Chef behind Peruvian-influenced eatery to hold pop-ups in La Jolla
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — What started as a Peruvian-inspired neighborhood breakfast pop-up will soon become a brick-and-mortar restaurant on Fay Avenue in La Jolla.
Known as Pepino, the eatery and bakeshop will be led by local chef Sebastian Becerra, who has previous experience in Michelin-starred establishments like COI and Rich Table in San Francisco, Eleven Madison Park in New York and San Diego’s Herb & Wood.
Becerra, a La Jolla native, is the son of Peruvians. He told FOX 5/KUSI that he still has family that resides in the South American country, a connection he hopes to honor through his culinary creations.
“After many years working in fine dining, I was dying to do something more simple and approachable for the community. This concept is inspired by the many beautiful memories I have of growing up traveling to and from Peru, and sitting at the dinner table with the whole family, listening to my grandfather, Pepino, share wisdom and tell stories,” Becerra explained.
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He first started doing weekly takeout service for neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic, but that quickly grew — later becoming MEHKO (Micro Enterprise Home Kitchen Operation). That’s when the chef’s original pop-ups started out of his backyard in La Jolla, attracting lines of people down the street.
Regulars began referring to the service as the “Breakfast Speakeasy,” with the pop-up offering a rotating menu while bringing together local friends in the industry like Wildwood Flour Bakery and Triumph Coffee Club.
Becerra’s concept will soon transform into an official restaurant, located at 7556 Fay Ave., a nod to the local community in which he holds dear.
“La Jolla is home to me and I always knew that I wanted my first project to be where I grew up. Pepino is my way of showing gratitude to a town and community that has had such a massive impact on my life and who I am today,” shared the chef.
As part of his vision, Becerra hopes to recreate the emotions and feelings of sitting at his grandfather’s table, creating a restaurant environment that’s “inviting, social, stimulating, and kind.”
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As he waits for the eatery’s doors to open in 2025, the local chef is planning to dish out his Peruvian-inspired food items throughout the month of August at neighboring Michele Coulon Dessertier, located at 7556 Fay Ave., paying homage to his original pop-up.
On the menu will be dishes like Becerra’s shakshuka on toast, Peruvian-influenced breakfast burritos and sandwiches, a variety of creative pastries like dulce de leche stuffed chocolate muffins, and much more.
Chef Sebastian Becerra (left), creator of Pepino Eatery & Bakeshop in La Jolla, Calif. (Credit: Sylvie Coulange) Food creations by Chef Sebastian Becerra, creator of Pepino Eatery & Bakeshop in La Jolla, Calif. (Credit: Sylvie Coulange) Shakshuka on Toast. (Credit: Sylvie Coulange) Lomo Saltado Burrito.(Credit: Sylvie Coulange) Chef Sebastian Becerra, creator of Pepino Eatery & Bakeshop in La Jolla, Calif. (Credit: Sylvie Coulange)
The pop-up will be operational every Sunday throughout the month of August from 8 a.m. until noon, or until food items sell out.
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