San Diego’s brunch scene is thriving, and the excitement is about to increase as Tijuana’s Quimérico Café prepares to make its debut in Encinitas next month.
Food critic Troy Johnson has recognized San Diego as a brunch town, heralding its impressive early-to-mid morning dining options.
From gourmet breakfast sandwiches to innovative Bloody Marys, the city’s brunch offerings are raising the bar.
Hotels are moving away from lackluster breakfast buffets to showcase stylish brunch menus that reflect local culinary creativity.
Diego González, the founder of Quimérico, opened the original café in Tijuana in 2019, expanding to two popular locations in the Marrón and Palmas neighborhoods.
Both locations are celebrated for their unique coffee and breakfast items, which include delectable chilaquiles, matcha pancakes, avocado toast, and hearty breakfast burritos.
In addition to breakfast, they offer enticing lunch options like soups, salads, and sandwiches, catering to diverse tastes.
González highlights the banana bacon French toast as a standout dish, describing its flavors as “smoky, sticky, sweet, and indulgent, yet balanced with a savory edge.”
He also emphasizes the significance of their three chilaquiles versions—red, green, and mole—each crafted to narrate a different story reflective of Mexican heritage with a contemporary spin.
The name “Quimérico” is derived from the word “quimera,” signifying something that exists only in imagination.
This concept embodies the cafe’s playful and creative essence that they aim to bring to Encinitas.
González selected Encinitas due to its coastal beauty and its alignment with the values of community, creativity, and consciousness.
To help navigate the challenges of cross-border expansion, Quimérico Café is collaborating with San Diego-based Tyche Food & Beverage Consulting.
Renata Vázquez, co-founder of Tyche, expresses optimism about translating the café’s unique offerings to a U.S. audience amid the complicated political climate.
“At Quimérico, the food looks like art, but it’s made to nourish,” she assures potential customers.
She emphasizes that every flavor is meticulously crafted to tell a story that encompasses roots, reinvention, and the beauty of culinary imagination.
Quimérico Café is set to open in mid-July at 345 S, Coast Hwy 101, Suite J in Encinitas, promising to elevate the local brunch landscape.
Meanwhile, the San Diego beer scene continues to evolve as Orange County breweries venture into the area.
As the San Diego taproom landscape has reached a more sustainable pace, out-of-town breweries are beginning to establish roots, with Green Cheek Beer Company taking over a former Bagby Beer location.
Brewjeria Company has opened in Chula Vista, while Villains Brewing recently acquired Half Door Brewing Company’s East Village location.
Another significant development has emerged as Asylum Brewing from Anaheim applied for a license at 2899 University Avenue, previously home to both Rouleur Brewing and Black Plague Brewing.
This could potentially mark an important moment for North Park’s already saturated beer scene, offering craft beer enthusiasts something worth following closely.
In food news, the Michelin star ratings have added excitement to San Diego’s culinary scene as the city demonstrates an impressive resurgence.
Lilo in Carlsbad has quickly gained a Michelin star just two months after opening its doors, showcasing the talent behind The Jeune et Jolie and Campfire restaurants.
Atelier Manna received a Bib Gourmand recognition, while three-star Addison continues to hold its prestigious rating.
Renowned chef Roberto Alcocer from Valle aims for a second star in the upcoming year, having showcased extraordinary dishes during the last three years under one-star recognition.
Summer also heralds the return of ice cream season, with local favorites providing an irresistible treat to combat hot days.
Stella Jean’s has introduced a new vegan flavor nestled between yuzu and poppyseed cake that’s already caught the attention of fruit-flavor aficionados.
In the realm of casual dining, chicken chain Raising Cane’s is finally making strides to establish a central San Diego location at 3720 Camino del Rio West near Sports Arena.
As the busy Midway area sees redevelopment efforts, this move appears timely, allowing raising Cane’s to gain foothold as the area undergoes transformation.
The local food scene in San Diego remains ever dynamic, with promising developments and exciting ventures that continue to shape its culinary identity.
Whether it’s brunch, brews, or baked goods, there’s always something new on the horizon for San Diego food lovers.
image source from：sandiegomagazine
