Chef Dominic Tedesco has spent his 32-year career working for celebrity clients with specific, high-end tastes in Las Vegas. Prior to a trip to La Jolla last year, the Kentucky born-and-bred chef of Italian descent hadn’t spent much time in California. Like most visitors, during the last day of his trip he caught himself and fiancé, Elsa, enamored with the Pacific Ocean’s aquamarine lure. “This is the spot,” he recalls telling her. “Something about this seems right.” On their walk back from Scripps Park, Tedesco noted several turnkey restaurants in the Village. Without her knowledge, he took down the numbers and called the broker. Despite his best efforts, the first two spaces he made bids on did not work out – to his credit, possibly for the better. He finally landed a gem of a 6,000-square-foot restaurant space, formerly known as Roppongi Sushi, and has made it his life’s work to provide a family-style restaurant catering to the needs of the community.
Dominic’s Table, located at 875 Prospect St., Ste. 102, draws from Tedesco’s heritage while focusing on “world cuisine.” Be careful using words like “fusion” to describe this form of service, however, because that is definitely not the case at this establishment. “‘Fusion’ would imply that I’d take a Korean dish, and add elements of Italian or French cuisine,” said Tedesco. “At Dominic’s Table, we are offering my life through cooking. Having worked for clients with demanding tastes and backgrounds, I pride myself in the ability to cook traditional cultural dishes.”
Tedesco was raised in Louisville, Ky., along with his eight brothers. His father, a former soldier in Mussolini’s army and P.O.W. at Camp Atterberry in Indiana, eventually brought his mother over from Palermo after receiving citizenship. The chef recalls a warm childhood in which his parents, well-respected, welcoming immigrants who ran a chain of Italian restaurants, were always willing to help out their fellow man. “I can distinctly remember a regular who used to come in every night, who was typically cheerful,” said Tedesco. “One night, he came in and was not himself, in a sad state. My mom and dad made sure to take care of him, and before he left he was smiling ear-to-ear again. I was 9-years-old and I asked my mom to teach me how to cook like that. She said she would, so long as I ‘put my heart completely into it,’ which I do.”
Translating that sentiment into food is natural for Tedesco, as he has perfected his world menu throughout his culinary existence. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Dominic’s Table’s extensive menu ranges from classics like French toast, pancakes and bloody Mary’s to steamed pork buns, cheese plates, fish and chips, pizzas, shrimp and grits, and countless other dishes.
Don’t see something on the menu? Tedesco will gladly prepare it for you. If he doesn’t have the ingredients on hand, he will assure you to have it the next time dining, with ample notification, of course.
“It’s about the experience,” said Tedesco. “I have great food, but the experience is a whole other thing. Our aim is to be a local place for business and personal meetings, celebrations, or even unplanned evenings. I cook food from all over the world. During my time at MGM, our pizzas won a ‘Best International Pizza’ award.’”
And his pizzas are a force to be reckoned with. For this reason, Tedesco will be competing in a challenge in Ocean Beach on Monday, Aug. 27, with some of the best pizza chefs from around the world in the field.
Not only does Dominic’s Table offer a multitude of menu options, but also the notion of “lower prices, bigger portions.” With Tedesco’s versatile, well-versed culinary mind at the helm, diners can assuredly find something to suit all of their party’s needs – even take out. “Our food is the way I’ve seen things, through my eyes,” he said. “I think that my menu truly reflects that.” Where: 875 Prospect St., Ste. 102;
When: Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m;
Contact: 858-352-6811 or dominicstable.com.