Food & Drink Blotter — April 2014 (Demo)

An authentic Santa Maria Argentine Grill will fuel the kitchen at Don Chido, a new Gaslamp restaurant specializing in home-style Mexican cuisine that’s expected to open by early May. Backing the venture is RMD Group, the operators of Fluxx and Sidebar nightclubs, along with Ken Lovi of the Knotty Barrel Gastropub and chef-partner Antonio Friscia. The team has begun fully renovating the 4,000-square-foot space that previously housed Fred’s Mexican Café. The bill of fare will include fire-grilled steaks, smoked shrimp and achiote-marinated pork tacos made with fresh corn tortillas, all served amid star chandeliers and an art wall made entirely of Mexican blankets. Inventive cocktails and wines from Mexico and Spain will also be available. 527 Fifth Ave.; facebook.com/donchidosd.