What’s in a name?
The answer depends on whether your upcoming restaurant carries the same name as one that is already trademarked in the state you will be doing business.
Such is the case with the sudden identity change of chef Drew Deckman’s highly anticipated restaurant, which is expected to open soon in North Park.
The acclaimed Michelin-star chef, lauded for his meticulous approach to sustainability and the highly rated Deckman’s en el Mogor restaurant in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe, originally announced months ago that his San Diego restaurant would be called Watershed. But that suddenly changed when he learned that Watershed is trademarked by an existing restaurant in California—operating in Mill Valley according to what we found after hearing the news.
So the fresh name he chose is 31ThirtyOne, which matches the numerical address of his new venture, at 3131 University Ave.
The three-level restaurant is taking over the space formerly occupied by Huxton Manor. It’s due to launch in May with the promise of a menu fueled by local farmers, fisherman and other purveyors. In addition, Deckman will be donating 1% of the restaurant’s monthly revenues to Zero Foodprint, a non-profit that promotes regenerative agriculture. For updates and more information about the restaurant, visit www.the3131.com.
Scrupulous pizza development
Vegans are applauding the new pizzas (pictured above) at Donna Jean in Bankers Hill, where chef-partner Roy Elam spent a few years perfecting a gluten-free dough that uses flour made from a variety of ancient grains. In a past attempt some years ago, he introduced pizza sporting a crust made from garbanzo beans. But it was an ill-fated endeavor that didn’t stick around too long.
“We discontinued it because to the average palate it didn’t taste like pizza,” explained Donna Jean co-founder Mitch Wallis. “Now that chef Roy has solved the puzzle of making a good gluten-free crust, the pizzas are delicious.”
With nine different pizza options available, Wallis noted that “there was a lot of taste-testing” conducted along the way among staff and customers at the restaurant’s two locations—here and in Los Angeles.
All of them feature nut-free vegan mozzarella cheese made in-house with great northern white beans. Various toppings range from crushed tomatoes and herbs to spinach, black garlic, mushrooms, pistachios, pickled peppers and more. They’re made in rectangular form and measure 9×11 inches in size. 2949 Fifth Ave., 619-299-5500,donnajeanrestaurant.com.
Confections fit for a bear in the Gaslamp Quarter
Downtown marks the third location in San Diego County of SugarBears Sweet Provisions, an Encinitas-based retailer that bakes from scratch an ambitious variety of “cubcakes,” “BEARownies,” cookie sandwiches and more. The company also offers mini cupcakes, brownie bites and full custom-made cakes for all occasions.
Among the rotation of titillating cupcake flavors are orange creamsicle, passion fruit, Boston cream pie, chocolate-Cabernet and hot buttered rum. The selection changes monthly and also incorporates seasonal flavors and designs tailored to most holidays throughout the year. 518 Fifth Ave., 760-895-2572, sugarbears.net.
Prestigious honor given to an Italian restaurant in North Park
Congratulations to Cori Trattoria Pastificio, which recently earned “three forks” in the 2024 Italian Restaurant Guide published by Gambero Rosso. The guide serves as Italy’s premier wine and food rating outlet, and such recognition within the culinary world is akin to receiving Michelin stars.
The coveted awards are symbolized by forks on a three-point scale. Achieving three forks signifies excellence in authenticity, exceptional service and an outstanding, curated wine selection.
Cori Trattoria Pastificio ranks among 30 restaurants worldwide that have earned this 3-fork distinction ever since the guide was established in 1986. And it is one of only five Italian restaurants in the U.S. to achieve the honor.
The family-run restaurant, headed by chef Accursio Lota, came onto the dining scene four years ago and continues endearing customers with house-made pasta dishes and Sicilian-style meat and seafood meals.
When in Rome
Filling the 4,000-square-foot space in Little Italy that was previously occupied by Cafe Gratitude (and then Heightsafter that) is Roman Wolves, a venture launched by Nino Cusimano of Rusticucina in Hillcrest.
Roman columns and Italian tiling set the stage for a menu that features folded pizza crusts just like what you’d find on the streets of Rome, plus grilled octopus, chicken cacciatore, and a selection of Roman-style pasta dishes—some of them tossed tableside in a giant wheel of Pecorino-Romano cheese.
Happy hour featuring discounts on wine, beer, specialty cocktails and select food items was recently introduced. It is held from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 1980 Kettner Blvd., 619-539-7344, romanwolves.com.
