Only Brazil surpasses Vietnam when it comes to coffee production, but Vietnamese coffee culture also has deeply rooted traditions and a unique culture prized throughout the world. Coffee from the Southeast Asian country tends to be characterized by strong, intense flavors. It is traditionally prepared using a reusable metal filter called a “phin” for a more concentrated brew (similar to a French press). San Diegans can get a taste at Em Coffee House, which opens on Saturday, November 16 in Mira Mesa.
Owner Nick Truong, who also owns a few Ding Tea locations around San Diego, moved to the United States from Vietnam when he was five years old but says he’s gone back and forth his entire life to visit family and friends. Two years ago, he and his wife Li realized the city lacked places to experience Vietnam’s specific coffee culture and decided to launch their own shop.
“We wanted to not just bring Vietnamese coffee beverages to our audience in San Diego, but also focus on creating modern and trendy coffee culture in an environment where people can come together, set aside their differences and busy lives, to just enjoy the vibe and be in the moment,” explains Truong.
“Em” is a term of endearment in Vietnamese, and Truong says the shop is a love letter to his home country’s cafe culture. The menu will include phin coffees as well as espresso drinks, matcha, cold brew teas, milk teas, and other signature drinks, including the tiramisu-inspired Em White Truffle-Misu with cacao, a ladyfinger, and white chocolate truffle-flavored cream. A second Em location, (Em2) will open next year in Kearny Mesa, and he says he hopes to expand further.
Em Coffee’s soft opening is this weekend, but the grand opening will be Saturday, November 30. Show up early, Truong advises. The first 200 customers will get a free tote.
San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events
Opportunities to Give Back This Month in Mount Hope
Project New Village is in Southeast San Diego for a reason—it’s one of the most food-insecure regions in the county. However, the public can help the justice-centered organization’s efforts this month, starting Saturday, November 16, for their Community Work Day. Bring nonperishable food donations to the Mt. Hope Community Garden from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., then mark your calendar for Thursday, November 28. From noon to 3 p.m., volunteers will serve a Thanksgiving meal and give out groceries to those who need it most. Sign up to volunteer here and watch the group’s other initiatives by signing up for their newsletter.
Coin-Op Game Room Hits 11 Years in North Park
Time flies when you’re having fun, especially at North Park’s original barcade. Coin-Op has been around for 11 years since it replaced El Take It Easy in 2013. (Raise your hand if you remember that and Hubcap!) On Tuesday, November 19, head inside the game area for an 80’s-themed celebration that kicks off at 8 p.m., featuring a DJ, caricature artists, cocktail specials, and, of course, plenty of pinball.
Beth’s Bites
- The Winslow, that behemoth apartment building looming over arguably the worst intersection in town where Washington St. turns into Normal St. before it meets Park Blvd. and El Cajon Blvd., is getting a caffeine boost. Inspired Coffee Roasters recently filed for an ABC license inside the building, so keep an eye out for coffee “born in New York and roasted in San Diego.”
- Speaking of ABC license applications, I saw another one for Jjang Korean Barbecue coming to 3637 Avocado Blvd., in the old IHOP building. I say the more KBBQ, the better, so here’s hoping this comes to fruition.
- San Diego is still waiting for our first sober-only bar, but Pacific Beach is about to get its first non-alcoholic bottle shop. Monday Morning opens on Saturday, November 23, at 1854 Garnet Avenue for all your alcohol-free needs. Pacific Beach seems like an interesting neighborhood to test the NA theory, but hey, I’m sure the neighbors are all for it!
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