Renowned chef opening Crudo restaurant in Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch

Pascal Lorange, executive chef of the nationally acclaimed Fig & Olive Restaurants, will open Crudo at The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch in October.

As the latest tenant announced for North County’s new residential, shopping and dining destination, Crudo will bring to the community an innovative brunch, lunch and dinner menu with an enticing collection of Mediterranean Riviera flavors.

“I have been imagining this concept for years and I needed the right location to bring Crudo to life. When I came across The Village, I knew it was the perfect place for my next venture,” said Lorange. “I am excited to introduce new creative, fresh and affordable dishes to the neighborhood.”

Lorange has cooked his way through some of the world’s most distinguished restaurants. At 19, he was cooking for world-renowned, three-star Michelin Chef Georges Blanc in Vonnas, France. Lorange later went on to serve as the private chef for hit singer and songwriter Julio Iglesias, and has cooked for countless world leaders and celebrities, including the Clintons, Princess Stephanie of Monaco, Oscar de la Renta and President Obama.

Crudo, which means “raw,” will stay true to its name by offering a variety of raw plates, such as sashimi and carpaccio, using the best of San Diego’s local seafood and produce. Diners will also be able to enjoy innovative dishes such as Lorange’s take on the crostini — the “ricetini” — as well as signature puff pastry pizzettes, homemade pastas and meat and seafood dishes cooked “en papillote” (in parchment).

Lorange’s selection of sushi-like rolls, inspired by flavors of the Mediterranean Riviera, will include rice marinated in pesto, rolled in burrata cheese, stuffed with arugula and wrapped in prosciutto. Crudo will offer brunch and lunch specials, and 90 percent of the menu will be gluten-free.

Crudo’s atmosphere will be light and welcoming, in hues of white and orange. A spacious patio and lounge area with olive, lemon and kumquat trees will complete the design. Kumquats will serve as more than just a decorative component, becoming an ingredient in many of the dishes and sauces, toppings and marinades. The open kitchen will allow guests to see the culinary action firsthand. Those looking to absorb some of Lorange’s techniques will be able to sign up for cooking classes that will take place twice a month, taught by the chef.

“We are thrilled that Chef Lorange has selected The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch as the location for Crudo,” said Dan Curran, vice president for Coast Income Properties. “It has been our mission from the beginning to bring the best tenants possible to the community, and with this addition, we are definitely achieving that promise.”

The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch is between Interstate 5 and State Route 56 at Old Carmel Valley Road and Del Mar Heights Road, across the street from Canyon Crest Academy and near Cathedral Catholic High School. The shopping center provides the communities of Pacific Highlands Ranch, Carmel Valley, Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks Ranch, Del Mar, Santaluz and other surrounding areas with an mixed-use urban town center in close proximity to local schools, homes, job centers and transit. Visit www.PHRVillage.com.