If there is one restaurant that could finally get San Diegans hooked on South American food, it’s Pachamama. Nestled in the beloved hamlet of Kensington, this new, vibrant restaurant has captured our San Diego hearts. Because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love South American food? It’s all about the freshness of the ingredients and the savory zing of the plates. South America’s diverse immigrant populations (Chinese, Japanese, African, Italian, and more) have long mingled with the traditional Andean and Latin cultures to create some of the world’s most unique and innovative cuisines. And we are now lucky enough to have Pachamama, to showcase the region with color, vibrance, and downright tasty gastronomic indulgences.
The first thing you will notice about Pachamama is the openness of the space, which is foreshadowing for how welcome you will feel dining here. The decor is whitewashed, accented with splashes of dynamic color, a visual illustration of the South American culture in textured, tasteful fabrics. Evoking consciousness of the continent’s rainforests, live plants tastefully adorn the otherwise open surfaces, from the walls to the bar counter to the floors. Large windows allow an abundance of natural light into the space, complementing the warmth and openness of its communal feel.
On any given day, you will likely be greeted by Maria Victoria Vannucci (or Vick, as she introduces herself), the dynamic and gregarious owner of Pachamama. It has been her dream to open a restaurant that served sustainable food in an environment where you feel at home and welcome, and it shows. Every detail of the restaurant from the service, to the plating, to the décor, to the food has the spirit of her warmth and passion for her culture. Even among the service staff, it is clear she has created an environment where those around her feel loved, supported and happy. There is an atmosphere and joy among all the staff, who are the friendliest in town. And it all reflects in the stuff we love: Pachamama’s food.
San Diego-born Executive Chef, Ernesto Moreno heads the kitchen in an expert execution of Vick’s dream. The all-organic, mostly plant-based menu glimmers and gleams with fresh ceviche, crunchy-fresh green salads, and exquisitely cooked meat add-ons like sustainable salmon and organic chicken.
A feeling of eating in a warmth of Vick and Chef Ernesto’s home kitchen permeates the menu. Seasonally flavored agua frescas? Got it. Veggie and green rice bowl with yogurt dressing? You betcha. Matcha alfajores for your post-meal sweets? Don’t mind if I do. The menu has just the right balance of variety while keeping to the purity of hand-selected meat and produce to satisfy us San Diegans that now expect freshness as a rule.
We loved them all. And we loved everything about Pachamama. It is springtime year-round in our favorite new neighborhood restaurant, which may be the loveliest thing to hit our cherished Kensington ‘hood. Ever.
Pachamama is located in the beautiful hamlet of Kensington, San Diego. 3737 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116. Te: 619.738.3737. www.whoispachamama.com.
