San Diego, CA
New Italian Restaurant to Replace Cafe Chloe in East Village
“We get emotional about good food, good plates, good drinks,” says home cook Giovanni Siracusa. “It’s not just a business for us.” Siracusa is talking about Decore, an Italian restaurant he’s opening with longtime friend and first time business partner Giorgio Corletti. In Roman dialect, Decore means “with heart.”
“Everything is made with heart,” explains Corletti, from made-from-scratch pasta to the homey ambiance they hope people feel when they step through the doors into the tiny-cozy East Village space that was longtime home to one of San Diego’s most beloved bistros, Cafe Chloe.
“People had an attachment to that place,” says Siracusa.
Both partners are from Italy and met working in restaurants in San Francisco, including Nihon Whiskey Lounge and Bar 821. Siracusa prefers working behind the bar, while Corletti says his mother’s cooking inspired him to work in kitchens from a young age. In Italy, he learned to be a chef under famed Michelin-star and Gambero Rosso-winning chef Gianfranco Vissani, who taught him to work only with “the best food, the best ingredients, the best suppliers.”
Currently running the kitchen at Nado Republic in Coronado, Decore will open the second week of April. The menu will feature traditional Italian ingredients and preparation—simple, classic, and elegant. In the meantime, the pair are working on renovating the space that’s sat vacant since Cafe Chloe closed in 2018. Corletti describes it as an Art Deco vibe, with emerald greens and pops of gold—not casual, but not too high-end.
“We are trying to give a middle space, where you can sit for the full dinner, or just sit and have a great dessert and a glass of vermouth,” he says. “In Italy, when there is a bar in the neighborhood, or there is a restaurant, it’s kind of like an anchor point for the community. That’s where you feel at home. That’s what we want to do.”
Beth’s Bites
- Despite its residents making sizable business deals over surf sessions, Cardiff’s food scene has long leaned more casual than Del Mar and La Jolla—which gives it more of an under-the-radar bougie charm. On May 1, you can taste their intentional mellow at the 15th annual Taste of Cardiff with longtime favorites like Besta-Wan Pizza House, Seaside Market, VG Donuts, plus AleSmith, Boochcraft, Local Roots.
- One of my absolute favorite San Diego beer events is coming up on March 29—the annual Pucks & Pints charity hockey game. Watch a bunch of brewers and brewery employees face off at Pechanga Arena for the friendly fundraising hockey game at 12:30 p.m., then stroll across the parking lot to Bay City Brewing for a beer and barbecue festival from 2-5 p.m. If you’re so inclined, stay and watch the real deal Gulls take on the Calgary Wranglers. Proceeds go to five different local nonprofits (like the Boys & Girls Club) and it’s always a pucking great time.
- Tasting all the way through Little Italy simply isn’t possible in one day, which is why the annual Taste of Little Italy is wisely spread over two days. (Honestly, it could easily be an entire week, but moderation is key, I suppose.) On June 17-18, guests can eat through one of San Diego’s most delicious neighborhoods with 48-square blocks of eateries, coffee shops, bars, and cafes. Tickets always sell out, so if you’re interested at all, snag yours now.
- Spring into spring at Carlsbad’s annual Spring Art & Wine Walk on Saturday, April 5 at The Forum Carlsbad. Browse (or buy!) the collection of art, which ranges from paintings to photography, while sipping on wine from places like Sipwell Wine Co. and bites from vendors like Mirabelle Charcuterie and McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams. Bring along the kids for activations at places like Geppetto’s, but note that the wine garden is 21+.
Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].
The mariachi band broke into song as soon as the Tijuana Municipal Little League team stepped back onto its home field Monday afternoon. Cheers and applause erupted for the team, which over the weekend earned the coveted spot to represent Mexico in the Little League Baseball World Series.
The team of 11- and 12-year-olds won the Mexico region tournament title on Saturday by defeating the Matamoros Little League team 8-2 in Tamaulipas. They ended the tournament with a 7-1 record.
“We are very proud of what you have done and what you are about to embark on, because this is just the beginning,” said Darío Venegas, president of the Tijuana Municipal Children’s and Youth Baseball League, before handing out rings to commemorate the team’s regional crown.
This marks the third time that the Tijuana Municipal team has advanced to the tournament in Williamsport, Pa., following appearances in 2013 and 2023. Francisco Fimbres has been the manager for all three trips, and he hopes that the third time could be the charm.
“I feel blessed with these players,” he said. “(They) make me believe that we can get that championship.”
But the proud coach acknowledged that there’s still work to be done and that he has learned from the last two tournaments. In 2013, Mexico lost to Japan in the international championship and finished third. In 2023, they fell to Curaçao in the international semifinals.
During his speech at the Jorge Campillo baseball field in Tijuana on Monday, Fimbres urged players and parents to enjoy the moment, as he said it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
He described this year’s group of players as “una generación campeona,” or a “winning generation,” whom he has followed since they were 8 years old. “These kids have too much baseball in them,” he said. “They’re growing up and learning a lot, which will be great for their development.”
In 2023, an interaction between Fimbres and one of his players went viral. During the second inning, with the bases loaded, he noticed that his pitcher was nervous. He went to the mound to encourage him and remind him to have fun and not be afraid of making mistakes. “What if he hits a home run? Exactly, nothing happens,” he told him. “You’re a good pitcher. You’re better.” For many, this moment captured the spirit of the Little League competition.
This time will be special for Fimbres. He shared that this might be his last stint with the Tijuana Municipal team.
Pitcher and outfielder Jean Paul Lavenant said that he felt happy for “Pancho,” as he fondly calls his coach, and hoped to get the title for him.
Lavenant named Major League players Jonathan Aranda of the Tampa Bay Rays and Alejandro Kirk of the Toronto Blue Jays as his inspirations. Both players came from the Tijuana Municipal league.
The players said they have their minds set on bringing home the championship. “Nothing is impossible,” said pitcher and infielder Emiliano Kerber.
Coach Marcelo Santamaría, who was part of the 2023 coaching team, said he hopes this opportunity leaves a lasting impression on the players. “It’s every young baseball player’s dream to participate in this tournament,” he noted.
That’s what they emphasized to the players throughout their journey to earn a spot in Williamsport. Tijuana Municipal will kick off its Little League World Series run on Aug. 20 against the Australian region.
“Would you rather experience it on TV or in person?” pitcher and outfielder Esteban Bautista recalled his coaches asking them before the Mexico region championship game.
In person, it will be.
The Killer Tomatoes are loose in San Diego, and they’re ready to get sauced.
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes is taking over Good Night John Boy (401 G Street) in the Gaslamp on Saturday, July 25 from 7pm-11pm for the official Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence after party, celebrating the wild new chapter in the cult classic franchise that first got its start in San Diego back in 1978.
Fans can party alongside cast and crew with meet and greets, “killer” cosplay, exclusive giveaways, DJs, and dancing. There will also be specialty themed cocktails and bites available for purchase, because fighting off killer produce apparently works up an appetite.
Tickets will be available here, though they’re not yet available. We’ll update once we know more.
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