From what I’ve heard, Erasto and Pablo Jacinto will shutter The Border, and they will open a new Mexican concept — called “C Casa” — inside of the OxBow Market. Upon hearing these rumors, I can’t say that I’m all too surprised by the idea of The Border closing: (1) the economy has been troublesome, and the restaurant biz is already tough enough, (2) the online reputation of the restaurant was less than stellar and local word-of-mouth was non-existant, and (3) the site itself seems to be one of those inexplicably “doomed” locations (The Border was preceded by another generic and mundane-sounding restaurant, Tuscany).
I did like the mole negro that they served at The Border, though. It was one of Napa’s few examples of authentic Oaxacan-style cuisine, and I sincerely hope that it resurfaces at Oxbow. Anyhow, it was a short run; The Border will have lasted less than one calendar year, having made its debut on Cinco de Mayo Weekend, 2009. It will be interesting to see what new restaurant emerges in its place (I noticed the window panes were being painted on Tuesday). I’m crossing my fingers for Hooters. If not, I would love a place that could deliver a proper Cuban roast pork (with black beans and plantains).
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As for Morimoto’s much-anticipated debut in Napa, you may remember that you heard the news here first. Subsequently, I have tons of juicy info about this project, but my source has sworn me to secrecy. The recent details transcend Napa, and so I have to oblige (as I did with the original news — I held mum on that scoop for months). I’ll ask permission to leak the news in the next few weeks (and hopefully get the green light).
Heard Morimoto’s deal is off. He was to be given free rent as a loss-leader to help DiSimoni fill the buildings, sell condos, etc. But now they want him to pay, and the deal is off.