Vegans unite

The open-air North Park Vegan Market, held from noon to 4 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month, continues to grow.

Presented by Vegan Food Popup Events, the dog-friendly market has come to include more than 60 vendors as well as live DJs and access to seating within the nearby North Park Mini Park.

The vendors line both sides of North Park Way between 30th Street and Granada Avenue, with some also found on 29th Street. It’s a “rain or shine” event. Participating businesses include Maya’s Cookies, Elote Restaurant, African Food Kitchen, Uprising Pizza, Juice Gods and many others. veganfoodpopup.com. Photo: Sumptuous elotes can be found at North Park’s monthly vegan fest (Photo courtesy Vegan Food Popup Events)

Birria mania

Savory slow-cooked beef birria has been in the spotlight lately. Though hardly new, the traditional Western Mexican dish served often with consomme is showing up in commercial kitchens all over San Diego. The meat has even landed in tacos for limited periods at El Pollo Loco.

Now, the “Bad Ass Mexican” restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter known as El Chingon is riding the wave with its new “Birria Tu Mondays” menu. The weekly lineup includes birria in tacos, mulitas, tostadas, tortas and more—all served with warm consomme for dipping. Prices range from $6 to$14. 560 Fifth Ave., 619-501-1919, elchingon.com.

Some things really are free

In a promotion that seems too good to be true, Mr. Moto is offering one free, whole pizza per household every Monday in November at any of its six locations, which include those in Little Italy, Seaport Village and North Park.

Simply place your order through Mr. Moto’s app or online for choosing either a cheese, pepperoni or one of the company’s signature pies—and bon appetit.

Why the giveaway?

It’s a campaign bringing attention to Mr. Moto’s partnership with YMCA San Diego for its annual Solidarity Journey, a movement that focuses on ending youth homelessness through community walks and bicycle rides. Customers are invited without obligation to donate to the cause when picking up their pizzas. Mr. Moto will match each donation amount up to $1,250. mrmotopizza.com.

Balboa Park restaurant space up for grabs

The City of San Diego is looking for a business or individual to re-establish the former Village Grill located near the Spanish Village Arts Center in Balboa Park. The 1,700-square-foot venue last served customers from 2014 through 2017, offering a casual menu of burgers, hot dogs, and toasted sandwiches.

This time around, the city prefers a vendor who will serve “innovative high-quality food and beverage options.” Prospects must explain in their proposals how they plan to renovate and maintain the property, which features a walk-up kitchen counter, grills, an exhaust fan, and a walk-in cooler and freezer. It also includes an outdoor seating area.

Site visits will be held by appointment only from Nov. 12-22. Questions should be submitted by Dec. 13; and proposals must be received by Jan. 16, 2025. For inquiries and proposal forms, send an email to [email protected]. 1770 Village Place.

Japanese-Mexican fusion in Old Town

A dimly lit stairway replete with a jungle theme and animal rumblings is your entrance into the new TAKO sushi restaurant, a cozy hideaway perched above El Sueno bar and restaurant in Old Town.

Live DJ music sets the stage for creative cocktails featuring a choice of sake or mezcal, which is your first clue that the restaurant’s culinary concept focuses on ingredients from Japan and Mexico.

Open for dinner only, and closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, the intimate restaurant offers a menu that starts off with appetizers such as shishito peppers accented with lime and cotija cheese or crispy plantains topped with spicy tuna. It progresses to nigiri, sashimi, rolls and plates flaunting south-of-the-border twists. 2836 Juan St., takosd.com.