April 2014 - San Diego Streets

A Fresh Start for Indigo Grill

A long-standing staple in Little Italy dining has closed for a month-long renovation. You might say that Indigo Grill was ahead of its time when it opened in 1994, with its Native American and Latin-influenced menu that led the way for a new crop of diverse restaurants in the neighborhood.

Of course, Little Italy is now a hotspot for all things hip, with stylish new restaurants and bars opening every month. Chef Deborah Scott said it was time for a change, and we couldn’t agree more.

The updated menu won’t veer too far from what made Indigo Grill successful, but they’re working on several new ideas to expand the concept.

Indigo Grill moved to its current space at India and Cedar in 2001. The original spot was at La Pensione Hotel, just one block north.

We hope the patio is included in the makeover. We hear that Michael Soriano, responsible for the unique interior at Queenstown Public House, is behind the contemporary redesign inside the restaurant.

Look for the revamped Indigo Grill to open at the end of May.

Tom N Toms Still Asleep in Cortez Hill

Our eyes lit up a few months ago when we saw signs of life in one of the vacant spaces at the base of Vantage Pointe in Cortez Hill. Korean chain Tom N Toms Coffee recently opened its first Downtown location at Strata in the East Village, but the Cortez Hill spot looks like it still needs a dose of caffeine.

You may have never heard of it, but some are calling it the Starbucks of Korea. They’ve been working their way into the Los Angeles coffee market and are ready to take on San Diego. It’s more than just coffee, by the way—they’re apparently known for their bakery menu of pretzels and toasted breads.

The Cortez Hill location has looked ready to open for several weeks now, but we’re still waiting.

Need some help unwrapping furniture? We can help. We work for coffee.

Revealing the Waterfront Park Transformation

Downtown residents will soon have a new place to relax in the sun, as a big piece of San Diego’s waterfront development nears completion. Opening May 10, the new Waterfront Park replaces two drab parking lots north and south of the landmark County Administration Center.

The 12-acre park is a wonderful example of how under-utilized land can be converted into beautiful public space.

Underneath the new park is a 250-space public parking garage, accessible via Ash Street. Employee parking will eventually move to a 10-story parking garage at Kettner and Cedar, currently under construction and expected to open next year.

The main attraction is an 830-foot-long fountain stretching across the entire site, with 31 water jets streaming 14 feet into the air. Yes, you’ll be able to play in it.

Don’t ask us how these funky new playground thingies work. We’re sure the kids will figure it out.

Let’s hope the snack bar serves ice cream cones.

The park overlooks the historic sea vessels at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. We’re already staking out our spot for the Big Bay Boom fireworks celebration on July 4.

The County will host its grand opening celebration on May 10 with a classic car show, farmer’s market, beer and wine garden, and food truck pavilion.

Hanson’s Market Still On the Way

A much-needed grocery store is still in the works at the base of Ariel Suites, the new residential tower at Kettner and Beech. It will be the second location for organic grocer Hanson’s Market, which first opened in San Clemente in 2011. That location gets high marks for its fresh and healthy options.

Owner Ron Castruita plans to open the Little Italy store by this summer—maybe even earlier. The two-story floorplan, submitted to the city for final review last month, features natural and organic groceries on the first floor and a large deli on the second floor.

We’re guessing they’ll have outdoor seating on that patio overlooking Kettner Blvd. The deli will be open into the early evening, serving fresh dishes and—you guessed it—craft beers. Being the sandwich lovers we are, we can’t wait to see how theirs stack up.

Looks like they still have some work to do.

Just as in San Clemente, the new Hanson’s Market will rely on feedback from the local community to shape its selection of products and menu items. While you can expect to find all your favorite gluten-free and fair trade goods, they welcome requests for items you think they should carry. We think that’s pretty cool.

Starting Off the Weekend at Donut Bar

It’s no secret that donuts have been on the rise for the last few years, and the buzzworthy Donut Bar on B Street continues to be one of our favorite places to grab a sweet breakfast treat.

Some of our favorites include the maple bourbon and buttermilk bar. Take your selection home or head upstairs to the cozy lounge area for instant goodness.

Like many hip places, San Diego’s Donut Bar opens early and closes whenever they sell out. Preview the daily selection or place your order online (12-donut minimum). Prices range from $2 to $4 for each gourmet good.