Volcano Rabbit

"Set to reopen Friday, February 16 after temporarily shuttering last fall, the rebooted Don Chido is now called Volcano Rabbit. Named after a real animal — the world’s second-smallest rabbit which is native to Mexico — the restaurant from RMD Group (Rustic Root, Side Bar, Salvucci’s) has an all-new menu and bar program that positions it at as a fresh addition to the Gaslamp nightlife scene. Reimagined by local firm Ocio Design Group to resemble a traditional Mexican hacienda with both playful and elegant touches, the Fifth Avenue restaurant’s menu revolves around tacos from executive chef Andre Alto that range from chili-rubbed octopus to seared ahi, sticky beef short rib and blackened-lime shrimp. And each month, Volcano Rabbit will rotate in a deluxe special taco; priced at $20, the over-the-top options will include baked lobster with katafi, poached quail egg, citrus aioli and sturgeon caviar; sea scallop with arancini cake, lemon coulis, crispy yam and bacon pop rock; and beef cheek with brioche toast, foie gras, marrow butter and mascarpone sauce. There are larger entrees too, such as a shareable meat board piled with carne asada, carnitas, a duck leg and more. Bringing the party is menu of agave spirits menu that offers more than 175 selections from around the globe. Beyond craft cocktails, margarita variations and large-format drinks, the bar also has a bottle service program that includes a “mix-and-match” mini-bottle option which gives guests the choice of three mini spirits bottles from more than 30 options. And serious tequila collectors can even have their own tequila locker on-site, with memberships including discounted bottle pricing, Volcano Rabbit will also host DJs every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; a weekly Saturday party brunch will feature build-your-own ceviche stations and brunch bottle service." - Candice Woo