New Modern Mexican Eatery to Focus on Baja Wine

Flor Franco, the local chef who just opened a new restaurant in the Valle de Guadalupe, is next turning her attention back to San Diego, where she plans to open an eatery in Chula Vista in the space that was once her catering hub.

Zarco Comida de Baja is named after Francisco Zarco, a well-known Mexican writer from the 1800s. Franco is redressing the 2,000-square-foot restaurant, with seating for 48, into an intimate and upscale showcase for modern Mexican food and Baja wine.

Opening in mid-August, Zarco will also have outdoor seating and a partially open kitchen; it'll serve lunch and dinner, operating from noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Though it'll focus on the food of Baja, the menu will also include Spanish products, from Iberico ham to artisan cheese. There will also be a substantial wine program, with over 100 labels from Baja, curated by Baja Wine & Food's Fernando Gaxiola.

The menu is developing, but the crudo bar dishes include an aguachile of wild shrimp with chile, cucumber and squid ink, a ceviche of the day with mango, guava and serrano and a tiradito of yellowtail and octopus with yuzu.
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