Deserved honor
The woman who became synonymous with the dining and shopping scene in Old Town was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the California Restaurant Association.
In 1971, entrepreneur Diane Powers began making her mark in Old Town when encroaching upon a run-down motel to open Casa di Pico restaurant. (The restaurant has since moved to bigger digs in La Mesa.) That same year she launched the colorful multi-retail concept known as the Bazaar del Mundo.
Over the next 50 years, Powers went on to open additional restaurants of notable popularity: casa guadalajara (still in Old Town) and Casa de Bandini (now in Carlsbad). All of her restaurants are distinguished by lengthy menus of Mexican cuisine, jumbo margaritas and large, welcoming patios.
“I am humbled to receive this recognition,” said Powers in a released statement. “And I share this with the entire Bazaar del Mundo Team, some of whom have been with me for many years—with their children and expanded families also working for our shops and restaurants.” bazaardelmundo.com.
The quest for perfect cocktail cheeses
We all know how easy it is to pair nearly any type of cheese to just about any kind of wine. But things get a little trickier when it comes to pairing curds to crafted cocktails. This is where the experts come in from Uptown’s queso venissimo and Downtown’s You & Yours Distilling Co.
The latter is hosting a “cocktail making + cheese” class from 7 to 8 p.m., July 14. Attendees will be instructed how to make cocktails while pairing them to curated cheeses. All of the bar tools will be provided during the class, which is open to those 21 years and older. The cost is $70 per person. 1495 G St., 619-955-8755, youandyours.com.
Tea time for superheroes
In the lead up to Comic-Con International 2023 (July 20-23), the elegant lobby of The Westgate Hotel Downtown will transform into an area fit for a superhero. It is where those in costume or not can rest on their laurels over formal afternoon tea service complete with finger sandwiches, house-made pastries and desserts, and soft music by a harpist.
The themed tea will be offered from 1 to 3:30 p.m., July 19-23. The cost is $59 per person, and $35 for children ages 2 through 12. Although those who flash their Comic-Con badge will receive 15% off. Reservations are recommended and can be made via the web site. 1055 Second Ave., 619-238-1818, westgatehotel.com.
A big seafood house has come ashore in Little Italy
After a series of delays, the first U.S.-based Fisher’s has opened in Little Italy within the 8,700-square-foot space previously occupied by the short-lived Roma Urban Market.
Headquartered in Mexico, the global chain prides itself on fresh-caught seafood prepared in a variety of “avante-garde styles.” There are currently more than 30 locations throughout the world.
Open for lunch and dinner, we indeed found an array of unique dishes that include sea snails in citrus sauce; seasonal fish cooked with olive oil, lime, olives and pimento; and the sensational “rock spicy shrimp” constructed with ginger, spicy mayo, cream cheese, soy sauce and fried carrots.
Simpler choices also abound, such as ceviche, tacos and tostadas, and a fish-and-chips sandwich on brioche.
Fisher’s operates its own processing plant and transportation network for delivering fresh, regional catches to each of its restaurants. 555 W. Beech St., 619-915-4823, fishers-sandiego.com.
Spotlight on truffles
North Park’s latest newcomer is Truffle Neighborhood Cucina, a cozy European-style restaurant headed by certified sommelier Fabrizio Cammarota of Naples, Italy.
The restaurant takes its name from one of the most enchanting ingredients on earth – the earthy truffle. It is showcased throughout the menu, appearing in the aioli sauce that comes with fried calamari; in risotto served with veal ossobuco; and in a fettuccine dish draped in white truffle sauce. Although as stated on the menu, shaved truffles can be added to any item ranging from stuffed zucchini blossoms and grilled veggies to rack of lamb and wild boar papardelle.
Cammarota’s wine list focuses on varietals hailing from Tuscany, where he initially fell in love with wine before studying viticulture. 3021 University Ave., 619-269-3748, trufflesd.com.
