Roppongi Is BACK | The Comeback San Diego Has Been Waiting For | Discover La Jolla Ep. 75

Roppongi Is BACK | The Comeback San Diego Has Been Waiting For | Discover La Jolla Ep. 75

La Jolla just got its soul back. For over a decade, one question kept coming up at every dinner table in the 92037 — "Do you remember Roppongi?" The answer is yes. And now it's back. In Episode 75 of Discover La Jolla, host Jim McInerney sits down with Alfie Szeprethy, Executive Chef behind the most anticipated restaurant reopening in San Diego. Originally opened in 1998 and gone since 2015, Roppongi has returned to its iconic home on Prospect Street — stripped to the concrete, rebuilt from scratch, and better than ever. This isn't just a restaurant story. It's a La Jolla story. 🍜 What We Get Into: The Comeback — 10 years gone. What it actually took to bring San Diego's most missed restaurant back to Prospect Street The Renovation — Gutted down to bare concrete and iron rafters. Why they keep the original kitchen layout and completely reimagined everything else The Menu — Your favorites are back. Crab stack. Hot rock. Kung pao calamari. Plus a brand new sushi program, an in-house dumpling program, and a full wok station The Empire — How Alfie oversees 15 locations across three concepts, including Toasted Gastro Brunch, Sammy's Woodfired Pizza, and airport locations in LA and Las Vegas What's Next — Exclusive chef-driven dinner series and wine dinners with visiting winemakers are already in the works If you've been waiting for Roppongi to come back, it's here. And it brought its A-game. 📍 Roppongi | Prospect Street, La Jolla 📸 @roppongi_lajolla , https://roppongilajolla.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2lybmR6VXJVblVmRXk2QjN4MUR5ZjBQdzNlZ3xBQ3Jtc0trM0YySDdWSnFOMEZsNlk1TXVndzd3Yks4OURELWdQR3R0blpqODRZLWw5QXRxcV9fLU10QnBRYVMybmhLWWpTbVhVNXh4Rk90SWhfOTNCQWZPMWlyY3dPYmVWXzVScF9XbjRUa1RkaThSWTZNS1Ezbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Froppongilajolla.com%2F&v=nIC06Wbak7s] 🌐 Find Roppongi on Instagram and reserve your table now 🎙️ Discover La Jolla is a monthly podcast featuring the entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders shaping La Jolla and greater San Diego, California. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell — new episodes every month. 📸 @discover.lajolla #Roppongi [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/roppongi] #RoppongiLaJolla [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/roppongilajolla] #LaJollaRestaurants [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lajollarestaurants] #SanDiegoFoodies [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sandiegofoodies] #SanDiegoEats [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sandiegoeats] #SanDiegoFood [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sandiegofood] #LaJollaFood [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lajollafood] #ProspectStreet [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/prospectstreet] #LaJollaLocal [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lajollalocal] #92037 [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/92037] #SanDiegoDining [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sandiegodining] #AsianFusion [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/asianfusion] #PanAsian [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/panasian] #SushiSanDiego [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sushisandiego] #FoodiesSanDiego [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/foodiessandiego] #LaJollaVillage [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lajollavillage] #ChefLife [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/cheflife] #ExecutiveChef [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/executivechef] #SanDiegoChef [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sandiegochef] #RestaurantReopening [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/restaurantreopening] #SanDiegoRestaurants [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sandiegorestaurants] #LaJollaDining [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lajolladining] #HappyHourSanDiego [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/happyhoursandiego] #SanDiegoPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sandiegopodcast] #LocalEats [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/localeats] #CoastalDining [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/coastaldining] #SanDiegoFoodScene [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sandiegofoodscene] #DiscoverLaJolla [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/discoverlajolla] #LaJollaCalifornia [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lajollacalifornia] #FoodTok [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/foodtok]

