Chef Richard Blais Set to Open California English

California English bar

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Set to open early 2023, celebrity chef Richard Blais has partnered with Longfellow Real Estate Partners to bring a unique combination of English gastronomy and local California ingredients to the Sorrento Mesa district. “[California English will be] a cuisine inspired by my personal family history, the UK, and its influences, told with our local California accent,” says Blais.

California English will be the first restaurant of the Longfellow x Blais partnership, with plans to open another the next year at Longfellow’s development Bioterra. “I’m hitting that point in my career and life where I’m creating the things I’ve always wanted and that’s thanks to great partners and a community that’s been incredibly supportive since my arrival in San Diego just around 10 years ago,” says Blais.

California English outside

The 6,000-square-foot restaurant plans to seamlessly intertwine work and play, creating a perfect spot for date night or a business meeting with their all-day menu which will include “everything from tikka masala to spaghetti bolognese and of course fish and chips,” says Blais. “I’ve had the idea for it occupying many pages of moleskin for 20 years.” Following a many-months-long residency in London, Blais was able to refine, update, and solidify his vision of marrying the two cultures.

“Our team is thrilled to welcome Chef Richard Blais and his newest restaurant, California English, to Longfellow’s campus next year,” said Nick Frasco, chief investment officer west & managing director at Longfellow Real Estate Partners in a release. “Developments like Biovista and Bioterra thrive on the forward-thinking live-work-play campus model, and the partnership between Longfellow and Mr. Blais will not only enhance these campuses, but the entire community with these world-class dining options. California English is a testament to Longfellow’s continued investment in the region.”

California English restaurant