ACCLAIMED TWO DUCKS POP-UP EXTENDS ITS STAY AT THE LION’S SHARE

A pop-up that initially signed for a three-month residency at the Lion’s Share has proved so popular that it’s in talks to extend its run there indefinitely. Two Ducks has been operating out of the restaurant’s event venue since March though it’s a return engagement for chef brothers and Calexico natives Danny and Dante Romero who originally launched Tortoise, their previous, pandemic-era pop-up, in the same upstairs space before the duo became part of the opening team at Wormwood in 2021. Both pop-ups were named after the cautionary tales of Aesop’s Fables.

The multi-course, fine-dining experience of Two Ducks combines classic French technique — Danny Romero was chef de partie at the three-Michelin-starred Addison — with Southern California and Mexican flavors. After an early stint at Mission Hills Nursery, the latest iteration of the Romero’s roving pop-up was welcomed back to the Lion’s Share by co-owners Roy Ledo and Carlos Valente in March. Danny Romero tells Eater that they’re working on updates to the space that would allow for a more permanent stay and additional dinners per week.

The Romero’s partnership with the Lion’s Share has also evolved. With the industry-favorite haunt entering its 12th year in operation, Dante Romero (Stone Brewing) is stepping in as the restaurant and bar’s new executive chef while continuing to run Two Ducks with his brother. Supported by sous chef Xavier Verdugo, Romero intends to keep the menu’s focus on seasonal ingredients and wild game while applying some of the culinary influences reflected in the pop-up’s compelling dishes.

Other staffing changes include the promotion of John Gibian to bar lead and the return of Joshua Becker (Mister A’s, La Valencia), a member of the restaurant’s opening team, who is rejoining the Lion’s Share as general manager.

2024-04-23T16:16:21Z dg43tfdfdgfd