From Opera to Tacos: How a European Opera Singer Redefined La Jolla’s Food Scene

What happens when a professional opera singer trades the grand stages of Europe for a kitchen in La Jolla? Meet Cesar Sanchez, the visionary owner of Taco Time Cantina on Fay Avenue. After spending over 20 years performing across Europe, the pandemic shifted Cesar’s path, leading him back to California to pivot his artistic passion into a brand-new medium: authentic culinary arts. Cesar breaks down why singing and cooking are deeply connected art forms and shares the uncompromising philosophy that makes Taco Time a local phenomenon. From sourcing specialty masa directly from a family in Mexico to cooking exclusively with premium avocado oil, Cesar treats his menu exactly like an opera—focusing on a few perfect "showstoppers" (like his legendary California burrito and Baja fish taco) rather than an overwhelming variety. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a foodie, or a La Jolla local, Cesar's story of artistic pivot, community integration, and dedication to authentic flavors is an absolute must-watch. 🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more deep dives into the minds of local visionaries and community builders in the 92037! 📲 CONNECT WITH US 🌐 Website: https://jimmcinerney.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkRuaFRvRjVWNFp3c1NuRm9yejIzN090MkF5d3xBQ3Jtc0tuSy00NEk3M1M0RnFPRTFqX2laUzhjTTVHT2dGb3dkeEpPY2V4RGc5VDRzbk5HUlFndW1GR3lmb1VJekl3c2hQa3lqRkhDYVJBSllaUjJhN1J4R1FNNEsxbW84b2xrN2tfcF83R0VrMlc0bUZVandQNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fjimmcinerney.com%2F&v=WOA3I1Qhb2M] 📸 Instagram (Discover La Jolla): @discover.lajolla 📸 Instagram (Jim McInerney): @jimmcinerney_realestate 🌮 VISIT TACO TIME CANTINA 📍 Fay Avenue, La Jolla, CA 📸 Instagram: @tacotimecantina If you enjoyed this video, please leave a Like, comment with your favorite taco, and share it with a friend! 🦍 #TacoTimeCantina [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/tacotimecantina] #LaJolla [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lajolla] #SanDiegoFood [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sandiegofood] #OperaToChef [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/operatochef] #LaJollaLocal [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lajollalocal] #SanDiegoEats [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sandiegoeats] #EntrepreneurStory [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/entrepreneurstory] #92037 [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/92037] #LaJollaFoodies [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lajollafoodies] #FayAve [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/fayave]

Discover La Jolla Ep 73 - Wildcoast's Serge Dedina

The ocean defines our La Jolla lifestyle, but it's facing its biggest challenge yet. Fortunately, an international movement to protect it is starting right here in our own backyard. In this episode, we sit down with Serge Dedina—a local legend: a waterman, filmmaker, UCSD alum, and PhD who co-founded WILDCOAST over 26 years ago. Today, his international team is on the frontlines of ocean conservation, safeguarding critical wildlife hotspots from California all the way to Colombia. 🔥 Inside the Episode: The La Jolla Cove Success Story: How our marine reserve became a global model proving that eco-tourism and wildlife conservation can successfully coexist, sparking a massive rebound in local fish and shark populations. Guardians of the Wild: The story behind his incredible film documenting the coastal communities in Mexico working to protect the migratory species—like leopard sharks and grey whales—that travel directly between Baja and San Diego. The Grey Whale Crisis: A raw look at the alarming 50% decline in the grey whale population due to climate change, and what it means for our shared marine ecosystems. This eye-opening conversation is a must-watch for anyone who loves the ocean and wants to see how San Diego’s waters connect to the rest of the world. 🔔 Subscribe to the channel to catch every episode highlighting the change-makers shaping our coastal community! CONNECT WITH US 🌐 Website: https://jimmcinerney.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazNMWTZONXBaN2dpNEloMUJKdXNXWE5SWkFoZ3xBQ3Jtc0trdXpjSHZCUi1BZ0haQWxpUWIydDhObXptaVYwUVhPR25EUHhNdTBldlg4cGpiSGJnbEl3MlE1TWpIU2ZndEZnM3pneFQwNkxSTWlTNGlxQTZQYkVNaktoNHhXWFQtZGF5SXlzS1VvRjNvWVJhNi1Fbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fjimmcinerney.com%2F&v=vgNFxbO4738] 📸 Instagram (Discover La Jolla): @discover.lajolla 📸 Instagram (Jim McInerney): @jimmcinerney_realestate 🌊 SUPPORT THE MISSION 🌐 Learn more about WILDCOAST: https://www.wildcoast.org [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTdObklyMWw3cm1CcmdyTk1fc3hwME1TN0lXQXxBQ3Jtc0tua3BfbUVINDE5ejV0X1U2UXBRdWI3cGd0d2p6TXBRa1VBdlFZbjF0aUdUUHNsSFdIRFlhOWt6WG0wV1FydUJFYllNOWtZRlF1b01XdGk1XzZCX0cydTRtYjJpRDg1b2xHQ29pdWVGQUhYYXQxcVFyaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wildcoast.org%2F&v=vgNFxbO4738] 📸 Instagram: @wildcoastcostasalvaje If this conversation inspired you, please leave a Like, drop your thoughts in the comments, and share this video! #OceanConservation [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/oceanconservation] #WildCoast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/wildcoast] #LaJollaCove [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lajollacove] #SanDiegoEats [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sandiegoeats] #SaveOurOceans [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/saveouroceans] #GreyWhales [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/greywhales] #LaJollaLocal [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lajollalocal] #BajaCalifornia [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bajacalifornia] #MarineProtectedArea [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/marineprotectedarea] #SanDiegoPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sandiegopodcast] #92037 [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/92037]

