My college dining experience consisted mainly of cafeteria slop languishing in chafing dishes, supplemented with leftovers from my job working at a wrap and smoothie shop. (I’m still a stealth smoothie-making superstar.) But students at San Diego State University hardly suffer from my barely edible past woes, with spots like Pokedon, Tajima, Woodstock’s, Trujillo’s, Alforon, etc., all within a mile of campus. Come February, they’ll also get Carbonaro’s, opening in the former Lolita’s Mexican Food (5120 College Avenue, Suite 125).
Founder Andrea Carbonaro, who’s also involved with Trattoria da Sofia in Kensington, as well as Aromi Italian Cuisine and Pizza by Aromi in La Mesa, wanted to bring an affordable taste of Italy to the area. The focus will be on imported Italian ingredients and fresh pasta bowls that can be customized per order, which, despite some backlash against carbohydrates, he believes can be healthy and flavorful.
Courtesy of Carbonaro’s
“In Italy, carbs are celebrated, not feared,” he says. “Our mission is simple—make America enjoy carbs again. When done right, [they] can be wholesome, nourishing and even part of a healthy lifestyle.”
Carbonaro has already secured a second location slightly east, and hopes to eventually franchise. The first spot will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to midnight. The Pop Art-inspired decor acts as a bridge between the “high art” and “low culture” of the 1950s and 1960s—similar to what he hopes to accomplish.
“Pop art democratized art, and we’re making quality Italian cuisine approachable for all,” he says.
Liberare carbs.
Courtesy of Pure Project Brewing
San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events
A Bevy Of Brewery Birthdays in January
Despite a rash of brewery closures in 2024 (and one already in 2025), San Diego remains the Capital of Craft with plenty to celebrate. This month, there’ll be back-to-back anniversary parties with Burgeon Beer Company’s eighth anniversary on January 18 at their flagship location in Carlsbad, followed by Pure Project’s ninth anniversary the next weekend on January 25 at their Miramar location. Kids under 12 get in for free at Pure Project (Burgeon’s is 21+), but no animals. The pouring list should help soften the no-dog blow.
Photo Credit: Maria Russo
Beth’s Bites
Call me Boil Daddy. (Actually, please don’t.) The rapidly expanding Cajun seafood concept has quite a few locations across SoCal, and will open this year in Liberty Station. More spots are slated for Santa Ana, Anaheim, Georgia, Texas, Colorado, and beyond. As a longtime fan of crab boils, take it from me—wear dark clothes and ask for the extra bib. Just in case.
Drew Deckman had one hell of a 2024, opening 31ThirtyOne after his wild success in Baja at restaurants like Deckman’s en el Mogor. Now, he’s bringing all that energy into 2025. On Monday, January 13, he heads up north for “Stores from the Soil,” a farm-to-table dinner at Fox Point Farms in Encinitas. Over four courses (and with plenty of natural wine), Deckman will walk guests through what it means to cultivate and spotlight sustainable ingredients in order to nurture community ties. The dinner will take place in the garden in front of Haven, so dress accordingly and snag your tickets right here.
On Jan. 30 The Blank Table will host their first dinner of the season, with Blue Bridge Hospitality chefs Matt Sramek and Ronnie Schwandt preparing the five-course meal with cocktail pairings and a portion of ticket sales going to Feeding San Diego. Want to know where it’s happening? You’ll have to buy a ticket to find out…
Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].
Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer and podcaster whose work regularly appears in national outlets and San Diego Magazine. Her first book, The Beer Lover's Guide to Cider, is now available. Find out more on bethdemmon.com.
