As waves of chefs have come and gone, The Fishery restaurant in Pacific Beach anchors down again with Chef Mike Reidy returning to the helm. Following a string of departures, Reidy is set to rejoin the establishment in mid-November, taking on the roles of executive chef and partner. This exodus of talent has left the venerable seafood spot without a lead for some time, but Reidy's return marks an end to the shifting tides. Eater San Diego reported that the chef, who once worked at the two-Michelin-starred Melisse in LA, is eager to "reconnecting with the Fishery’s regular diners and reuniting with the crew."
Reidy's prior stint at the 27-year-old restaurant was marked by a reimagined menu that left a lasting impression among diners and critics alike. In between his engagements with The Fishery, Reidy lent his culinary expertise to Callie Restaurant in the East Village. He plans to use new techniques acquired during his hiatus to enhance The Fishery's signature dishes. These changes come alongside the restaurant's efforts to transform an upstairs space into a private dining area for exclusive events, a move likely to augment the establishment's footprint in San Diego's competitive dining scene. According to details from SanDiegoVille, owners Annemarie Brown-Lorenz and Nick Lorenz are ready to dial up the restaurant's offering, with Reidy at the forefront of their culinary endeavors.
Known for its connection to the source, The Fishery prides itself on providing top-quality seafood through Pacific Shellfish, establishing it as a premiere spot for fresh ocean fare in San Diego for over two decades. Reidy's alignment with the restaurant's philosophy is clear as he emphasizes the importance of locally sourced ingredients. His brother, Eddie Avila III, who doubles as the beverage director, will join him, maintaining a familial essence that has long been infused in the establishment's DNA. Reidy reportedly told Eater San Diego about "using techniques he learned during his time at Callie to create brand new dishes for The Fishery."
