By Frank Sabatini Jr.
After a 10-year run, The Tractor Room in Hillcrest is closing with a final Sunday brunch from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 10.
Co-owner Johnny Rivera put the business up for sale several months ago with the hopes of finding a buyer “that would enhance the neighborhood.” But that didn’t pan out, he said. So he and business partner Andy Beardslee decided to close the cocktail-centric restaurant rather than wait any longer.
“We had a good run and the property is still up for grabs,” Rivera said. “We were the first wave on the local craft cocktail scene, although it’s not as unique now as it was back then, so it’s time to move on.”
Rivera — who also owns Hash House a Go Go (with Beardslee) and Great Maple — said a few special events are planned leading up to the brunch. They include a tutorial happy hour from 6 to 8 p.m. July 6; an art show by David Russell Talbott from 6 to 9 p.m. July 7; and a paella cookoff from 7 to 11 p.m. July 9. 3687 Fifth Ave., 619-543-1007, thetractorroom.com.
The owner of Tabletop Commons in Hillcrest has confirmed through a series of posts on Reddit that he sold the game-centric bar and café to “a highly motivated couple” who will take over the Googie-style structure on July 20 for a restaurant concept yet to be announced. The postings further state that “the business isn’t making enough money to sustain itself,” but that he will continue operating it through San Diego LGBT Pride weekend on July 15-17. He added that there are no current plans to reopen in another location. 1263 University Ave., 619-487-1382, tabletopcommons.com.
Korean cuisine free of preservatives, dairy and MSG rules the day at the new Hom Korean Kitchen in Hillcrest, which soft-opened this month in the space previously occupied by Which Wich. Owner Konan Pi said his recipes for items such as firecracker pork, BBQ chicken, beef bone soup and kimchi originate from family members. This is Pi’s second location since opening one in San Jose last year.
“I really like the community down here and thought it would be a good fit since everything is made in-house from scratch,” he said.
The menu also features gluten-free and vegan options. 3825 Fifth Ave., 619-956-9099, homkoreankitchen.com.
The cherished and oversized Il Postino in North Park will likely diminish in size by late summer as owner Antonio Mastellone has begun working with an architect to cut the restaurant in half and convert one side of it into a wine bar. The spacious dining room, he said, fills to capacity only on weekends. Mastellone owns a string of other local Italian restaurants that include Ristorante Arrivederci, Pizzeria Arrivederci and Salunto Restaurant & Bakery. 3959 30th St., 619-325-0809, ilpostino-sandiego.com.
Coming early next year to Bankers Hill is the first restaurant on American soil by Drew Deckman, an acclaimed chef and Baja restaurateur who is joining forces with local design whiz Paul Basile. The pair will develop a 2,800-square-foot space inside the Structure Lofts for a culinary concept yet to be revealed, although their motif will pay respect to the building’s Mid-Century élan.
Deckman spent part of his career cooking with renowned toques in France and Switzerland. In addition, he was awarded a Michelin star for his work at Restaurant Vitus in Reinstorf, Germany, before founding Deckman’s en el Mogor at a winery in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe. 440 Upas St.
In an effort to keep consumer dollars circulating within San Diego County’s food chain, The Red Door has launched a community-supported membership program that provides fans of the Mission Hills restaurant opportunities to interact with local farmers, food purveyors and winemakers through exclusive dinners, garden tours, cooking classes and wine tastings. Other perks include Red Door gift certificates and wine discounts. The cost is $500 for a one-year membership and $1,000 for a three-year membership. The program’s lineup of events begins Aug. 1. 741 W. Washington St., 619-295-6000, thereddoorsd.com.
Rack of lamb and classic bouillabaisse are among the menu options for a three-course Bastille Day dinner on July 14 at Bleu Boheme in Kensington, which also celebrates its ninth anniversary next month. The meal costs $60 per person and includes a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert. In addition, celebratory French cocktails will be available for $12 each. Reservations are recommended. 4090 Adams Ave., 619-255-4167, bleuboheme.com.
Shawn’s on Congress, a wine and beer bar in Old Town, recently introduced “dog day Sundays” starting at 11 a.m. the third Sunday of every month on its dog-friendly patio. The event features grilled hot dogs and bratwurst in addition to flatbreads and other noshes from its regular bistro menu.
Owner Shawn Magurno opened the business in November in the space formerly occupied by Christopher’s on Congress. He offers craft beers from small, local breweries such as Duckfoot and Helm’s Brewery, plus 40 different wines by the glass, including strawberry Riesling and pinot noir that he produces at his San Carlos residence. He has also introduced “pint nights” spotlighting local brewers on certain Tuesdays and Thursdays each month, and plans on bringing in winemakers for special tastings. 2539 Congress St., 619-450-4154, shawnsoncongress.com.
—Frank Sabatini Jr can be reached at [email protected].
