Alchemy Restaurant: South Park

1503 30th St.
San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 255-0616
www.alchemysandiego.com
Open 7 days a week-
Sun-Thurs: 4pm-12pm (bar); 5pm-11pm (dining)
Fri & Sat: 4pm-1am (bar); 5pm-11pm (dining)
Sat & Sun: 10am-2pm (Brunch)

***Happy Hour Specials

Eclectic Fare; Neighborhood restaurant
Casual
Full Bar
Local art exhibition
Craft-cocktails
Local & Craft Beer
Farm to Table Practices
Vegetarian Menu Available
Vegan Menu Available
Kitchen Open Late (11pm)
Catch the game; TVs available
Great for Groups
Intimate setting
Great Service

 

Situated in the heart of South Park, Alchemy Restaurant strives to attune itself to the same beat of its eclectic and ever-diversifying neighborhood. Hyper-consciousness to culinary trends, uncompromisable support for locally-sourced ingredients, and an insatiable need to constantly evolve as a whole, intrinsically, Alchemy itself, is reciprocal to South Park’s multifaceted, forward-thinking mentality.

The space, a widened-oval shape, is functional but not uncomfortably so: Seating along its walls, complimented by dim-lighting, is reserved for more intimate couplings. The back wall billows outward and beckons the congregation of larger groups and celebrations. Seating around the bar area intentionally draws in those more casual diners, and frequent locals, looking to sip from a selection of local craft beers or handcrafted libations, while they catch the game on Alchemy’s flat screen TV. Along Alchemy’s walls, is a thoughtfully-curated collection of local art that changes monthly: Adding a sense of novelty to the space, while reinforcing its sense of familiarity; and its’ community-minded, inclusive, inviting atmosphere.

Chef Heredia, Alchemy’s Executive Chef is, undeniably, accomplished in his field. However, what sets Chef Heredia apart from his peers in the culinary sphere, is his ever awe-inspiring ability to balance his hyper-attentiveness to culinary trends, his overwhelming ambitiousness, and his dedication to keeping Alchemy locally-minded. Heredia successfully accomplishes this by re-imagining upscale cuisine into approachable and affordable offerings, without sacrificing quality nor compromising his commitment to farm-to-table practices.

At first look at Alchemy’s extensive, culturally-expansive menu, claiming Chef Heredia is a multi-tasker, is a fair statement; but, rather laughable understatement:

Like the emerging community’s search for identity, Alchemy, too, demonstrates a need to cover all fronts: Offering what they’ve loosely-defined as “cultural fare“: Incorporating flavors and food that span from across the globe, while integrating ingredients sourced locally, and encompassing a particular mindfulness to the portion size, of each respective offering.

The tapas selection, as appropriately defined, draws influence from primarily Iberian Peninsular cuisine: Piquillo Rellenos, Spanish peppers, are filled with berkshire pulled pork and seasoned with a barbaque sauce; the Sea Bass Ceviche is tossed with cascabel & pasilla peppers and cilantro in tangerine and lime juices, which is then topped with corn nuts and served with plantain chips for scooping up the goodness.

However the Calamari de Cadiz: Tender bits of calamari sautéed in white wine with country ham and a saffron butter accompanied by generous portions of lemon pugliese bread to soak up all the bits and pieces – is entrancingly fragrant and its’ gorgeous, well-balanced flavor, makes this dish an indulgent must.

Conscious to the slow food initiatives and growing mindfulness to “waste”- Alchemy has also followed suit and has recently added Bone Marrow to their menu. Theirs is roasted with fresh, earthy thyme, used to enhance the marrow’s hearty flavor, and is served with grilled lemon pugliese bread; the heat, allows the marrow to melt into place, making for a tantalizing, and surprisingly approachable delight.

For casual snacking at the bar while you watch the game and chat up the bartender, the Parmesan Frites are tough to pass up: Shoestring potatoes fries are tossed in just the right amount of Parmesan cheese and served with ketchup and an aioli dip, infused with welcomed hint of garlic.

Their larger portions, or “Standards” offerings stick around all-year long. While the rest of the menu flip-flops according to seasonal transitions, you can safely look forward to these tried and true mainstays without risking disappointment.

The outstanding favorite has to be the expertly pan-roasted Arctic Char; served on a bed of lusciously and creamy butternut squash puree, Belgium Endive, tender oyster mushrooms and topped with chive gremolata. The Arctic Char is prepared to perfection; the flesh is delicately cooked through to just the right firmness, while its skin sizzles until it becomes a light, tantalizing crisp. Expertly paired with earthy produce; that successfully infuses a variety of deep flavor compounds, while highlighting its’ cold water charm, this dish is simply delightful.

For a more relaxed night, Alchemy’s signature Burger is the unquestionable go-to; jazzed up to just the right degree – with house-cured pickles and Mahon cheese – without becoming too gourmand for comfort.

*Veggie-Minded Offerings*

Conscious to the increasing demand for vegetarian alternatives, Alchemy has recently buffed up its’ menu with a cheerful variety of omnivore-minded offerings — where nearly all of which are also available vegan as well.

The local vine Stuffed Tomato is filled with Israeli couscous, baby spoon Spinach, Kalamata olives, and basil, surrounded by fresh zucchini bits, and the whole creation is topped with a green onion pesto, and sunflower spouts for added bite. Their freshly-made Tortellini is filled with carrot and mascarpone and covered in a spring pea reduction, and then topped with organic pea tendrils and curry oil.

*More At Alchemy*

For even more on Alchemy, visit them for Brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2am or stop by Sunday nights for Silent Sundays, when Alchemy is transformed into a speakeasy: Serving up prohibition era cocktails and jazz from 8pm- 12am.

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS***

Mon-Fri 4pm-6pm
Mon-Sun 10-12am
Fri & Sat 10-1am

$3 drafts
$3 Well drinks
$2 OFF wines by the glass

By: TD