In spring 2023, James Beard Foundation Awards semifinalist Jonathan Bautista briefly took over as executive chef after Mike Reidy left to join Callie, a restaurant in San Diego's East Village. Bautista's time at the 27-year-old seafood restaurant was short-lived, and he was last reported to be working with celebrity chef Richard Blais at Ember & Rye in Carlsbad.
Reidy, who originally reimagined The Fishery's menu in 2020 after succeeding founding chef Paul Arias, will rejoin the restaurant in mid-November following the departure of current executive chef Elliott Townsend. There has been no official reason given for Townsend's exit, or for Reidy's departure from Callie, where he was slated to assist Chef Travis Swikard in launching the upcoming Fleurette French Bistro in La Jolla.
Reidy's impressive background includes stints at renowned establishments such as Ironside Fish & Oyster in Little Italy and the two-Michelin-starred Melisse in Los Angeles. His time at Callie has influenced his plans to bring new techniques to The Fishery's seafood-focused menu.
Reidy looks forward to reconnecting with regular patrons and his team, including his brother Eddie Avila III, who serves as the restaurant’s beverage director. He aims to showcase top-quality seafood sourced from Pacific Shellfish, a wholesale company founded by the Lorenz family, who also own The Fishery.
The restaurant’s owners are planning a menu revamp along with an upgrade to its space, converting an upstairs area into a private dining room. This new space will host wine dinners, chef collaborations, and special events, further cementing The Fishery’s reputation as a top San Diego dining destination.
Founded in 1997 by fourth-generation La Jolla fisherman Judd Brown, The Fishery is both a restaurant and seafood market. Over its 27-year history, it has become a beloved spot for fresh seafood in San Diego. The restaurant is currently owned and operated by Annemarie Brown-Lorenz and Nick Lorenz.
The Fishery is located at 5040 Cass Street in Pacific Beach. For more information, visit thefishery.com.
Originally published on October 21, 2024.
