Por Frank Sabatini Jr.

Café Subterráneo Boutique in North Park is doubling its space with the acquisition of 800 square feet from an adjoining computer shop. The annexation will be complete sometime in November, said Gene Padigos, who owns the business with his wife, Kelsey.

“The cafe is always full and this seems like a natural progression,” Padigos added, noting that he plans on further expanding the wine and beer selection.

Recent newcomers to the menu, which are also available at Subterranean’s Hillcrest location (412 University Ave.), include brown sugar lattes, Soyrizo burritos, and steamed buns with pork or spinach. The couple also operates a walk-up outlet in Little Italy (1500 State St.) for coffee, tea and bagels only. 3764 30th St., 619-780-0916, subterraneancoffeeboutique.com.

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Lack of signage and minimal, earthy décor define the new Fernside in South Park, which offers a limited menu of elevated bar food and a sophisticated cocktail program that’s been all the rage since its recent opening.

The establishment replaces South Park Abbey and is run by a trio of local industry insiders: Adam Cook of Bluefoot Bar & Lounge; Shane Gerde of Espíritus de tajamares y Consortium Holdings; and Christian Siglin, the veteran bar manager whose crafty inventions we’ve witnessed at Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant, Nobel Experiment y Sycamore Den.

Currently, the menu includes a couple of salads and several share plates such as avocado toast, wings, nacho fries and assorted rolled tacos, including sweet potato. It’s due to expand in the coming months. Of the cocktails, some are on draft. They include nitro negronis and Spanish-style gin and tonics. Handmade options feature “revisited” white Russians, apple martinis, sherry cobblers and more. 1946 Fern St., 619-255-9591.

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Without warning, Brazen BBQ Smokehouse & Bar in Hillcrest shut down in the first week of October after operating for seven years on the high-traffic corner of Washington Street and Fifth Avenue. Unsuspecting customers were taken by surprise when encountering a notice taped to the doors stating its closure. The announcement is also posted on Brazen’s website. It reads in part: “It is with great sadness that we can no longer provide you with our award-winning BBQ. It is our hope that we always served you well.” 441 Washington St., brazenbbq.com.

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El sitio web de finanzas personales, WalletHub.com, publicó recientemente su informe sobre Las mejores ciudades gastronómicas de Estados Unidos de 2018. San Diego ocupó el noveno lugar de una lista de 182 municipios de todo el país. El estudio tuvo en cuenta numerosos indicadores que van desde el costo de los comestibles y la asequibilidad de los restaurantes de alta calidad hasta la diversidad de restaurantes y la cantidad de festivales gastronómicos, cervecerías artesanales y bodegas per cápita. El "mejor" de la lista es Portland, Oregón, con Pearl City, Hawái en último lugar.

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La construcción está terminada y las entrevistas para empleados potenciales están en marcha en la próxima norte de italia en centro comercial valle de la moda. El restaurante italiano moderno, cuya apertura está prevista para noviembre, fue lanzado por Fox Restaurant Concepts, con sede en Phoenix, que posee establecimientos para comer y beber en una docena de estados. La compañía también opera el recién inaugurado Tacos Blancos + Tequila en Fashion Valley Mall y Criatura de las flores en Del Mar. Al frente de la cocina después de meses de capacitación está el chef local Rich Sweeney, anteriormente de Punto de referencia público.
7055 Frailes Camino, restaurantenorteitalia.com.

 —Frank Sabatini Jr. puede ser contactado en [email protected]