Sep. 25—Earlier than Jeff Cieslewicz begins cooking his Southern California-themed menu in New Kensington, he is taking a visit to the state to get some concepts.
Cieslewicz, 38, of Latrobe is a chef and companion with Sean Watson, 41, a businessman from Decrease Burrell, in SoCal Mexicali Grill, a restaurant they plan to open in November at 700 Fifth Ave.
Purchased by Watson in November 2018, the constructing is throughout from Penn State’s The Nook, the co-working and entrepreneurial studying heart. It was beforehand residence to Tommy Chen’s China Bistro.
Cieslewicz mentioned this will probably be his first go to to California. Over every week there in October together with his spouse, Michelle, he plans to immerse himself in California meals tradition and are available again impressed.
Southern Californian delicacies differs from Mexican in being extra meat-based, with out rice and beans, Cieslewicz mentioned.
“I like that model of meals,” he mentioned. “I would not really feel proper with out going there and experiencing it firsthand.”
With a Southern California base, SoCal will supply dishes with Californian, Mexican, Hawaiian and Japanese influences. The menu will embrace vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices.
The restaurant will probably be open for breakfast and lunch. The morning menu will embrace recent juices, acai bowls, avocado toast and different mild and wholesome fare. Lunch will see dishes equivalent to carne asada, carnitas, poke bowls and ramen.
“You will not see fryers right here,” Watson mentioned.
Plans for dinner hours and choices are evolving and will probably be primarily based on demand, Watson mentioned.
“My ardour right here is Southern California flavors and recent, vibrant components,” Cieslewicz mentioned. “I feel that keenness is de facto going to indicate in our meals.”
Watson mentioned there will probably be one thing for everybody.
“It will not be like anything on the town,” he mentioned.
Cieslewicz was head chef at Knead Neighborhood Cafe for 2 years, the place he and Watson met. He helped Watson launch botL, a restaurant Watson opened in New Kensington in 2020 with companions Dante Cicconi and Corey Pistininzi.
Going into SoCal with Cieslewicz was “a simple partnership to create,” Watson mentioned.
After Knead, Cieslewicz was amenities supervisor at Amplify Church in Plum. He mentioned he left that job as a result of he felt “known as” again to New Kensington.
“I need to be a part of New Kensington,” Cieslewicz mentioned. “I like it right here. It is value driving an hour a day.”
The constructing has three storefronts, with 4 residences above. Watson runs his enterprise, Maintain-ABLE Issues, from there. Cleopatra’s Coiffures, a hair salon, is in one other storefront.
The residences are unoccupied. Watson has not began renovating them but, saying he is working from the underside up.
As a result of the area for SoCal had been a restaurant, Watson mentioned it is extra prepared than the previous Freeport Highway bar the place botL is positioned. Moreover changing the partitions and flooring and bringing in a brand new flattop, nothing else must be achieved, he mentioned.
They plan on being open six days every week and closed Sundays. Cieslewicz mentioned he expects to be there day by day in the beginning, they usually’ll ultimately rent 5 to 10 individuals.
Watson mentioned SoCal Mexicali can have a feel-good, laidback ambiance. Ordering and paying will probably be centered on a smartphone app. Whereas the eatery will probably be centered on carryout, he mentioned there will probably be seating for 30 to 35 individuals to eat there and benefit from the vibe.
Watson mentioned New Kensington is changing into a hub for meals quicker than he believed it may occur. There are lots of choices already, however they need extra.
“We’ve got an finish purpose right here that’s rising this neighborhood one step at a time,” Watson mentioned, “and that is going to incorporate some Southern California taste.”
Brian C. Rittmeyer is a Tribune-Evaluation employees author. You’ll be able to contact Brian at 724-226-4701, brittmeyer@triblive.com or through Twitter .
