Accomplished New York chef Pascal Lorange is set to open his own restaurant next month in Pacific Highlands Ranch.
Lorange, who remains co-owner of the national Fig & Olive chain, moved to San Diego to open Crudo in the growing north San Diego community off Route 56.
The restaurant will feature traditional Mediterranean cuisine with Japanese-inspired infusions served in an atmosphere of “sophisticated simplicity.”
The Belgium-born Pascal said his goal is to create unexpected flavors and food experiences, for example using five-spice harissa sauce, a Tunisian chili paste, instead of the traditional wasabi in his sushi rolls. He’s also using Kumquat ginger in place of the usual.
He noted that Japanese sauces and spices are extremely healthy, complimenting a menu that is mostly gluten-free and includes many vegetarian and vegan options.
The restaurant, which will seat 180, is scheduled to open on July 7 in The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch, an upscale shopping center that opened just a year ago.
Lorange said his aim is to make Crudo a popular restaurant for residents of the surrounding community as well as a destination throughout San Diego.
