Fish market in La Jolla plans relocation to former Moroccan restaurant

By Shelli DeRobertis

The empty salmon-colored building at 634 Pearl St. that used to house the Moroccan restaurant Marrakesh, is set to undergo renovation through next year when El Pescador Fish Market plans to move in.

Marrakesh closed its doors on May 30 after 22 years in La Jolla, and the 3,000 square-foot business with its own parking lot is an upgrade for the small fish market that has served residents for nearly three decades at 627 Pearl St.

“This place is too small right now,” said Taylor Treadwell, assistant manager of El Pescador.

But that’s all changing as the seafood café inside the fish market will add more seating, including an outdoor patio, and will also begin serving beer and wine at its much larger dwelling.

El Pescador Fish Market plans to put in new appliances and expand its menu, as well.

Treadwell said the market and café will remain open for business at its current spot while construction is taking place at the new location across the street.

An old sign will come down soon at another empty building – Go of La Jolla – that used to sell clothing and footwear in the outdoor strip mall at 7931 Girard Ave.

Kate Spade New York recently filed a request with the city to remodel that storefront, according to Carol Olten of the La Jolla Historical Society.

“They have to send us a request to permit to remodel,” she said because the historical society works to preserve La Jolla’s unique heritage.

Olten said that in this instance nothing historical was proposed to be added or taken away. Kate Spade sells apparel, shoes, jewelry, baby items, glasses, stationery, and fragrance.

According to its Web site, the designer brand has 42 retail shops nationwide. Personnel at Kate Spade New York did not return calls for comments.

Ariccia Italian Market opened June 14 at 7441 Girard Ave., and already the meat and cheese deli has experienced the need to add to their menu items, which include coffee, pastries, pastas, paninis and soup.

“There’s a lot of people who want to get a quick lunch,” said manager Sean Crilly, adding the

deli frequently runs out of the fresh soups at lunchtime.

The market includes a bar where people can sit and enjoy coffee or a pastry, but the demand for lunchtime food is prompting them to consider a grand opening with an expanded menu of foods such as salads and quick to-go items, he said.

Crilly said one of the pasta specialties is beer and pretzel pasta that is homemade from a flour made with crispy pretzels.

The meat specialty is Porchetta, a fatty, savory boneless pork roast that originated in Ariccia, Italy.

Owners Robert Pascucci and Stephanie Savchuck share a common passion for Italian food.

Ashoo Fabrics and Drapery has also opened a showroom at 1135 Torrey Pines Road.

They provide in-home design consultation and offer services such as: custom drapery panels, valances, Roman shades, decorative cornice boxes, accessories and expert installation.

They also offer furniture restoration and reupholstery services, custom bedding, headboards and decorative throw pillows.