She Worked in New York, London & LA — Then Chose La Jolla. Here's Why. | Discover La Jolla Ep. 72

Jim sits down with Jessica Chepovsky, founder of Unscripted Spaces — a luxury interior design studio tucked on Girard Avenue in the heart of La Jolla Village. With over 22 years of experience designing homes across New York, London, and Los Angeles, Jessica made a deliberate choice to plant roots in La Jolla. In this conversation, she talks about why this community is different, what it means to build real relationships with clients, and how her showroom is quietly turning Girard into a destination for design in San Diego. They get into: — What "high-end residential design" actually means (and what it doesn't) — Her 20-year partnership with Italian furniture maker Poliform — Why the showroom is designed to feel like a home, not a store — Her work with the La Jolla Village Merchants Association and the monthly Art Walk — The vision for making La Jolla Village a true design district Whether you're a homeowner, an architect, an interior designer, or just someone who loves beautiful spaces — this one's worth your time. 📍 Unscripted Spaces — 7730 Girard Ave, La Jolla 🌐 https://unscriptedspaces.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa19nRzZfTVgyVWkzWlo2OGRlNDFEeXpOOWllUXxBQ3Jtc0ttMl9xa1RVVEtEd1dNZHdNZzFjTEpHdG0xNWdJeEw5c05BN29oRUw4RHY3MVhfNkZiTHVkSmlUZlgtQnpKRFBsM190NkxIOWt2NjdfZklmN0VYRGNNZGczd1hOT05Mb1lzM2c0d3dYQ3NDbVVId0cwdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Funscriptedspaces.com%2F&v=Jv-YjIUwMrA] 📸 @discover.lajolla | @jimmcinerney_realestate #LaJolla [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lajolla] #InteriorDesign [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/interiordesign] #DiscoverLaJolla [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/discoverlajolla] #LaJollaVillage [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lajollavillage] #UnscriptedSpaces [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/unscriptedspaces] #Poliform [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/poliform] #LuxuryDesign [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/luxurydesign] #SanDiego [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sandiego] #LaJollaPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lajollapodcast] #JimMcInerney [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/jimmcinerney] #HomeDesign [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/homedesign] #GirardAvenue [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/girardavenue]

Discover La Jolla Ep. 71 - Tourmaline Builders' Jake Hunter

In this episode, Jim sits down with Jake Hunter, the COO of Tourmaline Builders, to pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of custom home building in La Jolla. From the initial "yes" that shifted their business from spec homes to bespoke masterpieces, to the integration of AI and tech on the job site, Jake shares the unfiltered reality of what it takes to build a legacy on the coast. Whether you’re a homeowner planning a renovation, an aspiring builder, or just curious about the architecture shaping San Diego, this conversation covers the essentials of budget, timelines, and the power of early collaboration. In This Episode, We Discuss: * The Strategic Shift: How Tourmaline Builders transitioned from spec homes to high-end, custom masterpieces. * The "Sticker Shock" Reality: Navigating budgets, inflation, and the true cost of building in the 92037. * Tech on the Job Site: A candid look at how AI and modern software are (and aren't) changing the construction industry. * The Collaboration Key: Why involving your builder during the design phase is the secret to a successful project. * The Future of La Jolla: A look at the architectural trends and shifts currently shaping the village. * Builder Secrets: Jake’s essential advice for anyone looking to build or renovate in today’s market. Connect with Our Guest: Website: https://tourmalinebuilders.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbW5ZZ0dzLURZS3M3S1MwdFZnaENKOVpVOVRrZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuLVNGdHhBUXhlbEQwb2FoeEhPZkN6cGNISlpXdm5FSl9KYVBfaUdDZ1prMW9KNGpyVmtOb3YzRm1mV3E2cWdZRW5NTEYtalItd0ZEMDAzbWp0V0ZpaHVmWXJTd2JmcEQxdENBM0pQRnFZZXdVMUVEdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftourmalinebuilders.com%2F&v=k2kiPQahF3Y] Instagram: @tourmaline_builders Follow the Journey: Instagram: @discover.lajolla & @jimmcinerney_realestate #LaJollaRealEstate [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lajollarealestate] #CustomHomeBuilder [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/customhomebuilder] #TourmalineBuilders [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/tourmalinebuilders] #SanDiegoArchitecture [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sandiegoarchitecture] #BuildingLegacy [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/buildinglegacy] #HomeRenovation [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/homerenovation] #92037 [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/92037] #VanillaGorillaPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/vanillagorillapodcast]