eric Van Drunen and his fianc\u00e9e, Clara Brinkmeier. They\u2019ve created a tasting room, bar, kitchen and production facility. Most of the grapes are sourced from vineyards in San Diego County and Temecula for making a variety of organic, unfiltered, non-sulfite blends such as Malbec and Petite Verdot, Grenache and Mourvedre, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, and more. The \u201csmall bites\u201d menu includes roasted beets, yellowtail crudo and pork tenderloin. 1477 University Ave., 877-484-6282<\/em>.<\/p>\n Rep\u00fablica del desayuno<\/a><\/strong> in North Park is spawning a second location in Liberty Station in June. Its owner, Johan Engman, also plans on opening a fourth location of Caf\u00e9 de la higuera<\/a><\/strong> next year as well, in a former office building at 1495 Pacific Highway, at the corner of Beech Street. His other Fig Trees are in Hillcrest, Liberty Station and Pacific Beach.<\/p>\n Regarding Breakfast Republic\u2019s new location, Engman will add a 600-square-foot patio to what was previously Mura Sushi<\/strong>, at 2865 Sims Road, Suite 106.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so blown away by how well Breakfast Republic is going in North Park that I plan on duplicating the same concept in Liberty Station,\u201d he said. \u201cThe difference will be that we\u2019ll have a full liquor license for craft cocktails and an evening menu that might possibly be breakfast dishes and desserts.\u201d Craft cocktails will also be emphasized at the new Fig Tree. breakfastrepublicca.com<\/a>, figtreeeatery.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Joanne Sherif of Caf\u00e9 y panader\u00eda de cardamomo<\/a><\/strong> in North Park grabbed top honors for her pumpkin-brioche cinnamon roll at the Cinnamon Roll & Coffee Challenge held recently at Cerveza de tiempos modernos<\/strong> in Point Loma.<\/p>\n Sherif won both the judges\u2019 and people\u2019s choice awards after competing with five other contestants. Her swirled pastry featured rum raisins and apples in the middle, and caramel cream cheese frosting with sea salt on top. It was paired to Blue Sky coffee by Caf\u00e9 Moto.<\/p>\n Sherif has begun selling the winning version of the roll on weekends at her caf\u00e9, \u201cat least through the holidays,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n The event was presented by Eating and Drinking in San Diego, a locally based Facebook group with nearly 6,500 members. 2977 Upas St., 619-546-5609<\/em>.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Distiller](\"https:\/\/missionvalleynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Michael-Skubic-of-Old-Harborweb-300x200.jpg\")
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