Seriously, don’t get me started on sandwiches. I have thoughts, and I’m not afraid to share them. (First up: hot dogs aren’t sandwiches.) My passion stems from a deep commitment to a sandwich-centric lifestyle, and I love them in virtually all forms—bánh mìs, Reubens, cold cuts, you name it, I’m into it.
But in San Diego, po’boys remain an elusive but delicious delight. Even Troy Johnson’s po’boy quest of 2021 only yielded a handful of nearby places serving them. We’re overdue for a fresh infusion, and we’re getting one in September when The Po’Boy Shop opens in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Owners Lynne and Richard Taylor say they’re remodeling the space “with a New Orleans–theme focused on the French Quarter, with art and decor highlighting the music and Creole food of the Crescent City.” Once open, it’ll be fast-casual with limited seating for dine-in and a pickup space for takeout and delivery drivers.
A classically trained chef, Richard has operated several restaurants across San Diego for 30 years. He first opened The Gumbo Pot in the early ’90s, followed by a lunch restaurant downtown, a sit-down restaurant in El Cajon, a ghost kitchen out of the Aztec Food Hub, and a pop-up at local festivals like Gator by the Bay, Taste of Del Mar, and Oceanside Chef’s Market. Although Richard was born in Los Angeles, Lynne says he has a strong familial connection to Louisiana.
“His grandmother Sally and her seven brothers and sisters were born in Bayou Goula, south of Baton Rouge along the River Road, in Louisiana to his great-grandfather Lige Kearney, who was born into slavery,” she explains. “Louisiana food was what Richard grew up with.”
The couple has been operating The Po’Boy Shop out of Hancock Kitchens near Pechanga Arena for about a year, but Lynne says that as pandemic-related consumer habits have begun to mellow out, they wanted to find a new location with space for both pick-up and dine-in. They were able to lease the Lincoln Park space this July after the former tenants were charged with money laundering and pandemic-related funding fraud.
Once open, Lynne says their menu will showcase Richard’s years of culinary research on the African diaspora. “His belief that ‘we brought our food’ when his ancestors survived the middle passage is something he tries to honor with his cooking,” says Lynne. A sandwich that’s more than a sandwich—sounds like a welcome addition to San Diego’s sandwich roster.
San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events
Get Ready For Kids Free San Diego This October
Every October, San Diego museums, hotels, restaurants, and more throw parents a bone by offering discounts and promotions for Kids Free San Diego all month. At the Bahia and Catamaran resorts, kids can stay, eat, and play for free all month long, with deals including a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal, complimentary stand-up paddleboard or kayak rentals (again, with an accompanying adult), and discounts on room rates. Keep an eye on your favorite business to see what other deals start on October 1.
Happy Birthday, Mabel’s Gone Fishing!
Monday, September 30, marks two years of Mabel’s Gone Fishing, the Michelin Bib Gourmand gin and seafood oasis in the heart of North Park. They teased a prix-fixe dinner to mark the occasion but haven’t yet released details (I’m watching their Instagram). I’m still dreaming of the Basque cheesecake from my last visit, so can I humbly request that instead of a birthday cake?
Beth’s Bites
- The folks behind Liberty Call Distilling recently opened Shore Duty on Coronado. The restaurant serves California cuisine, comfort food, and plenty of cocktails featuring their spirits portfolio. This weekend is their Grand Opening, so if you’re on the island, check it out and let us know your thoughts.
- The Tijuanazo taco shop opens in Hillcrest on Saturday, September 7, at 406 University Avenue. Leave your passport at home, but bring your appetite for some awesome-looking street tacos.
- Fish Boon by Gami Sushi is now soft-open in Carlsbad, in the former Ebullition Brew Works location. The grand opening is slated for September 12, and so far, the little peeks of the space they’ve shown on Instagram look super cute. The menu seems extensive, so hopefully, it’s a quality and quantity type place, not just the latter.
