New Restaurant: Curadero Opens to Acclaim

The much-anticipated soulful, coastal Mexican kitchen, Curadero, has opened its doors downtown San Diego to the delight of foodies across the city. Derived from “Curandero,” or native healer, Curadero is a place to gather and be healed of hunger, hangover, boredom or anything else that ails you. It’s a vibrant place where urban lifestyle and bold, flavorful Mexican food collide.  If These Walls Could TalkCuradero was created by award-winning interior architects, Studio Unltd. The interior is a vibrant, sociable space that exudes an undeniably alluring south of the border feel, with a nod towards San Diego’s coastal vibe. Large, bright murals depicting medicine men by Mexican muralist Neuzz are balanced by beautiful brickwork and rustic textures. Colorful tiles are found throughout, adorning a sit-down crudo bar, as well as Curadero’s cocktail bar. Beautiful, mixed metal lighting further sets the tone, while the open and airy dining room complete the cantina-style vibe that beckons a gathering of family and friends.  Food for the SoulThe menus at Curadero from Executive Chef Brad Kraten and Sous Chef Emiliano Najera get to the soul of Mexican cuisine. Their ability to take traditional, regional dishes from all over Mexico and prepare them with true and fresh ingredients makes dining at Curadero an experience not-to-miss.  While every dish we tried was top-notch, the CEVICHE DE PESCADO with white fish, tomato, cucumber, serrano, cilantro, avocado, was a stand out as hands down the best ceviche in San Diego.  Flavorful and bright with a perfect balance of spice and salt, the fresh fish is brought to its best with every tender bite.  Plump oysters with hot sauce, lime, cucumber mignonette are a highlight of the menu, with every salty bite.  It’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Meant for sharing, the guacamole is a great starter with avocado, red onion, tomato, cilantro, lime, and olive oil, served with corn chips.  A “try them all” taco menu includes:Suadero – Braised short rib, marinated onions, cilantro, chipotle peanut salsaChamorro – Braised pork shank, habanero marinated onions, avocado salsa verde, cilantroVegetariano – Zucchini, corn, tomato, onion, oaxaca cheese, grilled scallions, peanut chipotle saucePescado – Beer battered white fish, charred habanero mayo, iceberg slaw, marinated onions, radishes At Curadero late night? Check out the not-so-secret “Secret Taco Window” on the second floor!  If you have room for dessert, check out the Arroz con Leche, Quemado rice pudding brulee with drunken raisins. Okay, but before we move onto drinks… the real superstar of the menu wasn’t a dish at all. The chipotle peanut salsa was absolutely addicting. Cross your fingers they decide to bottle it!  A Spirited BarThe bar at Curadero houses over 80 premium tequilas and other Mexican spirits, like mezcal, bacanora, and sotol. Guests can indulge in a number of liquid remedies by Lead Bartender Jade Boyd. Boyd, who concocted a menu to pair with Chef Kraten’s bold food, will utilize ingredients and garnishes that will surprise the eyes as well as the palate. Try something unfamiliar like the First Date, made with Por Siempre Sotol, prickly pear, fresh lemon juice, ginger beer, peyshaud’s bitters, and rose water mist. Guests can also pick from Baja wines or choose from the collection of bottled and draught Mexican beers.  Other drink highlights include a garnish of a scorpion lollypop, the Pina Coquito, and my personal favorite – Blurred Lines. With Rittenhouse rye, sweet vermouth, dry curacao, ancho reyes, and angostura bitters, this updated version of a Manhattan is hard to beat.  Game OnThe second-level Arriba Room welcomes late night revelers looking for a space to unwind and enjoy a casual bite or drink. Open Thursday through Saturday from 9 P.M. -1 A.M., the Arriba Room will serve street tacos from its walk-up taco window, Mexican beer and wine, batched cocktails and house sodas. Head to the game lounge and try your hand at one of the classic arcade games, like Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga and Frogger, or challenge friends to a friendly game of foosball or shuffle board. Curadero and the Arriba Room are located at 1047 Fifth Avenue in downtown San Diego. For more information and updates, follow them on Facebook (/CuraderoSD), on Instagram (@CuraderoSD), or online at www.Curadero.com ### HOURS:Breakfast: 7AM – 10:30AMLunch:  11AM – 3PMDinner: 5PM – 10PMBar: 3PM – 10PMArriba Room: Thursday – Saturday | 9PM – 1AM