We already know San Diego is a brunch town. But, like mimosas, there’s always room for one breakfast spot, and Del Mar is about to add another to its roster when The Cottage opens its third location in mid-July.
The Cottage started slinging breakfast, brunch, and lunch in La Jolla when Prince and Michael Jackson dominated the 1980s-era airwaves. Partners Jason Peaslee and Bernardo Kanarek acquired the eatery in 2018 and opened a second location in Encinitas in 2022. Peaslee says they’re open to expanding more in the future—but only if it’s the right fit, he adds. When the property approached them to take over the space, he said the location in Del Mar hit everything they were looking for.
“There’s a good mix of local residents, but there’s also a tourist connection to it as well,” he says. “Also, who doesn’t want to have an ocean view?”
He estimates the location will open in approximately two weeks and serve the same menu items as La Jolla and Encinitas. According to Peaslee, their granola is “the best in the world,” and he jokes that the stuffed French toast is their most Instagrammed dish. We’ve got everything from pastas and salads to French toast and scrambled egg dishes,” he says, adding that fish tacos and BLTs are particular customer favorites. “Definitely California cuisine.”
Ikedo Design (Hidden Fish, BeShock Ramen & Sake Bar, Tajima) handled the remodel of the approximately 2,000-square-foot space for around 80 guests. Peaslee says they knocked down a wall to lean into an indoor-outdoor concept, complete with a white picket fence to maintain Del Mar’s beach cottage aesthetic. While this new Del Mar location sits only a few miles between the other two, Peaslee says he’s not worried about the crossover.
“There’s a line at Torrey Pines that people don’t really cross going north or south,” he says. “That made us feel like it’s going to do well and have a good following… Del Mar residents have been super supportive and super excited to have us come in.”
Plus, he adds, most of the restaurants along that stretch in Del Mar cater more to the dinner crowd. Once The Cottage launches and the planned boutique grocery store opens next door, Peaslee hopes they’ll be able to attract a more daytime-oriented crowd. “We’re just excited to be a part of the community up there,” he says. It just feels like we’re going to fit.”
New San Diego Restaurants & Local Food Events
Head Brewer at Heritage Barbecue & Beer Opening Koakai Brewing
After 15 years brewing at Pizza Port, North County native Mike Aubuchon helped open Heritage Barbecue & Brewery in Oceanside early last year as head brewer for the 10-bbl system. Now, he’s on track to open his brewery in North County called Koakai Brewing Company at 559 Greenbrier Drive, Suite B in Oceanside. Kyoto Japanese Market shares the same address and ABC license, and the brewery’s (sparse) Instagram page describes it as “Asian-inspired barbecue and cuisine aiming to open in North County, San Diego.” I’ve tried calling, emailing, and DMing on Instagram and have yet to receive a reply from Aubuchon. However, I will share more details of this fascinating-sounding concept as they become available. Mike, call me!
Beth’s Bites
- Georges at the Cove has a new pastry chef: Anna Adams. Adams baked at Blackmarket Bakery and assisted former head pastry chef Aly Lyng at Georges. Lyng is moving to Pendry San Diego, making Adams head of the La Jolla icon’s baking program. Congrats, chef Adams!
- Good Night John Boy, a new concept by Ohio-based Forward Hospitality Group (3 Palms Pizzeria, The Boneyard), is set to open this August at 401 G Street in Gaslamp Quarter. Named after the classic TV series “The Waltons,” the 1970s-themed bar will feature all the funky fixings of the era, including a custom LED dance floor, disco balls, and retro decor. Shake your groove thing, indeed.
- When Rip Current Brewing Company vacated its North Park space in December 2023, it left a prime space in the heart of San Diego’s hipster haven wide open. However, according to a new business listing, a new concept called Between Us is slated to take over the corner suite at 4101 30th Street and is expected to be a full-service Thai restaurant.
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].
