|
Petrushka
As stated on Pertrushka's menu: "Like the gypsies of old who traveled in their slow caravans through Russia and Eastern Europe," a sense of migration has taken place along El Cajon Boulevard from the Russian Georgian Restaurant Pomegranate
to Eastern Europe at Restaurant Petrushka, "whose dishes reflect significant culinary traditions found along the Danube River and the Balkan Peninsula."
Seven years ago Dmitriy dined at Pomegranate and had the pleasure of meeting Mark, who co-owns the restaurant. Dmitriy was astonished by how genuine and unique the restaurant was, and he admired its success. Dmitriy was interested in
starting his own restaurant and acknowledges Mark as a great mentor, so the two began talking about creating something together. In December of 2009, Petrushka came into being just two doors down from Pomegranate, in a neighborhood both
partners believe has soul. Dmitriy is from Latvia, a country in the Baltic region of North-eastern Europe. Although his background is in law, he prides himself on great customer service and is passionate about serving people the food he
knows best and loves.
Petruska's menu is derived from the flavors of Serbia, Romania, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Latvia, Hungry and Bulgaria. Dmitriy is confident these dishes are not available anywhere else in San Diego. Dmitriy welcomes customers into the
restaurant as if they were entering his home. The colorful tiles, aged wooden tables, glass bottle candle sticks, antique piano, colorful flags, and pillows make for an authentic and cozy environment which is anything but boring. Dmitri
hates boring! By the end of the evening, when his guests have eaten, and they are filled with satisfaction, Dmitri is also fulfilled.
Of course, it doesn't end there. In fact, word has it that the gypsy caravan is still on the go. As long as progress continues as it has at Petrushka, the block will continue to expand with a traditional café and bakery, accompanied by
the sounds of balkan gypsy music. That's right; the cultural revitalization of the El Cajon Boulevard is in full swing!
Historic Rehabilitation of The Lafayette Signifies Further Revitalization on the Boulevard
Thursday, April 15th 2010, most widely known as tax day, was in fact a spectacular day for the Lafayette Hotel. Nearly 60 years after its opening, Jay Wentz, owner of the hotel announced an extensive list of exciting renovation plans for
the Lafayette. Shutting the doors of the hotel was a very real possibility, and the struggle to obtain 4 million dollars to rehabilitate the hotel was only made possible with great support from the community, dedicated staff and
outstanding leadership from the City of San Diego.
In September 2008, JCG Development submitted a subsidy request for the rehabilitation of the historic portion of the Lafayette Hotel, which includes 131 rooms and the swimming pool. A $2.45 million forgivable loan was approved by the City
of San Diego Redevelopment Agency board on January 12, 2010. Total cost of the revitalization project is $4 million with the remaining $1.65 million in funding coming from JCG Development.
The idea behind this historic rehabilitation is to blend its colorful past as an entertainment hub and lifestyle destination to its future in bolstering the revitalization of the Boulevard and the surrounding neighborhood. As
Councilmember Todd Gloria stated, "this hotel embodies the spirit of something glamorous and opulent," and he hopes it inspires additional renovations throughout the community.
According to Historian and Preservation Planner Wendy L. Tinsley Becker, AICP, Principal of Urbana Preservation & Planning, LLC, who is serving as the historic preservation consultant for the rehabilitation project, the most significant
aspects of the property include the Colonial Revival style Main Hotel Building with its tetrastyle portico, intact original terrazzo flooring, coffered ornamental ceilings, the Seashell Bandstand in the Mississippi Room, and the historic
swimming pool with its terrazzo finish. Additionally, the hotel's architecture and recognition as a visual and historic landmark on El Cajon Boulevard is supplemented by the property's social history, with many San Diegan's recalling
important memories formed at the hotel through the decades.
Yelp About the Boulevard
Soho
3025 El Cajon Blvd
Yelper: I've already been to Soho 5 times since it opened three weeks ago. It's quickly become my favorite new restaurant. Friday night we held a small group birthday dinner there and the whole group loved it! I hope that will be
the first of many more group dinners in this location.
Some of my favorites so far are the salmon/blackened shrimp entree, the goat cheese/peppers appetizer, the shrimp cake, the chicken sandwich, and for dessert ... I am now having a constant craving for the beignets.
The best thing overall about this place though is how friendly and welcoming the owner and staff are. They just make it an enjoyable place to hang out. Soho is a great addition to NP, fitting in and yet offering something unique to the
neighborhood.
Like one of the earlier reviewers, I just joined Yelp to be able to post this review.
Click
here for more yelp reviews.
Featured Art on the Boulevard
Geraldine Lozano designed the Life Ride box to illustrate the magical lifestyle that can be obtained by riding a bicycle. In order to create a more vibrant business district, the local community is being encouraged to slow down and
peruse the Boulevard on foot and bicycle.
|
