Mezcal Tasting Room and Oaxacan Restaurant Opening in Old Town | Eater San Diego

"Coming to Old Town’s main thoroughfare this fall, Tahona will bring Oaxacan culture and cuisine next to the historic Cemetery of El Campo Santo: a 2,000-square-foot restaurant and bar combining a full-service modern Mexican menu infused with Oaxaca flavors and a dedicated, “proper mezcal tasting room.” Designed by former “Design Star” finalist JG Color Studios, the space will feature large Spanish-style archways with rattan lights, vintage furniture, hand-painted tiles and custom elements including hand-troweled clay walls. Owner Amar Harrag—who co-owns four Matisse Bistro locations, runs a local real estate brokerage, is a USD grad and is involved with Create Purpose and Corazon de Vida—built the venue with fellow mezcal enthusiasts and plans to offer more than 120 varieties of mezcal with a focus on education and programming, from tasting events to group trips to Oaxaca and Baja led by mezcal expert Steven Sadri. Emily Thompson will oversee the front of house, while Carlo Bracci Devoti and Blair Marano will share beverage director duties and develop approachable, agave-based cocktails rooted in classics like the Margarita, Paloma, The Batanga and the Mexican Firing Squad, alongside some tropical drinks and frozen slushees; they will also help launch a companion speakeasy by the end of 2018." - Candice Woo