Sycamore Den Team To Take Over Downtown Landmark

The stretch of downtown bordered by Little Italy, the Marina District, the Gaslamp and the East Village, known as the Civic/Core , may be one of the remaining epicenters of business and commerce in San Diego that has yet to be developed by the food and drink industry.

Currently, the neighborhood's largest food attraction is likely the much-hyped Donut Bar, but the area is about to get a welcome shot in the arm from a collection of industry pros who last teamed up to open Adams Avenue's Sycamore Den.

Eater has learned that the trio behind the cocktail haven - Nick Zanoni, Eric Johnson and Russell Hampton - are taking over the 2,400-square-foot La Gran Tapa (611 B St.), for a yet-unnamed restaurant that will aim for a late summer opening.

Zanoni, whose culinary past includes founding a farm-to-table eatery in Georgia, will partner with Johnson, Eater's 2013 Bartender of the Year, and Hampton (Bootleggers), who will act as general manager.

The Spanish tapas bar, which was first opened 30 years ago by Paul Dobson of Dobson's fame, is equipped with two kitchens; the entirely new concept will offer lunch, dinner, and brunch, with a curated cocktail menu from Johnson. Bells & Whistles, who created the 70's-meets-modern look of Sycamore Den, is back for this project, which will reportedly have an "urban machine-age design".
· Sycamore Den [Official Site]
· All Coming Attractions on Eater [~ESD~]

[Photo via Facebook]