Empire Building

Pica Pica’s Castro Location Due to Open in January After Lengthy Delay

3970 17th Street
3970 17th Street

Remember how way back in August 2011 we mentioned that Pica Pica Maize Kitchen was going to open a third location in the Castro? Well, things got kind of majorly delayed, and they are now set to open next month, January 2013, a full sixteen months late. It’s a two-story space at 3970 17th Street, just behind the Chevron station, downhill from Jane Warner Plaza and diagonally across from Orphan Andy’s. Construction is underway, and the team reports that the arepa menu will be similar to their other two locations, on Valencia Street and at Napa’s Oxbow Public Market. But, there will also be new Venezuelan-style platters, like crispy chicken with black beans, yuca fries and Pica Slaw; and cachapas, which are sweet yellow corn crepes with three stuffing options: beef pabellon, grilled chicken, and vegetarian. Also, there will be more meal-sized salads, like grilled steak and tostones on a bed of mixed greens, with queso fresco, tomatoes, black beans and mustard vinaigrette. Owner Adriana Lopez Vermut says of the delay that not only were there permit issues, but she was also 32 weeks pregnant and got shingles when they decided to halt construction. She now says, “With the hard work of revising our menu and redefining ourselves, we feel confident in going forward with our third location.” They’re aiming for a January 15 opening if all goes smoothly. [Earlier]

Pica Pica’s Castro Location Due to Open in January After Lengthy Delay