Food and drink blotter – Sept. 2024

Nostalgia in the Gaslamp Quarter

After a series of unexplained delays over the past year, Good Night John Boy by Forward Hospitality Group has finally opened.

The 11,000-square-foot eating-and-drinking venue shows off a disco atmosphere replete with a vintage-style dance floor, shag carpeting, groovy wallpaper and paneled walls.

“Good Night John Boy” refers to the closing line heard in each episode of the ‘70s television series “The Waltons.” At the end of each episode, as its rural-life family members tucked into their beds every evening, one of them would say “good night” to show’s central character named John Boy.

The menu features everything from disco punch, signature cocktails and canned beer to adult “happy meals,” burgers, chicken tenders and fries. The club also has locations in Chicago, St. Petersburg, Florida, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. 401 G St., goodnightjb.com.

RustiCucina’s refresh

The nearly five-year-old RustiCucina on the border of Hillcrest and North Park has been given a noticeable face lift.

After a month-long closure, the popular Italian restaurant recently reopened with a fountain on the patio, freshly painted walls, new bar stools, an updated restroom and other detailed renovations.

Customers will also find a handful of newcomers to the menu. They include Bolognese lasagna; a pasta sauce made with wild boar sausage; and a double smash burger with Provolone and truffle mayo. The restaurant’s famous tableside spectacle involving various pasta dishes tossed in an 80-pound cheese wheel has remained. 3797 Park Blvd., 619-310-529, rusticucina.com.

Get your spicy chicken fix right here

Downtown residents and denizens are clucking with excitement over the upcoming arrival of Houston TX Hot Chicken, which will open later this month on Sept. 21 in the Gaslamp Quarter.

The Las Vegan-based chain with its curious reference to “Houston” is lauded for its hormone-free, never-frozen chicken tenders, which are breaded, fried and available in a wide range of spice levels.

Beyond the common “mild” and “medium” levels, the barometer ascends through “spicy,” “liftoff” and “Houston we have a problem.” The latter is tailored to the toughest of palates and requires the signing of a waiver.

References from the Lone Star State pervade the menu with other options such as a “Texas Caesar salad” with spicy croutons, a Texas-inspired chicken tortilla soup and other Tex-Mex sidekicks. The fare also extends to waffle sandwiches, loaded fries, and milkshakes.

The opening in Downtown San Diego marks the company’s 20th location nationwide. 238 Fifth Ave., hhc.ooo.

Our top three picks for National Dumpling Day

There are certain “food holidays” that grab our attention, no matter how obscure. This month’s National Dumpling Day (Sept. 26) is one of them, given the versatility of dumplings, which hail from countries all over the world. These tasty purses sport dough casings that are sometimes light and delicate, or they can have just the right amount of chew leading into a variety of fillings. We’re particularly smitten with the dumplings at these restaurants.

Dumplings N More, 3865 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619-738-8539. This Chinese family-run eatery specializes in handmade dumplings that can be ordered steamed, boiled or pan fried. The pan-fried lamb-green onion dumplings top our list here, followed by an order of steamed dumplings filled richly with shrimp, egg and veggies.

Pomegranate Russian-Georgian Restaurant, 2312 El Cajon Blvd., North Park, 619-298-4007, pomegranatesd.com. We’re torn between the beautifully crimped meat dumplings (pelmeni) served with yogurt-dill sauce and the classic potato-cheese pierogi boasting creamy centers and sauteed onions. The cozy, inviting atmosphere is your ticket to the best Slavic food in San Diego.

Bhojan Griha, 2367 San Diego Ave., Old Town, 619-294-5770; bhojangrihaoldtown.com. Your passport to the Himalayas begins at this colorfully appointed restaurant, where Nepalese-style momo dumplings with sturdy casings and a light tomato sauce are made fresh daily. They come with a variety of fillings. We’re fond of the ground chicken momo revealing hints of cilantro, minced onion and sesame.

French-style deli coming to South Park

We’re excited at the prospect of Cafe Madeleine opening a sandwich shop in a former hair salon in central South Park. The venture is expected to launch in early to mid 2025.

The Latina-owned bistro is known for its crepes, quiche, and croque Monsieur sandwiches. It has two locations; their original spot in South Park, which was followed some years later by second, larger location in North Park. A third kitchen in Barrio Logan is slated for this fall.

No name has been given yet for next year’s upcoming deli and the menu is still in development. It will be located at 2971 Beech St. cafemadeleinesd.com.