EAT/DRINK
ALL IN THE
FA M I LY The Busalacchi Family’s Latest Restaurant, Barbusa, is Another Member of Their Culinary Family Tree
GOTTA TRY ‘EM ALL
This Restaurant Biz is a Family Affair BUSALACCHI A MODO MIO Hillcrest Chef: Joe Busalacchi
WRITTEN BY: JORDAN LIGONS PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JOSIE GONZALES
Must Try: Imbottiti After 30 years, “His Way” has become the fave way that San Diegians do Italian. A Modo Mio’s Imbottiti pasta empasses sliced eggplant, three chesses, pesto, and salsa di pomodoro a.k.a the dream. 3707 5th Ave San Diego, CA 92103 619.298.0119 www.busalacchis.com
TRATTORIA FANTASTICA
When you hear the name Busalacchi, your stomach may begin to growl. We don’t blame you—the family’s name has become a synonym for authentic Italian cuisine in San Diego. Barbusa, the family’s latest Little Italy endeavor, is classic Sicilian with a modern spin, says General Manager and second-generation restaurateur P.J. Busalacchi. “We were a little more open-minded, more creative with the dishes,” Busalacchi says. “We put twists on the foods that we grew-up eating.” When you walk through the open entryway of Barbusa and settle next to a pop-art version of your favorite Italian superstar (think Sophia Loren and Luciano Pavarotti), you must start with their Fiori Di Zucca with tempura squash and apricot Chile jam or opt for the popular Polpette Di Pesce grouper “meatballs,” sugo, and English peas. Wash it down with the refreshing Fresco cocktail equipt with EFFEN Vodka, cucumber, basil and lime juice, and you won’t be disappointed. When their doors opened in mid-June, the community was still getting over the heartbreak of the closing of the beloved Po Pazzo. But, the executive chef—and P.J.’s cousin—Nino Zizzo was there to stay, still bringing a “little crazy” to the current menu. With a total of four restaurants around the city ranging from Northern Italian pasta dishes to classic desserts, P.J. weighed in on how they measure-up: “We have the best cannolis this side of the Mississippi. And you can quote me on that.” Anyone what to challenge this? Didn’t think so. BARBUSA 1917 India St San Diego, CA 92101 619.238.1917 www.barbusa.com 34 | LOCALE MAGAZINE
Little Italy General Manager: Vince Busalacchi Must-Try: Palermitana This country-style, intimate setting is popular for their wood-fired pizzas, but their Palermitana with rigatoni and spicy, wild sausage is what keeps bringing people back for more. 1735 India St San Diego, CA 92101 619.234.1735 trattoriafantastica.com
CAFE ZUCCHERO Little Italy Pastry Chef: Frank Busalacchi Must-Try: Cannolis Attached to Trattoria Fantastica, their full-offlavor cannolis are said to be the best this side of the Mississippi River and a Busalacchi family staple. 1731 India Street San Diego, CA 92101 619.531.1731 cafezucchero.com