Viral Cafe Popup Pepino Putting Down Permanent Roots in La Jolla
Pepino, a viral new cafe and bakeshop with Peruvian roots, is planning a permanent restaurant location in La Jolla.
The pop-up cafe is the brainchild of native San Diego chef Sebastian Becerra, who returned home a few years ago after cooking in fine dining kitchens around the U.S., including Rich Table in San Francisco and Eleven Madison Park in New York City.
Thanks to a few viral Instagram posts, Becerra was able to successfully boost his viral pop-up, which was located in the back patio of his home in La Jolla. According to Eater San Diego, Pepino is one of the first micro-enterprise home kitchen operations in the area.
As far as what Pepino serves up, the pop-up features a breakfast-oriented menu that takes its inspirations from the dishes that Becerra ate with his Peruvian family.
For example, one of the most well-known Peruvian dishes is lomo saltado, which features marinated strips of beef and french fries, tomatoes, and onions. At Pepino, you’ll find a breakfast burrito spin on the Peruvian classic.
There is also a lechon sandwich that is based on the delicious fried pork common in Peruvian cuisine, served with salsa criolla and huancaina sauce.
Additionally, Pepino La Jolla will also highlight some local friends and partners, including Wildwood Flour Bakery in Pacific Beach and Triumph Coffee Club.
As far as where you’ll find the viral pop-up cafe, it will be located on Fay Avenue near downtown La Jolla and will begin by serving breakfast and lunch. Construction is scheduled to wrap up early next year, though Pepino is planning several pop-ups around La Jolla and San Diego over the summer.
Media credit: Image courtesy of Pepino
Mike Peterson is a writer, editor, and strategist based in San Diego. When he’s not writing and editing the La Jolla news, you can often find him practicing yoga, rock climbing, or exploring the outdoors with his wife and dog.
