By Lisa Hay – August 20th 2024, What Now San Diego
The new culinary concept invites guests to indulge in an inventive menu of Mediterranean cuisine infused with Baja flair
Landini’s Restaurant Group opened the doors of its latest dining destination, Slowly Restaurant & Lounge. Located at 1520 Garnet Ave. in the vibrant Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego, the new culinary concept invites guests to indulge in an inventive menu of Mediterranean cuisine infused with Baja flair while unwinding in a setting that seamlessly blends the tranquility of a garden patio with the sophistication of a martini bar.
Created by Leo and Christine Landini, the visionary duo behind popular San Diego restaurants Landini’s Pizzeria, Scuderie Italia and Ristorante Illando, Slowly will take guests on a culinary journey that’s both chef-driven and heartwarming. “In the Mediterranean, meals are more than just food – they’re an experience shared with loved ones,” said Leo Landini, who hails from Italy in a statement. “At Slowly, we’re capturing that same spirit, where every bite and sip is savored, not just for the flavor, but for the memories made with the company around you.”
At the helm of Slowly’s kitchen is Executive Chef Yadira Cuevas, whose lifelong passion for cooking shines through in every dish. Highlights include “Slow Starters” such as tuna crudo, featuring sushi-grade tuna, poke sauce, chili oil and sesame seeds, priced at $23; beef skewers with skirt steak, red onion, bell peppers and an apple whiskey glaze, priced at $20; and a vibrant carrot salad with shaved heirloom carrots, asparagus, pickled beets, orange and Fresno chili and poppy seed-dill dressing, priced at $14.
The mains showcase Cuevas’ culinary artistry with dishes like her signature herb-marinated chicken, served with cauliflower purée, sautéed asparagus and chimichurri sauce, priced at $28; roasted maitake mushrooms paired with crispy potatoes and mole sauce, priced at $24.50; and the Sweet and Slow pork chop, featuring a guajillo pepper sauce and sweet citrus harissa, priced at $34. For a sweet finale, “Deliberately Desserted” selections include crème brûlée, pay de queso, chef’s gelato and more.
Complementing the cuisine are craft cocktails such as the Tranquil Tiki Dream, made with white rum, ginger liqueur, lime juice, blue triple sec, pineapple juice and coconut milk, priced at $16; the Whispering Ember’s Old-Fashioned, a tropical fusion of vodka, rum, lemon juice and orange liqueur, priced at $23; The Christine, made with Sipsmith gin, jalapeño olive, dry ice and edible gold flakes, priced at $23; and the Heart Chakra, crafted with choice of gin or vodka, matcha tea, apple and pear lemongrass syrup, apple and pear liqueur and a take home rose quartz charm, priced at $23, as well as draft and bottled beers and a wine list of Italian reds, whites and bubbles.
Chef Cuevas has spent more than 10 years working in the culinary industry, but brings with her a lifetime of passion for the art of cooking, which was passed down to her through generations of rich culture and family traditions. Her innovative dishes focus on Mediterranean cuisine with regional Baja influences, with each bite carefully curated to instill a moment of bliss. Raised in Michoacán, Mexico, Cuevas is passionate about creating innovative culinary experiences and every dish reflects her diverse culinary journey and the rich traditions of her heritage.
Slowly’s interior radiates inviting warmth, featuring oversized banquettes and cozy chairs upholstered in vibrant greens and rich earth tones, complemented by gold accents. Hand-painted murals by a local artist add a touch of creative flair to the dining room and bar.
Slowly is open for dinner and late night bites and sips from 4 to 11 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday; from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Thursday; and from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Valet parking service, priced at $8, will be available on Fridays and Saturdays.
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