The Dish: 3 new restaurants on tap

By Pam Kragen

Rustic Root

Rustic Root, a new rustic American restaurant concept, will open its doors in May at 535 Fifth Ave. in the Gaslamp.

The dinner-only rooftop restaurant will be the second Gaslamp eatery opened by partners RMD Group, Ken Lovi and executive chef/partner Antonio Friscia. Their first collaboration was Don Chido, a modern Mexican restaurant which opened last June.

“Rustic Root combines our reputation for service with Ken Lovi’s expertise and Chef Antonio Friscia’s culinary talent, and we’re confident it will elevate downtown San Diego’s dining scene with a unique menu and unparalleled guest experience,” said Michael Georgopoulos, RMD Group partner.

Rustic Root’s menu will feature locally sourced meats, produce and seafood and house-made ingredients. Signature items will include a double cut, bone-in pork chop with apple rhubarb chutney and parsnip purée, seared Hamachi, elk chops and a unique twist on the classic surf and turf dish, featuring steak tartar and Hamachi crudo.

“This is my food. It will draw from the coastal influences I grew up with in San Francisco, and combine them with the techniques and flavors that I have come to appreciate throughout my career,” Friscia said.

The restaurant will also have a craft cocktail menu designed by Garth Flood.

Rustic Root will serve dinner daily starting at 4 p.m. in the restaurant and rooftop, and a late-night menu on the rooftop. Visit: https://www.rusticrootsd.com/ .