By Frank Sabatini Jr.
Expect sleeker digs and more space at Crazee Burger in North Park, which is scheduled to reopen this week at a new location down the street. After operating for 10 years at its former address (4201 30th St.), the owners moved because of upcoming redevelopment to the property. Advance notice afforded them time to gut and remodel their latest home in a former pawn shop. 3993 30th St. 619-282-6044.
After a frenzy of free meals doled out to eager foodies during its soft opening on June 8 and 9, the Hillcrest branch of Napizza is now officially up and running. Owner Christopher Antinutti says more than 200 pizzas and salads were given away during the lead-up to what is now his third San Diego location of the Roman-style pizzeria. The others are in Little Italy and Rancho Bernardo.
“A good location is a combination of community, energy and diversity — and Hillcrest is one of those neighborhoods that has all three,” he said.
The pies rely on a dough recipe using flour imported from a small mill in Rome. Once mixed with yeast and water, the dough “levitates” for 72 hours before it’s stretched and baked.
“People who understand crust can taste the difference in their first bite,” Antinutti added.
The 2,600-square-foot restaurant is located in The HUB and features indoor-outdoor seating. An official grand opening will be planned next month. 1040 University Ave., na-pizza.com.
A few of life’s favorite pleasures will come together at the Pancake & Booze Art Show, to be held June 27 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at 57 Degrees in Middletown. Set among an exhibit by 60 local artists and body painters will be an all-you-can-eat pancake bar included in the $5 cover charge. In addition, fine wines and craft beers will be on sale until midnight. 1735 Hancock St., 619-234-5757.
The educational “Spirit Society” series that turns attendees into bartenders at their own workstations continues at Polite Provisions in Normal Heights, as celebrated barkeep Erick Castro presents a hands-on class in “cocktails 101” from 6 – 8 p.m. June 22. The program continues in the same time slot with “rum and sugarcane spirits” headed by Anthony Schmidt (of Fairweather and Noble Experiment fame) on July 27. It’s followed by Castro’s “American whiskey” on Aug. 17, and then another lesson in basic cocktails on Oct. 19. Classes are limited to 14 attendees. Tickets for each are $60. 4696 30th St., 619-677-3794.
Slated to open shortly before San Diego Pride Weekend (July 18-19) is Ike’s Place, a wildly popular and cutting-edge sandwich chain established eight years ago in San Francisco’s Castro District. Now with 10 offshoots mostly around the Bay Area, the incoming Hillcrest location at HUB brings to the area dozens of its signature sandwiches with zany names and creative constructs — many of them vegan-friendly.
(Photo by Chase Ottney)
The “love triangle,” for example, features breaded vegan “chicken”, barbecue sauce, fresh honey and Jack and Pepper cheeses. And the “sometimes I’m a vegan” mingles artichokes with grilled mushrooms and soy cheese. Meat lovers will find halal chicken, meatballs and sliced rib eye used imaginatively in other sandwiches across the menu.
The company was founded by San Francisco resident, Ike Shehadeh. His business partner, Chase Ottney, told us that sandwiches created and named exclusively after San Diego celebrities and sports figures are in the making. 1010 University Ave., ilikeikesplace.com.
Microbrews from Garage Brewing Company will be paired to hop-friendly appetizers in the backrooms of Barons Market in Point Loma, Rancho Bernardo and Alpine, July 1, from 6 – 8 p.m. Geared especially to those throwing Independence Day parties, staff members from the store will present chicken chili, pulled pork sliders, tri-tip sandwiches and more. The cost is $10, with all proceeds benefiting the San Diego Food Bank. 619-223-4397, baronsmarket.com.
—Frank Sabatini Jr. can be reached at [email protected].
