"The first of two new Fashion Valley eateries from Fox Restaurant Concepts will make its debut later this month; scheduled to grand open on Wednesday, September 26, Blanco Tacos + Tequila will bring a modern Mexican menu and a big tequila-based beverage program to the mall. This is the fourth Blanco location for the highly-regarded hospitality group, run by True Food Kitchen founder Sam Fox, which also operates Flower Child in Del Mar and will launch North Italia at Fashion Valley later this year and a yet-unnamed eatery in Coronado in early 2019. Located on the second floor of the mall near the movie theater, Blanco Tacos + Tequila seats 225 across a 4,930-square-foot indoor/outdoor space; the design for the San Diego outpost is new for the brand, and includes unique artwork and murals. It will be open daily for lunch and dinner, with a weekday happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Executive chef Aimee Patel is overseeing a menu that starts with a signature guacamole made with roasted poblano, anaheim chiles, caramelized onion, and cotija cheese and other dishes including chicken tortilla soup, warm queso dip, and “Mexican pizza” topped with short rib machaca. Tacos are the centerpiece, served on fresh corn tortillas, with fillings ranging from grilled avocado to Snake River Wagyu carne asada, but there are also burritos, bowls, enchiladas, and fajitas. Beverages get equal billing, from agave spirits for sipping to cocktails made with fresh juices that include a Blackberry Clementine Margarita with white tequila and hibiscus sea salt to a Oaxacan Shandy made with pineapple, blood orange liqueur, tequila, Mexican beer and cilantro." - Candice Woo
