Japengo Goes Local; Hillcrest Home Brew; New Fruiteria

LA JOLLA — Longtime area restaurant, Cafe Japengo, has given their Pacific Rim-inspired menu a new local bent, incorporating ingredients from Suzie's Farm, Sadie Rose Bakery Carlsbad Aquafarm. Among the the just-debuted dishes from chef Jay Payne: local mussels in coconut curry sauce and BBQ-glazed short rib buns with pickled vegetables and nori fries. [EaterWire]

HILLCREST— Hillcrest Brewing Company has launched a series of monthly home brew classes, starting this weekend. From noon to 3 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month, sign up for a $15 brewing demo that includes a 22-ounce bottle of the class' home brew. Sign up by calling 619-269-HEAD (4323). [Facebook]

NORMAL HEIGHTS— Tacos De Mexicali, which specializes in street tacos made with hand made flour tortillas, is in the process of adding a new in-house fruiteria run by owner Ismael Sotelo's mom, Liz, who also oversees their bustling catering business. It'll serve Mexican shaved ice, fruit cocktails and fresh fruit juices. [EaterWire]