Chatter was flying as to what would replace La Posta De Acapulco, the popular taco joint at Third Avenue and Washington Street that suddenly shuttered in late summer.
Various rumors indicated that the spot at 3980 Third Ave. would make way for an ice cream shop, a shawarma kitchen, a donut business and a hot dog stand.
None were true.
Instead, the windowed walk-up has transformed into Crest Taco, which opened in early December.
It is co-owned by Nicholas Garcia, a longtime chef who worked at The Santaluz Country Club, The Prado and other establishments around town.
His business partners include general manager, Shayne Somo and the owners of Bubbles Market & Spirits, which shares the same parking lot.
Garcia describes his menu at Crest Taco as “traditional Mexican using fresh produce and butcher-block meats.” He assures that “no canned foods will be used except for tomato paste.”
The modest structure underwent a thorough remodel. Decorative tiles were added to the facade, new windows were installed, and the kitchen received a complete redo. Incoming high-top tables in front will provide for stand-up eating.
Garcia said the eatery will open daily at 8 a.m., and close at midnight Sunday through Tuesday, and at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Speaking of tacos …
Over in Little Italy, owner Adrian Gutierrez opened a second San Diego location of Taco Centro.
His original kitchen in the Gaslamp Quarter launched in 2022. It has since been Gutierrez’s dream to open another spot in Little Italy, where he resides.
A native of Michoacán, Mexico, the entrepreneur brings to the table several presentations of birria, which shows up in quesadillas, ramen and Mexican-style pizza.
In addition, there are more than a dozen choices each of tacos and burritos, ranging from carne asada and al pastor to spicy shrimp, mushroom and nopal. Mulita and volcan-style tacos are available as well. Drinks include beer, margaritas, palomas and hard seltzers.
The shop is located on the ground level of the AV8 apartment building at 2171 Kettner Blvd. For more information, call (619) 915-5049.
Dinner with a high-tech twist
An innovative, immersive dining experience awaits at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter hotel with the arrival of Le Petit Chef & Friends, a 3D visual culinary journey that unfolds directly under the chins of customers.
Overhead projectors beam down onto diners’ plates, with images of miniature, animated chefs who come to life while presenting amusing stories and eye-popping graphics before each course.
Many of the narratives spotlight the actual food about to be served as guests partake in four courses from a choice of three different menus — classic, vegetarian and one tailored to kids.
The concept was created by the Belgian artist collective Skullmapping. It has been presented in restaurants and hotels worldwide.
Three seatings are available each evening starting at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday at 401 K St. Tickets range from $89 to $169.
Reservations can be made at (619) 231-4040, and are being accepted through Dec. 31, although plans are in place to extend the experience into the first half of next year.
Little Italy welcomes Orexi
The new Courtyard by Marriott Little Italy has made way for Orexi, a ground-level indoor restaurant with a Greek-leaning menu that offers breakfast, happy hour and dinner.
The chic-casual atmosphere, distinguished by neutral earth tones and wood accents, sets the stage for dishes such as omelets with halloumi cheese, shakshuka, spiced meatballs, chicken shawarma and more. In addition, cocktails with Mediterranean flair, such as the “Aegean Glow,” made with whiskey, date syrup and lemon, come into play in the late afternoon.
The name Orexi is derived from the Greek word for “appetite” or “desire.”
Hours are from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m., and from 4 to 10 p.m. daily. 1646 Front St., (619) 345-0010.
Stout of a different color
Leave it to San Diego’s first craft brewery to serve up a stout that defies the look and taste of all traditional stouts.
The downtown-based Karl Strauss Brewing Company, at 1157 Columbia St., has released its annual Golden Stout.
The brew debuted six years ago and earned a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2020. A year later it won a bronze medal at the same festival.
More recently, it received silver honors at the World Beer Cup. The medals were awarded within the “coffee beer category.”
The stout is unique in that it skips the traditional roasted malts found in dark beers. Its recipe features Ghanaian cocoa nibs and beans by Bird Rock Coffee, which result in a full-bodied silky stout character with a hint of sweetness.
“People see gold in the glass and expect something light,” said Karl Strauss brewmaster Paul Segura. “It’s unlike anything else.”
Golden Stout rings in at 7.5 percent alcohol.
It is available on draft at Karl Strauss brew pubs as well as in cans at various San Diego retailers, including Bottlecraft in North Park and Royal Food Mart in Bankers Hill. Limited supplies are expected to stick around until March.
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