New restaurant to feature twist on Asian style

Encinitas restaurateur and chef Wade Hageman, and his wife Kristi, have announced plans to open a new Asian-inspired restaurant called Open House Asian Kitchen in Moonlight Plaza in early 2017.

The chef/owner of Blue Ribbon Pizzeria and The Craftsman Tavern, Hageman says his third Encinitas restaurant will bring an innovative twist to Asian-style food, drawing inspiration from Thai, Korean, Chinese and Japanese cuisines. The restaurant will feature a craft beer selection, handcrafted cocktails and wines that pair perfectly with Asian-inspired dishes.

“This restaurant concept is new to our area and Kristi and I are really excited to bring this style of cuisine to Encinitas,” Hageman said. “As long-time residents of this great coastal city, we take pride in our restaurants and are motivated by our long-term patrons who enjoy quality farm-to-fork food and new combinations of flavors.

“Our goal with Open House Asian Kitchen is simple: create a restaurant at the wonderful Moonlight Plaza that feels open and welcoming — as if you received an invitation to relax and enjoy delicious food with family and friends at your neighbor’s place near the beach.”

Open House Asian Kitchen expects to serve lunch and dinner seven days a week, and patrons will enjoy an open courtyard, inviting bar area and plenty of parking. The Hagemans have estimated they will be hiring about 50 employees for the new neighborhood eatery.