James’ Place, a restaurant by sushi master James Holder, will open as the new on-site restaurant at the La Jolla Playhouse in May to coincide with the beginning of the 2014/15 theater season, the playhouse announced Monday.
Japanese-born Holder started making sushi at the age of 13 with his mother in his hometown of Hiyama. He began his professional career at several high-end sushi restaurants in San Diego, playing an integral role in the opening of Café Japengo.
Holder is currently chef/partner at Valentino’s Lounge in Chula Vista and at Mitch’s on El Paseo in Palm Desert.
The menu at James’ Place will include Holder’s signature sushi, as well as dishes created with prime and Angus cuts of beef, locally and sustainably harvested seafood, along with seasonal dishes. A lighter menu will also be served at the newly-redesigned sushi/cocktail bar, featuring craft beer and California wines.
“I absolutely jumped at the opportunity to open a place alongside two nationally-renowned institutions: La Jolla Playhouse and UC San Diego,” said Holder. “I look forward to developing an enticing menu that promises something for everybody, with price points attractive to the diverse populations in the area, from incoming UC San Diego students to Playhouse donors and subscribers.”
Nationally-acclaimed, Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse is known for creating adventurous new work in regional theater. The playhouse was founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer.
— From a La Jolla Playhouse press release
