New Organic South American Eatery, Pachamama, Announces Grand Opening

The all-new organic restaurant, Pachamama, made its debut this week in the thriving Kensington / Normal Heights enclave of Adams Avenue.Inspired by the owner’s South American roots, the fast-casual and mostly plant-based menu is mindfully designed to infuse bright and complex flavors that honor the indigenous cuisines of Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay using all organic ingredients.

A vibrant menu of flavorful healthy fare

From the culinary team behind the creative restaurant group Cafe Gratitude, Chef Ernesto Moreno has created a vibrant menu of flavorful healthy fare. As Pachamama’s name is synonymous with “Mother Earth,” the from-scratch menu is 100% organic and many options are vegan, gluten-free,and paleo friendly.

The restaurant’s practices maintain the utmost reverence for nature and is deeply committed to working in a way that is environmentally sustainable, and even regenerative, while offering the community delicious food that nourishes from the inside out.

“We are grateful to be part of such a health-conscious and community-centered city,” said Vick Vannucci, founder and CEO. “We at Pachamama hope to show San Diego the beauty and vitality of the Amazon through the cuisine and culture of South America. And through our regenerative practices we hope to honor not only mother earth, but this wonderful community as well.”

Pachamama is a fully sustainable restaurant that sources ingredients from local farms and supports animal kindness and ecosystem restoration. They plan to give a portion of all sales to animal welfare services, in hopes to support the cycle of life on this planet.

The space

MY Studio ID, a local hospitality design studio has brought together elements that are indigenous South America. Eclectic and local art, leafy green plants, pops of color, and earthy textures commemorate its heritage and articulate this airy and casual California-style eatery.

A thoughtfully designed outdoors pace takes full advantage of the relaxed San Diego al fresco dining experience. The combined aesthetic, both open and comfortable, is designed to make diners feel especially welcome as they gather in this communal space.

The Mission

Pachamama’s mission is to provide high-quality healthy cuisine made with love and respect for the journey every ingredient takes from the earth to the table. Each dish is created with intention from organic, whole food ingredients, and only a small amount of select animal protein from providers using the highest standards in humane treatment of their animals.

A few of the dishes that offer a look into this under-explored part of the world include Andean cancha, which is like a giant toasted corn nut that is crispy with a savory lime taste, and quinoa chaufa, their version of a Peruvian-style fried grain with a blend of ginger and garlic that boasts an herbaceous profile of scallions and cilantro.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner menu highlights include

House Empanadas: spinach & cheese, chicken & pepper, sweet organic corn
Tacu Tacu: Peruvian bean & quinoa cakes with our version of fresh salsa criolla
Andes Salad: broccolini, butter lettuce, red pepper, spicy cashew, cashew-tamari dressing
Ocean Bowl: kelp noodles, mineral-rich seaweed mix, roasted carrots, broccolini, chili oil
Homemade Tamale: mushroom or chicken
Peruvian-Spiced Eggplant & Tomato
Free-range Steak with Chimichurri: roasted potato spears & tomato
Avocado Tostada
Peruvian Caramel Cookie bar: their version of alfajores de maizaena