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CUCINA urbana is a California inspired Italian Kitchen and Wine Shop. Owner Tracy Borkum’s flair for combining great ambience, award-winning cuisine and unparalleled service are once again starring components in this latest Urban Kitchen Group creation. The restaurant is being heralded as the leader in the new regime of affordable dining in San Diego and has been the subject of praise from numerous local and national publications.
The restaurant’s interior evokes a modern kitchen combined with the history and comfort of an old rustic country farmhouse. A touch of home, splash of bohemia and many objects new and old attract the eye. A focus on raw, sustainable material and reclaimed local material is found throughout. Discarded fence boards recovered from San Diego county wrap columns, walls, service stations and the back bar.
Chef Joe Magnanelli and Pastry Chef Ben Rollins’ menu offers affordable selections of vasi + antipasti + boards + insalate + pizza + pasta + piatti + dolce. Their whimsical expression of Italian classics coupled with the use of the freshest local produce, and organic and sustainable products comprise a diverse menu with all items at or below $20. Whether dining traditionally or ‘family style’, guests have become hooked on favorites such as Stuffed Fried Squash Blossoms, Ricotta Gnudi, Braised Black Cod and Veal Piccata.
Wines of ‘The Americas,’ including California, Washington, Oregon, Argentina, Chile and Italy are among the major wine-producing regions offered in CUCINA urbana’s retail priced Wine Shop. Guests are invited to visit the restaurant’s retail area to select a bottle for lunch or dinner (a corkage fee of $7 applies) or purchase wine to go.
Additionally, CU plays host to a monthly ‘Winemakers Series,’ where guests are invited to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, taste a variety of wines and mingle with a winemaker in a casual, informal setting.
- all menu items $20 and under
- strong commitment to seasonality + sustainability
- organic + local product used whenever possible
- wines from the americas and italy – sold at retail pricing
- special discounts for cases of wine to go!
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local artisan beers + italian favorites
- housemade infused liquors + specialty cocktails
Owner: Tracy Borkum
Executive Chef: Joe Magnanelli
Sous Chef: JC Colon
Pastry Chef: Ben Rollins
General Manager/Wine Specialist: Ben Kephart
General Manager: Sara Stroud
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