Take a Sip of the Intoxicating Flavors at KINDRED San Diego
The Expert: Kory Stetina, Chief Conjurer at KINDRED San Diego
KINDRED is the sort of place that attracts wizards, vegans, metal lovers and alcohol aficionados alike. Once a charity-oriented pop-up focused on pairing vegan food with craft beer, KINDRED has grown into a cult favorite thanks to owner Kory Stetina and his business partners Arsalun Tafazoli and Paul Basile. “KINDRED is a celebration of many of my personal obsessions: decadent vegan food, amazing cocktails and punk/thrash metal culture, ” says Stetina.
Equal parts bar and restaurant, KINDRED San Diego is elevating traditional dishes that also happen to be vegan. Vegan or not, Stetina says all parties are welcome.
Q: So, this is definitely a new, local concept. Tell us a bit more about yourself and the “lair” you call KINDRED.
Kory Stetina: As KINDRED’s Chief Conjurer, I arose from the ashes of darkness to summon a collision of intoxicating tastes, majestic sights and hypnotic sounds never witnessed before. Whispers from the underworld suggested I should build a lair in South Park, and assemble a misfit clan of fellow marauders of darkness to commit heinous acts of hospitality and enjoyment upon San Diego. I obeyed.
Q: What makes your place stand out? Does KINDRED San Diego have any signature drinks/dishes?
KS: Our lair’s purpose is to fulfill our evil plot to dominate the senses. Our Overlord of Elixirs David Kinsey has forged libations that defy convention, and transcend those who taste them into euphoric splendor. Ghost Chant (Vodka, Gin, Cocchi Americano, Crème De Violette, Rose Water) [is a] common indulgence.
Also, the shrine we’ve erected for our four-eyed, snake horned wolf mascot also stands out, I suppose.
Q: Are you vegan? If so, what inspired you to go vegan and/or implement a vegan menu?
KS: As a ritual, I have exclusively destroyed and devoured plants for 14 years.
Q: Does Bar KINDRED host events in San Diego? If so, what events are coming up?
KS: Every Thursday, PERMANENT VACATION, our tiki-inspired frenzy, attracts devoted lovers of rum, fresh juices and exotic wonders of all kinds. Thursdays get weird.
Q: Where are your favorite places to hang out in San Diego? Where can we find you on a Saturday night?
KS: LiveWire
Q: What’s in the future for KINDRED in San Diego?
KS: Our next rebellious adventure will be the launch of our cashew cheese program, a sinister partnership with White Labs to age and ferment cashew cheese in a dedicated room in our lair, using the same methods and cultures as dairy cheese.
Humble Beginnings of the Kindred Spirit: KINDRED’s Chief Conjurer, Kory Stetina “arose from the ashes of darkness to summon a collision of intoxicating tastes, majestic sights and hypnotic sounds never witnessed before.”
KINDRED
1503 30th St
San Diego, CA 92102
619.546.9653
Photographed By: Julie Jones
