By Frank Sabatini Jr.
America’s favorite comfort food takes center stage at the upcoming Fried Chicken Challenge, to be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 18 at Local Habit in Hillcrest. The inaugural event is being presented by the Facebook network group, Eating and Drinking in San Diego, which has enlisted a total of six competitors such as Rich Sweeney of Florent Restaurant & Lounge (and of the former R Gang Eatery); Jason McLeod from Ironside Fish & Oyster; and others. Nate Soroko of Toronado will be curating beer for the tastings.
A panel of judges, including Soroko, will evaluate the chicken based on juiciness, crunchiness and overall flavor. Tickets are $45 per person, which includes samples from each chef, along with beer pairings and various side dishes. Seating is limited, and advanced reservations are required. 3827 Fifth Ave., 619-795-4770.
Chefs from nearly a dozen San Diego restaurants will take part in the second annual Ceviche Showdown, from 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 23, at 57 Degrees in Middletown. Recipes ranging from citrusy to sweet will enter the ring as visitors get to taste the entries and vote on their favorites. Among the establishments taking part are Puesto; Bernini’s Bistro of La Jolla; Sirena Gourmet Latin Seafood Restaurant; George’s at the Cove; and more. Tickets are $24 in advance, and $35 at the door. 1735 Hancock St., 619-234-5757, fiftysevendegrees.com.
Just when you thought everyone in the world parted with their old VHS movies, Blind Lady Ale House in Normal Heights recently dusted off their collection and has begun playing two of them every Sunday night. Showtime starts around 6 p.m., and naturally, most of the movies predate the last turn of the century. Customers are also stoked that for the first time in Blind Lady’s six-year history, she’s open on Monday nights. 3416 Adams Ave., 619-255-2491.
After nailing down a secret solution that prevents drop biscuits from crumbling under the stress of hearty ingredients layered between them, the chef team at True North Tavern has introduced to the menu “bomb ass” sandwiches and sliders. Served with tater tots, their fillings include fried chicken with Serrano peppers; prime beef patties with bacon and bleu cheese; and grilled portobellos with goat cheese. The trio of chefs involved in perfecting the buttery beauties included Andrew James Reyes, who was a finalist on Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games” (Season 5). 3815 30th St., 619-291-3815.
It was good and gooey while it lasted, but San Diego’s first-ever restaurant devoted exclusively to mac and cheese has closed. Bazinga Eatery would have turned a year old this summer. 3382 30th St.
Old Town’s only Thai kitchen, D’O Thai Cottage, has closed after operating on a high-traffic block of San Diego Avenue for the past three years. The restaurant was sporadically dark since May, and just recently took down its web site and permanently shut its doors. Prior to the Cottage, the space was home to Café Pacifico. There’s no word yet on who will take over next. 2414 San Diego Ave.
A fourth San Diego location of Tender Greens is coming to Westfield Mission Valley Mall in the next couple of months. The company, which specializes in “slow food done fast,” launched originally in Culver City before branching into Liberty Station, and then Downtown and La Jolla. Its newest location will stick to the core menu of salads, sandwiches and meal plates using fresh ingredients supplied by regional farmers and ranchers. The yet-to-be-named chef for this outlet, however, will be free to create daily specials based on seasonal bounties. 1640 Camino del Rio North, tendergreens.com.
The Canadian-founded Pita Pit is opening a Linda Vista outpost in early fall, close to the University of San Diego. With locations in 11 countries, the chain is known for its fast-casual pita sandwiches stuffed with grilled meats, fresh veggies and various legumes. This is the second time around for Pita Pit in San Diego after operating a shop in the College Area for nine years before suddenly closing in the winter. 5175 Linda Vista Road; pitapitusa.com.
Some of the vendors slated to take up initial residence at the upcoming Liberty Public Market in Point Loma include a couple of familiar names to the Downtown food scene. Already on board are The West Bean Coffee Roasters and Venissimo Cheese. The project, spearheaded by Coronado restaurateur David Spatafore of Bluebridge Hospitality, will spotlight 30-plus artisan vendors in a circa-1920 warehouse in Liberty Station. Others from the San Diego area include Wicked Maine Lobster seen at various farmers markets, Moo Time Creamery from Coronado, and Cane Patch Pies entering into its first brick-and-mortar location. The market is due to open in late October.
—Frank Sabatini Jr. can be reached at [email protected].
