Park Commons Food Hall Drops in Sorrento Valley

The newest dining and event space from Whisknladle Hospitality (Gravity Heights, Catania) has opened doors in Sorrento Valley’s work campus, The Park. Home to technology businesses and startups, including Qualcomm and Sony, the fourth concept by managing partner Arturo Kessel and longtime culinary director/partner Ryan Johnston, Park Commons, aims to become a much-needed hub for the community dubbed “Silicon South.”

Spanning 10,000-square-feet in total, including a soon-to-be-opened adjoining outdoor patio, design-wise the space has a fluid, clean aesthetic punctuated by custom rope fixtures and mural from two Tijuana-based artists. Within are five individual counter-serve style concepts created by Ryan Johnston and executive chef Joanna Rockwell.

There’s Dr. J’s for artisanal deli sandwiches filled with locally sourced ingredients, fast-casual Middle Eastern fare with a West Coast spin at All Spice, and healthy soups and salads at Best Dressed. For south-of-the-SD-border dishes like beef barbacoa and Baja style fish tacos, there’s El Parque and Fricken Burgers for classic Whisknladle dishes and fan favorites, including a hot-fried chicken sandwich with pickled jalapeños.

Dark Horse Roasters coffee and specialty espresso drinks, plus grab-and-go pastries and a limited hot breakfast menu, are available from the all-day coffee bar. While a full-service bar showcases local spirits across its menu of classic and experimental cocktails, alongside a rotating selection of wine and local craft beers on draft from Whisknladle Hospitality’s own Gravity Heights just a half-mile away. There’s also a daily happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m.

And, thanks to Park Commons’ high-tech and intuitive touchscreen kiosks designed to customize and expedite the process, ordering is a cashless experience too. For now, the adjoining 3,000 square-foot outdoor patio that overlooks The Park’s tree-lined public green lawn and gaming area is slated to open in early December.