Anyone who has lived in San Diego for more than a decade knows how far North Park has come. The once gritty home to long-gone places like Sea Rocket Bistro (R.I.P. dollar oyster night), Scolari’s Office, The Linkery, and Urban Solace is now stuffed with culinary talent (Leila, 31ThirtyOne, Mabel’s Gone Fishing), with tons more on the horizon (Trust’s French brasserie, Bar Nice, Cocina de Barrio). Let’s add one more to that list—Flora, which opens at 3021 University Avenue on Monday, December 9.
Created by Ocean Mohamadi and Nino Cusimano, Flora will be an all-day bistro offering brunch every day and dinner Thursday through Sunday. Executive chef Davide Sinibaldi (Cesarina, Elvira) heads the kitchen crew, creating what they call a “cosmopolitan-inspired” menu. That seems like code for “kind of fancy, but not too fussy” food, like matcha waffles topped with peach compote, orange ricotta mousse, amaretto crumble, and hazelnuts for brunch and sous vide duck with hasselback potatoes, beet purée, and a red wine reduction for dinner. The supper menu will also offer a variety of small plates, like pulled pork sliders and crispy duck meatballs.
Brunch will be Flora’s main focus, with items like shakshuka eggs, spins on the traditional eggs Benedict, French toast, and a shareable “charcuterie” plate meant for 2-4 people that features a smorgasbord of the menu, such as croissants, bacon, mixed fruit, waffles, eggs, and pistachio gelato. There will also be plenty of traditional and specialty coffee options, plus smoothies and signature cocktails like the cantaloupe and olive oil martini (I think I’m going to have to taste that one to really “get” it).
This isn’t the couple’s first restaurant endeavor—Mohamadi has worked over 10 years in the industry, and Cusimano co-founded Roman Wolves in Little Italy and RustiCucina in Hillcrest—but it is the first time they’re launching a restaurant fully on their own. That location comes with plenty of eyes, foot traffic, and I’m sure rent costs. But the chance to be a part of North Park’s continued march towards complete dining dominance? That’s priceless.
Flora’s hours will be Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for brunch; Friday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for brunch; and dinner Thursday through Sunday, 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Courtesy of Pop Pie Co.
San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events
Pop Pie Co. Taking Over The Plot Express Space in Carlsbad
The local pie-oneers (get it?) behind Pop Pie Co. are continuing their march across San Diego by opening their fifth location in Carlsbad Village at 2956 Roosevelt Street this December. Next to their sister company Stella Jean’s Ice Cream, the new Pop Pie shop will offer the same signature items as their other four locations, plus some breakfast items like sausage rolls and quiche. (Not to worry—the other Plot locations in Oceanside and Costa Mesa are still in biz.)
Park & Rec To Host “Park & ReXmas” This December
University Heights hot spot Park & Rec is transforming this holiday season into a “village town square” to celebrate its first Christmas Market, dubbed “Park & ReXmas.” From December 2 through December 31, it’ll offer seasonal cocktails as well as crafts and different food vendors that will be on-hand Thursdays through Sundays from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Keep an eye on their Instagram for more info.
Courtesy of Uber Eats
Beth’s Bites
It’s that time of year again—SoNo Fest time! The 15th annual chili cook-off is Sunday, December 8 at Thorn Street and 32nd Streets, with more chili than any one person could ever eat from talented chefs across San Diego. Get more info about attending, volunteering, or sponsoring right here.
When it comes to fast-casual dining, CAVA ranks very high on my list. They currently have four locations across San Diego, but the newest one at 1011 Union Street, Suite 105 will mark number five. I personally hope they hit double-digits across the county, but I’ll accept the ones that come with grace and tzatziki.
Fig Tree Cafe has closed in East Village, but is still cranking along at their other locations. The East Village space will reopen next year as 6th & G, a breakfast/brunch concept in a similar vein to Breakfast Republic.
Are you into cooking, casinos, or celebrity chefs? If you answered yes to any of these, you might want to head to Harrah’s. Hell’s Kitchen is offering a holiday-themed cooking class series on December 3, 10, and 17, where guests can learn how to replicate the restaurant’s signature Beef Wellington and also enjoy a cocktail, meal, and dessert for $250. No promises on whether you’ll get yelled at by a chef, but hey, at least there’s alcohol. 21+
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.
