With yet another forced shutdown underway, the pandemic is causing some San Diego restaurants to pivot to new casual takeout and delivery-exclusive concepts.
San Diego County implemented a new Regional Stay Home Order beginning on Monday, December 7 and lasting for at least 3 weeks that prohibits gatherings of any size and closes operations in multiple business sectors, including restaurants, bars, wineries and personal services. While many eateries went into hibernation as a result, some have altered their concepts and menus hoping to obtain new business during this difficult time.
Forced to re-invent themselves once again, the team at Tahona Bar in Old Town has launched Bruno Burritos. The new concept is named after the company's donkey mascot and offers a menu designed by executive chef Adrian Villarreal featuring unique burritos, churros, mezcal seltzers and cocktails. Highlights include the Baja Surf & Turf Burrito, which features octopus, shrimp, beef bone marrow, chicharron crumbles, Harissa spice and served with a side of hoja santa chimichurri, as well as the Beyond Chile Relleno Burrito, Shrimp a La Diabla Burrito and Dulce de Leche churros. For each burrito ordered, the restaurant will donate $1 to Burrolandia, a donkey sanctuary close to Mexico City. Due to the pandemic & the lack of visitors, the sanctuary is struggling to feed and care for their donkeys.
Common Stock in Hillcrest has also altered their menu with the launch of Fowlmouth Hot Chicken. The eatery offers three combos - #1 with 3 spicy chicken tenders, #2 with 2 spicy chicken sliders, and #3 with one slider and one tender, all served with curly fries for $13. There are 4 spice levels to choose from ranging from not hot, all the way to a scorching ghost pepper sauce in the hottest level. Orders can be made at the Common Stock website or over the phone. Additionally, the restaurant is giving away a free Fowlmouth combo to anyone who has lost their job in the shutdown. Common Stock also has more of their menu available for take out, including the delicious onion dip, truffle fries, a new pork shoulder melt, and more.
