Fresh Crop of Food Coming to Liberty Public Market

The next couple months will bring a new surge of vendors to Liberty Public Market’s roster of more than 30 food tenants. The latest addition is Bao Bar boba and bun, which will take over the stall last occupied by Frat Boy Donuts. Burger shop Stuffed!, Frat Boy’s companion eatery, remains in operation at the market although its storefronts in Pacific Beach have since shuttered.

Scheduled to open in March, Bao Bar will be run by Alisa Haruthai, owner of Liberty Public Market’s already-popular Mama Made Thai. Its Pan-Asian menu will feature an array of steamed Chinese bao, or buns, as well as fresh rice paper-wrapped spring rolls filled with meat or vegetables. There will also be a large selection of beverages, ranging from a variety of milk teas from around Southeast Asia to Taiwanese black tea, green tea, smoothies, and slushies available with add-ons like mango bubbles, jelly, pudding, and fruit.

Due next month is Hold Fast, the gourmet sushi hand roll and sashimi spot from acclaimed chef Rob Ruiz of The Land & Water Co. and The Charles Kenneth in Carlsbad. A champion of sustainable seafood and zero-waste practices, Ruiz plans to serve a nimble menu that will change daily according to local seafood and organic produce. Also incoming is The Pig’s Gig, a Texas barbecue-inspired outfit from the team behind Mastiff Kitchen, and an outlet of Little Italy favorite Landini’s Pizzeria.