April 27, 2021
Earlier this year, we broke the news that San Diego Chef William Eick had finally secured a location for his highly-anticipated Matsu Japanese-inspired fine dining concept and was taking over the 2,400 square-foot space in Oceanside long occupied by Flying Pig Pub for a summer 2021 opening. Eick also announced he would first open a to-go exclusive eatery dubbed Naegi (meaning "sapling" in Japanese), which will focus on Japanese fried chicken karaage, katsu sandwiches and onigiri rice balls.
Naegi makes its first appearance on Saturday, May 1, from noon until 8pm (or when food sells out). The launch menu at Naegi includes Japanese fried chicken karaage, available as wings, thighs, breasts, legs and a full chicken, as well as a variety of sandwiches made on housemade milk bread, sides and snacks like opah belly bacon made in collaboration with nearby Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub. Guests will be able to order their food through a window at the front of the establishment.
Sister concept Matsu is anticipated to open at some point this August. The name is inspired by matsutake mushrooms, a pine mushroom native to Japan that also grows wild in some Southern California forests. Eick, who is known for using foraged ingredients combined with seasonal produce sourced from area farms, felt the name perfectly represented Matsu's concept of using local ingredients to prepare dishes with Japanese techniques and style. Upon opening, Matsu will have an a la carte menu with an eight course tasting option. The restaurant's full bar will be mostly wine to be expertly paired with dishes.
Naegi will operate from noon to 8pm (or once sold out) every day except Monday at 626 S. Tremont Street in San Diego's North County city of Oceanside. For more information, visit eatatnaegi.com.
Sister concept Matsu is anticipated to open at some point this August. The name is inspired by matsutake mushrooms, a pine mushroom native to Japan that also grows wild in some Southern California forests. Eick, who is known for using foraged ingredients combined with seasonal produce sourced from area farms, felt the name perfectly represented Matsu's concept of using local ingredients to prepare dishes with Japanese techniques and style. Upon opening, Matsu will have an a la carte menu with an eight course tasting option. The restaurant's full bar will be mostly wine to be expertly paired with dishes.
Naegi will operate from noon to 8pm (or once sold out) every day except Monday at 626 S. Tremont Street in San Diego's North County city of Oceanside. For more information, visit eatatnaegi.com.
