This week’s grand opening of Alchemy Restaurant heralds an organic approach to dining with “product and cultural driven” meals complimented by a global wine list and full cocktail bar. It is the first restaurant venture by biz partners Matt Thomas and Ron Troyano, who completely rebuilt the South Park structure after it burned down a few years ago. Chef Riccardo Heredia sources the “freshest possible ingredients” for bringing to the table items such as halibut sous vide, Jidori chicken, cocoa-rubbed pork tenderloin, grass-fed burgers and more. Alchemy’s design is warm and earthy, marked by a large metal tree sculpture and hand-made banquettes and tabletops made from old wood flooring. 1503 30th St., 619-255-0616.

Chicago transplants and their food groupies can soon savor that city’s famous deep-dish pizzas in Mission Hills, when Lefty’s in North Park opens a second location in the storefront where Phil’s Barbecue formerly operated. In addition to the heavyweight pies, the eatery is the place for Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago dogs slathered in electric-green relish. 4030 Goldfinch St., 619-295-1720.

Tijuana-style street tacos grilled over mesquite flames are among the menu items that will cost $5 or less at the upcoming Funky Garcias, a new Gaslamp eatery conceived by Moe Sadighian, chef-owner of nearby Tabule and founder of five restaurants throughout Tijuana. 421 Market St., 858-414-6654.

Terra Restaurant & Bar in Hillcrest has rolled out a variety of price specials on food and drinks, beginning with a daily “stimulus package” for $18, which features soup or salad and choice of entrée. Other deals include $10 lunches on Saturdays, half-price bottles of wine on Tuesdays and no corkage fees on Wednesdays. In addition, the restaurant offers a “frequent-dining program” that gives customers a free entrée after 12 are purchased. 3900 Vermont St., 619-293-7088

While throwing your dough to the government, Richard Walkers Pancake House is easing the burden by giving out a free short stack of buttermilk hotcakes on April 15, to customers who request “some dough.” 520 Front St., 619-231-7777.

Restaurateurs Matt Rimel and Thad Benshoof have launched Rimel’s Rotisserie and Zenbu Sushi in the Seaside Market Shopping Center in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. The adjacent restaurants each rely on Rimel’s local seafood and meat companies in providing fresh proteins. From the rotisserie, customers will find beef, poultry, game and seafood roasted over wood-fired grills. At Zenbu, such ocean delights as uni, local lobster and La Jolla rock cod rule the day. 2003 and 2005 San Elijo Ave., Cardiff, 760-633-2022.

Baguette Express in City Heights is perhaps the only place in San Diego where you can wheel up for fast sandwiches, many of them Vietnamese style along with a new line of ciabatta sandwiches stuffed with pork chops, spicy sausages, Black Forest ham and more. And the inexpensive prices will leave you feeling as though it’s 1985! 5125 El Cajon Blvd., 619-286-8888.