Renowned San Diego Chef Norma Martinez Set To Open 'Chaplos' in Cortez Hill

Chef Norma Martinez

October 27, 2012

Recognizing a lack of dining and bar options in Cortez Hill, Chef Norma Martinez and restaurateur Edwin Seymour set out to make Chaplos the social hub for locals, food, wine and cocktail aficionados looking for a new culinary experience.  Formally of El Vitral, Chef Martinez's brings her International flair to Chaplos' traditional American menu. A Tijuana native, Martinez refined her culinary skills in Belguim and moved to France where she worked in a French kitchen workshop at St. Paul Augier School.

Committed to serving locals and dining enthusiasts with an unparallel experience at a reasonable price, Chaplos’ menu celebrates a simpler time when food was prepared with honest, fresh and local ingredients and superior service was demanded. Vintage jewel-toned Tiffany lamps, a 1920's antique bar and a family heritage wall are offset by wine on stainless steel tap, bold patterns and contemporary finishes.

The eclectic menu offers gourmet twists on classic American favorites such as the Grilled Cheese sandwich stuffed with bleu cheese, salt crusted baked pear, crispy prosciutto and arugula. Another spin on an American favorite is the Chaplos Burger made with ground chuck, roasted tomatoes, crispy cipollini onions and swiss cheese and the and the Jidori Chicken served with spicy tomato sauce, snow peas, grilled polenta, and basmati rice. With a commitment to using local vendors, favorites such as The Venissimo Cheese Selection are served alongside all natural meats, jidori chicken and fresh locally grown produce from Specialty Produce.

Global flavor influences the lunch menu as well with items like spinach and mushroom filled Empanadas dipped in chimichurri sauce and Ceviche made with fresh seasonal fish, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, cucumber, avocado, tostadas, and chile oil.

Created with a design aesthetic reminiscent of the Prohibition era, the décor of Chaplos is an eclectic balance of classic and contemporary styling. Modernized fabric walls and plush seating neutralizes the vintage accents of authentic Tiffany lamps, a dark mahogany bar from the 1920's and a family heritage wall.  A wine cellar wall provides a charming transition between modern kitchen and vintage bar dining room.

The bar and cocktail menu is a modernized tribute to the roaring 1920's. Chaplos offers wine on tap, local craft beers, a kegarator and classic cocktails for today's cocktail enthusiast's palate. Inspired by the twenties, the bar offers a variety of signature drinks. The vintage bar is consciousness to the eco-friendly nature that uses re-purposed materials. The lounge and bar set up is an idyllic spot for social gatherings.

A throwback to the 1920's, a time when exotic culinary experimentation was introduced among classic American food and drinks, Chaplos brings an unparallel fusion of past and present.

For more information on the grand opening of Chaplos, visit chaplos.com and follow on Facebook.

Chaplos
Open Monday 11AM-2PM
Open Tuesday-Friday at 11AM-11PM
Happy Hour Open Tuesday-Friday 4-7 PM
Closed Monday evenings

925 B Street (Between 10th and 9th)
San Diego, CA 92101
www.chaplos.com