Famed Baja chef Javier Plascencia's northern most eatery, Bracero Cocina de Raiz, is expected to open at 1490 Kettner Boulevard in Little Italy as early as March. To increase excitement levels to epic proportions, today the Bracero team released a teaser trailer (yes, like for movies) promoting the opening of what will certainly be San Diego's next biggest restaurant. Check it out.
Bracero Cocina de Raiz will be a 4,800 square foot, bi-level eatery dedicated to modern Mexican cuisine, mezcal and Baja wine. The menu will offer both small and large plates, as well family-style shareable platters. There will be two bars, one on each floor. The first floor will be more casual and will not need reservations, while the second floor will be less casual, offering a more high-end experience requiring reservations. An interactive vertical bar will tower from floor to ceiling where mixologists will exhibit their craft on every level, and an open kitchen on each floor will allow guests to view the artful preparation of their meal. There is also an open terrace that showcases San Diego’s perfect climate. Designed by Los Angeles-based firm Bells & Whistles (Sycamore Den, The Smoking Goat, Starlite, Facebook corporate headquarters, etc.), the space will offer a rustic yet modern, nostalgic and at the same time, impressively forward-thinking ambiance that will certainly have that wow factor.
In the spirit of tradition, fresh masa will be made onsite in the manner in which it was originally processed, and handmade tortillas will be made to order. A “crudo bar” featuring local Carlsbad shellfish and wild Baja seafood, will offer fresh international specialties such as tiraditos, ceviche and sashimi. And, in addition to a wild, wet-your-spirit selection of specialty cocktails, including a craft cocktail cart for table side preparations (yes, margaritas), there will also be as many as twelve craft San Diego and Baja regional beers to boast about.
The name Bracero is inspired by the Bracero program, which resulted in the importation of temporary contract laborers from Mexico to the United States back in the early 1940s through mid-1960s. Bracero, meaning “one who works with their hands & arms,” was a term for the Mexican manual laborers. Bracero is the second restaurant from Chef Plascencia and Grupo Plascencia in San Diego County, who also owns the popular Romesco Mexiterranean Bisto in Bonita, as well as multiple restaurants in Mexico including the famed Misión 19, the landmark Caesar's and Finca Altozano in Valle de Guadalupe, to name a few.
For more information on Bracero Cocina de Raiz, visit bracerococina.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter.
