Executive Chef Chad White is bringing his love for Baja stateside to create Común Kitchen and Tavern, opening this Friday, July 18, at 935 J Street. The Mexican/Latin inspired gastropub is ready and amped up to bring Baja-Mediterranean flavor and flare to San Diego's East Village.
Común Kitchen & Tavern stretches across two East Village storefronts and boasts a sidewalk patio, a bar and lounge area, self-serve beer stations, an open kitchen with bar seating and an intimate chef's table. Surely something for everyone in a stimulating atmosphere, Común (which loosely translates to "community" in Spanish) aims to be a casual neighborhood spot. White's partners on this exciting project include Shane Brennan and Demien Farrell of renowned Enlightened Hospitality Group. Jaime Partners, a commercial consulting firm, handled the architectural design and build out of the space.
As far as food goes (initial menu below), expect Común's dishes to be somewhat casual (think tostadas and tortas) with very creative south-of-the-border influences and family style offerings, as well as frequently changing tasting menus and seasonally inspired creations. The bar will offer wines from Baja, specifically the Valle de Guadalupe, in addition to local and Mexican craft beers and specialty cocktails. Guest chefs will be invited to share the kitchen monthly, offering special 'pop up' meals for ticketed diners. This Thursday (pre-open), Chef White and Trey Foshee from George's at the Cove will cook a very special 6 course meal that has already sold out.
White is a native to Spokane, Washington and began his culinary journey while in the Navy. After leaving the military, he became a Chef de Partie at Prince of Wales & 1500 Ocean at the Hotel Del Coronado, then Executive Chef of the Doubletree by Hilton Golf Resort San Diego where he co-founded Hunger at Home, a non-profit organization that raised funds to help teach nutritional education to low-income elementary schools and their students in San Diego. He next joined Roseville in Point Loma. Chef Chad then opened his own catering company, EGO Culinary Trends, creating menus for signature events in and out of San Diego including the Sundance Film festival. White went on to serve as Executive Chef/Partner at Sea Rocket Bistro in North Park. White went on to work for Brian Malarkey as head chef of Gabardine for a short stint. He then started his own pop-up dinner series, Plancha Baja Med, honing his own culinary voice in the process.
2014 has been a big year for Chad White. White's love for Baja cuisine led him to open the now-very-popular La Justina on Tijuana's bustling Revolucion earlier this year. He also had a hand in cultivating Craft Pizza Company at Westfield UTC. We cannot wait to see what his biggest endeavor yet brings to the table!
For more information on Común Kitchen & Tavern, visit comunsd.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
