Overview: Fresh, easy Italian food in the heart of Hillcrest
The long-running Kiki Sushi at the corner of University and Sixth Avenues in Hillcrest has given way to Pastiamo, a casual eatery serving fast Milanese-style fare with a focus on house-made pasta.
Two gustatory offerings new to the local culinary scene have caught our attention.
The first is an upcoming limited release of Magnetic Ribbon, a pastry stout concocted by beer master Kyle Fjalstad of The Original 40 Brewing in North Park.
Fjalstad previously ran the barrel program at Modern Times before the company shut down its brewery in the Midway District.
His Magnetic Ribbon is aged in Elijah Craig bourbon barrels.
He was able to snag sixteen of the barrels for making the product, which will be available at the brewery in 16-ounce cans beginning Aug. 8. Only 250 cans will be produced, and they are expected to sell quickly.
Fjalstad describes the sweet stout as “very dark — basically black in color, and with warming flavors of chocolate, almonds and vanilla.” It rings in at 13.3% alcohol.
“At Modern Times, we released pastry stouts often, so I have a lot of experience with them. This is my first pastry stout for 40 Brewing, and not my last,” he added.
3117 University Ave., 619-255-7380.
Down in the East Village at the colorfully designed 6th & G Breakfast Company, we find a contemporary interpretation of okonomiyaki.
The Japanese dish is typically a pancake made of wheat batter and cabbage.
Here, it’s turned into a savory breakfast waffle and topped with eggs, Japanese mayo, pickled ginger, furikake seasoning and bonito flakes. The dish was created by chef Daniel Villegas and will be available until the end of September.
695 Sixth Ave., (619) 349-4890.
Fresh, easy Italian food in the heart of Hillcrest
The long-running Kiki Sushi at the corner of University and Sixth Avenues in Hillcrest has given way to Pastiamo, a casual eatery serving fast Milanese-style fare with a focus on house-made pasta.
Milan transplants Christian Erbisti and his wife, Sara Pedrazzini, duplicated the concept from their successful Pacific Beach restaurant under the same name at 841 Turquoise Street.
A concise menu allows customers to first choose from a list of fresh pasta made daily, and then simply pair it with a sauce.
Pasta cuts include spaghetti, pappardelle, rigatoni and a more. Sauce choices feature classic beef-pork Bolognese, pesto with pine nuts, butter-Parmesan, carbonara, marinara and others.
In an effort to keep things simple, the couple offers only two side dishes: Burrata and “just meatballs.” Prices across the menu are kept below $19.
First-time delivery orders through DoorDash are free.
600 University Ave., (619) 380-2100.
Coffee with a side of cool vibes at Altered State
A trio of local musicians have combined their creative powers to open the finely designed Altered State, a new two-level coffeehouse distinguished by loungy furniture, tasteful wall art, and a photo collage of iconic musicians from past decades.
Located in downtown’s Core-Columbia District, the space accommodates live musicians and stand-up comedians.
The menu spotlights everything from “espresso basics” to crafty coffee drinks incorporating cold foams and house-made syrups.
Food offerings are still evolving, although currently listed are empanadas, paninis, pastries and a few toast options. The coffeehouse is open from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
641 B St., (619) 231-4405.
What’s in a name?
Known formerly as The Bar at the Beau inside the stylish Beau Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, the space has been renamed to better reflect the building’s historic roots.
It is now called The Witherby, which pays homage to Henry Witherby, who was the first registered tenant in the structure after it was built in 1886.
The re-branding accommodates for all-day dining from from a newly launched menu of elegant fare created by Chef Robin James.
His signature dishes include salmon with carrot-coconut puree; braised pork shank; duck pot pie; and other recipes inspired from his global travels. The food is complemented by a full list of classic and contemporary cocktails made from a restored 1880s-era oak bar.
Breakfast and midday options include Lucky Charms French toast; quiche Lorraine; oysters on the half shell; a house burger and more.
927 Sixth Ave., (619) 310-5160.
Juniper and Ivy introduces ‘Juni’
Little Italy’s popular Juniper and Ivy restaurant has created a casual space within its bar area called Juni.
Described as Juniper and Ivy’s “little sister,” the concept offers a playful vibe, and customers can drop in to eat and drink without reservations. The space incorporates mixed colors and warm textures that noticeably contrast the restaurant’s chic-industrial design.
Juni’s menu features about a dozen shareable plates such as Michelada ceviche and Wagyu sliders in addition to newly crafted house cocktails.
2228 Kettner Blvd., (858) 351-0700.
