Casa Gabriela is in the works in La Mesa, replacing the now closed BO-Beau Kitchen + Garden. Named after local chef Gabby Lopez, the restaurant is in collaboration with Cohn Restaurant Group who operated BO-Beau since 2013.
What Now San Diego caught up with Chef Gabby Lopez about the new concept and ultimate passion project. Also the creator and owner of La Doña in Ocean Beach, Lopez explains that we can expect new and different flavors in her next venture.
“Casa Gabriela is a similar style of authentic Mexican food but more elaborate dishes. The new restaurant allows me to cook in different directions, a little bit of fusion with my own twist. La Doña was my baby but Casa Gabriela will be different,” explains Lopez.
Born and raised in Tijuana, Lopez is taking inspiration from Baja and her mother’s home region of Guadalajara, Mexico in the creation of the menu for Casa Gabriela. While many details are still in progress, Lopez shares she will incorporate flavors from Baja in her seafood dishes like a honey lime salmon, along with homestyle family recipes like her great grandmother’s birria, and Mexican-style lentils.
The former BO-beau Kitchen is in the process of being revamped to make way for the aesthetic of the new concept. “When you get to see Casa Gabriela, the decor will have so much of me mixed in. I can’t tell you all the details because we want to make it a surprise but it brings tears to my eyes,” shares Lopez.
Casa Gabriela is expected to debut in January 2023, with happy hour and dinner service to start then later introducing a brunch and lunch menu. The restaurant is in the process of setting up social media to share updates on their progress toward opening. What Now will continue to share updates on Casa Gabriela as more details emerge.
