Local chef Drew Bent, formerly of Lola 55, recently announced a partnership with soon-to-open wine bar Little Thief. Bent’s new venture Papalo will debut as Papalito alongside the teams from Bottlecraft and Vino Carta who are behind the project on University Avenue in North Park.
Bent’s contributions to Lola 55 earned the restaurant the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand distinction. Bent is also known to have come out a winner on the Food Network TV battle, Beat Bobby Flay.
Papalito is said to serve a “wine focused farmers market driven menu with elements of smoked meat, charcuterie, and inspired fruits/vegetables,” Bent describes in a social media post.
According to social media and reports by SanDiegoVille, Papalo is introduced as a Sonoran and California inspired BBQ concept. Papalo announced they will partner with South Bay farm Agua Dulce, taking inspiration for dishes from fresh produce available and in season. Papalo also states they’ll be partnered with Hokkaido Bread Company for their sandwiches and charcuterie boards.
More details on Papalo and Papalito are expected soon, as Little Thief is expected to launch this August 2022. For more, follow Papalo on Instagram.
