Trailblazing restaurateur Tracy Borkum, long known for her portfolio of California Italian dining venues, is pivoting to a new concept inspired by her family roots: the Jewish deli. Cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, long the epicenter of the Jewish deli, have seen a gradual decline in the iconic homage to Jewish immigrant culture. Since opening the original Cucina Urbana, Borkum has been in expansion mode, developing more of her signature California Italian eateries in San Diego and Orange counties. The new restaurant, though, cannot rely alone on traffic from the office park, especially given the still prevalent practice of working remotely, Borkum said. Borkum says she is excited about a concept — and menu — that evokes her own memories of growing up in London’s Jewish neighborhoods.

Source: New York Times August 06, 2022 12:12 UTC