Chula Vista is getting a massive glow-up. It’s not a stretch to say it’s a game-changing shift in the city, from employment to property values to becoming an event destination on par with San Diego’s convention center just eight miles to the north. It’s not an exaggeration to say that when Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center opens on May 15, it’s going to change the face of the entire South Bay. And it’s just the start of a city-wide transformation. It’s mega stoke-worthy.
In case you don’t know the nuts and bolts of the property, it’s gigantic—36 acres of prime waterfront property with a 4.25-acre water park, nearly half a million square feet of meeting and event space, and 1,600 guest rooms, all at a cost of around $1.3 billion. Deluxe is an understatement, and that’s before we even dive into the food & beverage program.
Executive chef Jakob Esko is king of the castle—or at least king of the kitchens across the Gaylord Pacific. (Did we mention this location is the sixth in the hotel chain’s portfolio and the largest hotel build on the West Coast?) He’s no stranger to overseeing hotel operations, working with the Marriott at Ritz-Carltons in California and Spain; and most recently as executive chef for Gaylord National. The latter currently has locations in Tennessee, Colorado, Maryland, Florida, and Texas.
In his 30-plus year career, Esko has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, like The Square in London, England, and other lauded restaurants like Ulriksdals Wärdshus in Stockholm, Sweden.
TL;DR, he’s a huge deal chef spearheading a huge-deal project.
He says having the chance to be a part of a growing culinary community that has unique access to ultra-fresh local and seasonal produce is an incredible experience. “It’s been exciting to lean into our Southern California roots and be a part of this property’s highly anticipated opening,” he tells San Diego Magazine. His team is equally star-studded, with chef Aaron Nguyen (Nobu) and executive sous chef Jose Martinez Silvestre bringing the heat from two Michelin-starred kitchens: DiverXO in Madrid, Spain (three stars) and Comerç in Barcelona, Spain (one star).
With the help of his A-list team, Esko is now at the helm of 12 different concepts across the property, each with a different offering to bring a pretty huge variety of cuisines under its roof. Here’s a rundown of the deliciousness coming to the development.
Gaylord Pacific Restaurants
Old Hickory Steakhouse
This is the Gaylord Hotel’s signature steakhouse, serving all the requisite favorites like a seafood tower, dry-aged steaks, and signature items like an American Wagyu sourced from Snake River Farms and dry-aged bluefin tuna with maple au poivre, rainbow Swiss chard, and heirloom beets. Let’s not forget the classic sides either, with items like truffle crab creamed spinach and Swiss chard served with truffle béchamel, double cream brie, and crispy shallots. Decadence at its finest.
Trēō Kitchen + Bar
Think American seasonal with local seafood for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is where you’ll want to grab light bites like a yellowfin tuna crudo, or whatever locally caught fresh seafood they have on hand. Simple and elegant.
Marzul Coastal Cuisine
This one is for corporate guests aiming to impress, or even locals looking for a fine dining experience on the bay. Marzul’s menu draws inspiration from nearby Baja California, with a breezy view and upscale dishes and drinks. (This is the one restaurant that isn’t quite ready for the property’s grand opening—expect Marzul to open its doors this fall.)
Taiyo
Taiyo is a casual sushi spot with all the usual suspects to dine-in or to-go. I mean, duh. You’ve gotta have sushi. And if you can snag a fresh plate to enjoy while cocooned in a plush robe in the comfort of your room, you are living your best life.
Gaylord Pacific Bars
Growlers Sports Bar & Taproom
Growlers is a sports bar, yes, but about as far from a dive bar as you can get. Picture this—you’re watching the Padres crush the Dodgers on a 75-foot screen all while eating a Wagyu burger and local craft beer. It’s delicious, both literally on your tastebuds and in terms of payback. (LFGSD!)
Oeste Bar
This one is a real head-turner of a lobby bar. Situated underneath the entryway atrium with a crystal-clear view of the beautiful San Diego sky with an undulating light installation designed specifically for the space, it’s unlike any lobby bar I’ve ever seen. I’ll have a martini straight up, please.
Mariner’s Bar
Of course there’s more than just one bar. Mariner’s Bar draws inspiration from the coastal location, emulating #yachtlife with a curvy, wood-centric design that flows from the outside space to inside. (Pro tip: if you’re not from the West Coast and want to catch the iconic sunset-over-the-ocean pic, this is where you should post up.)
Cask & Crown
In 2022, Chula Vista got its first speakeasy, so it was only a matter of time before another followed. (I’m a little amused that it’s in a hotel, but maybe that’s just me.) 1920s culture meets moody design with cocktails and small bites, but the selling point here is the transformative decor, and also the promise of a prime beef tartare served on brioche with cornichons, crispy shallots, and whole grain mustard. YUM.
Gaylord Pacific Poolside & Casual Concepts
Shallow End Grill
With a whole slew of pools, a lazy river, wave pool, and a slide, I have a feeling this will be one of the busiest options on the property. Yes, it’s poolside dining by the shallow end, so expect plenty of Shirley Temples and relatively tidy snacks for all ages, but with a bit of a twist (bacon-wrapped TJ dogs instead of regular hot dogs and banana splits instead of popsicles).
Sunny’s
Sunny’s sits next to the adult pool for a (hopefully) slightly less rowdy clientele. The Baja-inspired menu is a step up from the kiddie pool, with a more cocktail-forward drink menu and items like a local fish ceviche with salsa verde, cucumber, radish, avocado, cilantro, and housemade tortilla chips; or the Wagyu ribeye asada tacos with avocado pico, crispy melted cheese, and salsa roja.
Cocoa Bean
Coffee, pastries, and everything you need to start your day right can be found at Cocoa Bean. It’s not reinventing the wheel, but it will get your wheels turning for that early morning meeting.
PCH Café & Market
This is the spot for those on-the-go, with quick grab-and-go options like sandwiches and salads. It’s requisite for any convention center and hotel, so there you have it.
