Acqua Al 2 has sold after 15 years of serving award winning Tuscan-style dishes in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp District. Helmed by Chef/Ower Martin Gonzalez since its inception, the restaurant will keep regular hours so that guests will be able to enjoy its homemade Italian food one last time before closing for business on January 30.
“The restaurant industry is ever-changing and we saw this as an opportunity to end a cycle that was filled with tremendous satisfaction. The time is right to start planning my new venture,” said Martin Gonzalez, Executive Chef and Owner of Acqua Al 2. “These past years gave us the incredible privilege to provide our customers with an exquisite dining experience, and for that we are grateful.”
On Sept. 7, 2000, the doors to the first International Acqua Al 2 were opened in the Gaslamp District. Acqua Al 2 San Diego is an offshoot of the famed Florence eatery of the same name, where Chef Martin trained at after attending culinary school in the Italian city. The culinary adventure continued for over a decade as the original dishes from Florence were being served to San Diego patrons. Chef Martin also owned Toast Enoteca in San Diego's East Village, which closed last September. We believe his next endeavor may focus on Baja-style cuisine rather than Italian, as the new trend in upscale Mexican cuisine incorporates much influence from Mediterranean styles of cooking.
"Opportunities knock our doors every day and we have the choice to take them," Chef Martin posted to Facebook. "This time after over 15 years of great business one knock on mine and decided to take it. Thanks to friends, clients, supporters, and the Gaslamp for an amazing run. We sold and moving to new projects. Keep your eyes open!"
Guests are invited to join Chef Martin and the Acqua Al 2 team through January 30 for a celebratory send off to raise a glass and say arrivederci in style. We know we'll be stopping in!
"Opportunities knock our doors every day and we have the choice to take them," Chef Martin posted to Facebook. "This time after over 15 years of great business one knock on mine and decided to take it. Thanks to friends, clients, supporters, and the Gaslamp for an amazing run. We sold and moving to new projects. Keep your eyes open!"
Guests are invited to join Chef Martin and the Acqua Al 2 team through January 30 for a celebratory send off to raise a glass and say arrivederci in style. We know we'll be stopping in!
