Cristian Liang is a San Diego restaurant owner who embodies the cultural richness of our region. He’s an Asian-American entrepreneur who was born across the border in Baja California and now co-owns a trio of popular pan-Asian eateries in San Diego: Common Theory Public House, Realm of the 52 Remedies and Woomiok. To mark Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we caught up with Cristian and chatted about his success story, some favorite dishes and where he goes to celebrate his heritage.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to launch your businesses — as well as why you felt San Diego was the right place to do so.
A: I was born in Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico. My parents owned and operated a Chinese restaurant in Tijuana for over 30 years, and I went to school in Tijuana until the age of 14. Entrepreneurship is the main reason for starting my own business, and I guess since the restaurant business is in my blood, I felt comfortable getting into the hospitality industry as my first business venture.
Q: What are some of your recommended must-try item(s) on the menus at your restaurants:
A: Common Theory Public House – Szechuan Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich; Realm of the 52 Remedies – “KFQ,” or Korean-Fried Quail, paired with Saigon Dreamer cocktail.
Ingredients:
“KFQ” Korean-Fried Quail, Yuzu Honey Sambal, Almond Gremolata, Fish Sauce, Candied Orange Peel, Thai Basil
Saigon Dreamer Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Michter’s Rye Whiskey, Creme de Cacao, Lemon, Pineapple, Sugar, Clarified with Whole Milk. (Citrusy and nutty.)
Q: What are a few of your local favorites within your neighborhood?
A: Woomiok, Chon Ju Jip, and Matoi.
Q: If someone were to come to your business, what are a few surrounding things that would be interesting to do?
A: Eating and grabbing dessert on Convoy is the best! This neighborhood has an amazing variety of Asian eateries. Once your belly is full, go out for some boba pearl tea or sweet desserts from a local bakery or some shaved ice!
Q: Locally, where do you go to connect with your heritage?
A: Everywhere on Convoy connects me to my Chinese background, especially all the Asian grocery stores like 99 Ranch Market and H Mart! I’m able to find all the Asian ingredients I need for home and businesses, as well as all the snack favorites I loved since my childhood days.
Q: What are your favorite AAPI-centered events, neighborhoods, museums and other highlights in San Diego?
A: Chinese New Year celebration at Common Theory is always fun; we hire the local group of Lucky Lion Dancers to perform at the restaurant. We also hand out to every guest a traditional red pocket (pre-filled with a lucky $1 dollar bill) so that each guest can feed the dancing lions the lucky money for good luck, good health and prosperity!
Q: If someone were coming to San Diego for the first time, what would you tell them to do? (Besides visit your business, of course!)
A: I would recommend they explore the craft beer scene, visit Balboa Park, go to the beach in the spring/summer, and then come back to Convoy for dinner and drinks at Realm of the 52 Remedies before leaving town!
Q: What do you think would most surprise a newcomer to San Diego?
A: It’s not a surprise, but they will find that the city has many beautiful beaches, friendly people with laid-back vibes, and the best weather in the States. This is why people visit and end up staying!
Q: Looking forward, what makes you excited about growing your business in San Diego?
A: The potential in this city, and the appetite San Diegans have for better food, better drinks, and better experiences. As long as we continue to create concepts that focus on those three things, we can keep growing.