Map of Consortium Holdings Projects I visited this summer. Rosalia D’Acquisto / Daily Nexus

I may sound a bit biased when I say that San Diego is truly “America’s Finest City,” as someone who was born and raised there. San Diego is home to 17 miles of breathtaking coastline, sunshine nearly all year round and, most importantly, it is one of America’s newest top “foodie” cities. I believe that one of the reasons behind San Diego’s newfound foodie fame is the success of the culinary supergroup Consortium Holdings. 

Back in 2007, founder Arsalun Tafazoli created Consortium Holdings in an effort to show the world that San Diego had far more culinary magic to offer beyond amazing Baja California cuisine. Although there is nothing better than a massive California burrito after a summer beach day, Consortium Holdings encouraged the expansion of culinary diversity into San Diego. As a culinary supergroup, Consortium Holdings owns 20 dining projects from restaurants to bars spanning across San Diego County. Consortium Holdings serves to go beyond a flowery tag-line like that of “farm-to-table” dining, instead emphasizing, “Our business is not restaurants or even the bottom line; it’s hospitality, a convivial and open reception of patrons that become friends.” 

My first experience with Consortium Holdings was in 2019 at Morning Glory, a brunch project located in Little Italy. The entrance to Morning Glory was an experience in itself: I was met with decor that craftily blended art deco “Great Gatsby” with a pink “Barbie Dreamhouse” wonderland. As I walked up to the hostess, she informed me that it would be a three hour wait. I thought to myself, “what stack of pancakes could possibly be worth a three hour wait?!” 

Nevertheless, I put my name down and returned about an hour later when I joyfully received the “Your table is ready!” text message. 

The quality of the food was undoubtedly up to par with the atmosphere. I am usually more of a savory breakfast person, but I could not resist the baked french toast and an iced vanilla latte. The most outstanding components of the baked french toast were the caramel creme anglaise and lemon berry compote. After this lovely dining experience at Morning Glory, I began to explore other Consortium Holdings projects in San Diego. 

Since my first Consortium Holdings experience in 2019, the supergroup has greatly expanded their presence in the San Diego community. Ever since I moved to Santa Barbara for college, when I visit home, I always set aside time to go to one of their dining projects.

This past weekend, I took on the role of a personal San Diego tour guide for my best friend Francesca, who is originally from London. In our spare time, Francesca and I run foodie TikTok accounts, so I was eager to introduce her to the magic of Consortium Holdings. I have visited her in London a few times, and I spent this past spring studying abroad in London. Knowing the horrors of British food firsthand, I knew I had to show her that there are better things in life than a subpar English breakfast and soggy fish and chips.

As I formulated our weekend itinerary, I was sure to include as many Consortium Holdings projects as possible. On Friday, we started our night with dinner at Fortunate Son Chinese, a Chinese restaurant that creatively plays on the concept of American Chinese takeout classics such as kung pao chicken, lo mein noodles, egg rolls and more. Fortunate Son Chinese offers a family-style portion dining experience, so amongst three people we ordered honey walnut shrimp, kung pao chicken, cucumber salad, General Tso’s cauliflower and lo mein noodles. The honey walnut shrimp was the absolute standout for me, with a perfect creamy honey glaze coupled with a crunchy walnut coating.

Fortunate Son is situated right next door to a Consortium Holdings cocktail bar project: Polite Provisions. Polite Provisions is an ode to all but extinct neighborhood soda fountain stores within pharmacies that have been replaced with corporate chains such as CVS Pharmacy, Target and Rite Aid. Polite Provisions crafts their selection of soda in house, with delicious flavors such as pineapple and pomegranate. With over 40 cocktails (and a creative selection of mocktails) to choose from, Polite Provisions provides an exciting experience for all guests. 

Polite Provisions, located in North Park. Rosalia D’Acquisto / Daily Nexus

I went with the Tijuana Slowdance, a tequila-based cocktail with hints of blackberry coupled with Pedro’s pomegranate soda. It’s safe to say that this cocktail alone influenced me to try more tequila-based cocktails this summer. For those who have finally reached the ripe age of 21, Polite Provisions is a fabulous spot to grab a drink while you wait for your table next door at Fortunate Son Chinese. Enjoy responsibly!

After dinner and drinks, Francesca and I made our way to one of Consortium Holdings’ newest ventures, located within the 2023 $31 million dollar renovation of The Lafayette Hotel and Club. First opened in 1946, the original Lafayette attracted old Hollywood’s A-list celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, Katharine Hepburn and more. 

Within the modern Lafayette is Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, a bustling jazz club that is home to animal print galore decor, a conch shell stage and an overall atmosphere that transports you back in time to the roarin’ jazz age. With a glass of red wine in hand, Francesca and I made our way to our seats and watched as people joyfully danced all night long. Later on in the night, we further explored the labyrinth that is the Lafayette. We discovered the secret bowling alley, the retro diner and the beautiful outdoor bar space that overlooked the pool. 

Many of the jazz shows at Lou Lou’s offer complimentary entry, and they host two shows nearly every night of the week. The Lafayette is a perfect outing for any occasion, from a first date to a girls’ night out. 

The vivacious atmosphere at Lu Lu’s is intoxicating, and sure to provide a pleasurable evening to those willing to indulge. Rosalia D’Acquisto / Daily Nexus

Whether you are craving Italian food, Chinese cuisine or a fun cocktail, Consortium Holdings has it all. Consortium Holdings does not jump from trend to trend but rather creates timeless spaces that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages. The hospitable excellence of Consortium Holdings draws in both home-born San Diegans and tourists, creating a truly unique and enticing social space. If you ever find yourself in San Diego for the weekend, I hope you take the time to experience the unforgettable dining experiences Consortium Holdings offers.