Update-New: Brooklyn Girl in Mission Hills - DiscoverSD.com

Michael and Victoria McGeath, owners of the former Trattoria Acqua in La Jolla, announced plans for their new culinary concept, Brooklyn Girl Eatery in Mission Hills, which is slated to open doors winter 2011.

Far from the fine dining vibe of their longstanding classic Italian restaurant, Brooklyn Girl will be a casual, welcoming neighborhood eatery designed for community interaction, and built on the all-important principle of affordable, approachable cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. It’s a vision we’ve heard before, but one that we all believe in. Mission Hills is an intimate mid-city neighborhood that many local foodies call home, and McGeath’s farm-to-table experience may be just what the residents want.

The multi-use building on Goldfinch Avenue offers a raw, urban atmosphere, but the cuisine is what will bring the restaurant to life. The McGeath's are excited to unveil the selection for new executive chef, Tyler Thrasher – a young rising star in the culinary scene. Tyler Thrasher was most recently with Oceanaire Seafood Room and Jsix at Hotel Solamar, both in downtown San Diego.

I spoke with Thrasher on his first executive chef post: “This will be the first restaurant I’ve opened, and I’m excited to challenge myself in a way I’ve never done before. The menu will be very approachable, flavorful, natural, and local. We will use California proteins, sustainable fish, and local produce from Susie’s Farm.”

As for details on the new menu, Thrasher is still in the creative process, and is planning to research his way through New York in late October, eating at signature restaurants in Brooklyn and Manhattan for raw inspiration. Although he couldn’t disclose any specifics, Thrasher emphasized that his menu will feature slow-braised items and will be packed with flavor. Thrasher describes himself as an interactive chef, and is most looking forward to developing personal relationships with local Mission Hills diners. He admits he will miss the convenience of the Gaslamp for post-work socializing, but as for the Convention Center masses consistently invading the city streets, they will not be missed.

Brooklyn Girl Eatery's blog says they are slated to open their doors in the winter 2011, serving Chef Tyler Thrasher’s new dinner menu, before rolling out a lunch and brunch menu in early 2012. 

New: Brooklyn Girl in Mission Hills - DiscoverSD.com

Also see other MHL posts with "Brooklyn" label:

• Brooklyn Girl Eatery coming to Mission Hills  

•  TinyTiny Edens on Urban Rooftops in NYC On City Rooftops, Scrappy Green Spaces in Bloom