Casual Eatery and Tequileria, Venga Venga

Another high-end Mexican food revolution is in full swing. Locals like Javier Plascencia and Chad White are already doing some inspiring voodoo with huitlacoche and chile peppers. And now chef Richard Sandoval has set up shop in Chula Vista. He earned his first stars in New York with Maya, then opened signature spots everywhere, including Raya at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. For the affluent living near Otay Ranch Town Center, he’s brought his casual eatery and tequileria, Venga Venga. You’ll find riffs on the classics (tacos, enchiladas, etc.), plus tequila craft cocktails and stuffed churros for dessert. His arrival brings some national headline cred to an already thriving border food scene.