If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and chilaquiles are the most delicious breakfast dish, then Cocina35’s chilaquiles aren’t just a tasty choice. They’re the smart choice. (At least that’s what I tell myself.) Come November, there will be one more option to get my chilaquiles fix when their fifth location opens on Coronado.
Paulina Chaidez and her brother Cesar opened the first Cocina35 in 2012, following in their restaurateur parents’ footsteps. Initially called La Loteria Comedor Casual, the family business eventually changed its name and now operates locations in downtown, Otay Mesa, Barrio Logan, and Liberty Station. The restaurant specializes in chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican breakfast dish made with fried tortilla pieces or tortilla chips smothered with different meats, salsas, and other toppings.
Chaidez explains that Cocina35 Brunch is the restaurant’s breakfast and lunch–focused arm, and the new location will mirror the menu and aesthetic of the Liberty Station location. She says they had been looking for opportunities to open in North County, but when they heard that Costa Azul closed last year, they jumped at the chance to take over the suite with sweeping views of the bay and downtown. Plus, she adds, she grew up going to Ferry Landing many times.
“My dad used to bring us to Coronado every time we visited San Diego,” she explains, saying whenever her family would come up from Mexico, they’d take the ferry over to the island. “This was just an opportunity that we couldn’t pass.”
Courtesy of Cocina35
The approximately 4,500-square-foot space seats 150 guests, and Chaidez says the menu will be the same as Liberty Station with a few customer favorites plus some new ones, like a twist on a Paloma, mimosa flights, and an upgraded lunch menu. Once this location opens up, they plan to open more restaurants in North County in the next six to seven months. But in the meantime, she couldn’t be happier about coming to Coronado.
Cocina35 Brunch will open at 1201 First Street, #115 on Coronado, in mid-November. It will open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended late-night summer hours coming in 2025.
If you’re feeling libatious, Cutwater’s annual “Lost At Sea” spooky speakeasy runs all month long, kicking off each night at 6:30 p.m. Guests will “board” a pirate ship and move throughout the decks, checking out different cocktails and nautical-themed small plates. This event runs nightly through Halloween, but only enter if you dare (and if you’re over 21).
Eat Your Way Through Coronado on Wednesday, October 9
For those feeling peckish, the 15th annual Taste of Coronado takes place on October 9 and runs along the Coronado Ferry Landing before winding to a close at Rotary Park. Proceeds go to the San Diego Rescue Mission a nonprofit program offering housing and recovery aid to the unhoused. Find tickets and more information here.
Photo Credit: Jorge Aguilar Del Mar Wine + Food Festival
Beth’s Bites
The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival has already begun its six-day string of parties, tastings, and celebrity-studded activations, but the Grand Tasting is yet to come. Snag your tickets for the two-day event and repeat after me: “Alex Morgan. Drew Brees. Drew Deckman. Javier Plascencia”… and so on.
Need to stock up on stuff to grill for the Padres playoff games or Aztec football? From Friday, October 4 through Sunday, October 6, Iowa Meat Farms’ Mission Gorge location is throwing what they call a “Bonanza Meat Sale” with special prices on tri-tip, brisket, pork baby back ribs, and a bunch of other stuff. You had me at Meat Bonanza.
Of course, if you’re headed to the Padres watch party at Gallagher Square, you could always let Swagyu Burger Bar cook for you at their pop-up at 315 Tenth Avenue in East Village. After the playoffs, owner Steve Brown says the space will close until early next year for a complete makeover.
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.
