SAN DIEGO — Two sisters, born in Mexico City and raised in San Diego, have opened a vibrant new restaurant that's all about blending culture, flavor, and clean eating.
Jackie Gleicher and Jeanette Gaistman filled the menu for Our Green Affair with nods to their heritage, from baked chilaquiles omelets to corn ribs topped with Cotija cheese, tajin mayo, and cilantro.
“It's the best way to experience culture through food, taking a little bit of a bite and seeing where everything came from,” says Gleicher.
Gaistman adds, "We really try to make the food you want to eat—better for you."
They ditched seed oils and fried ingredients in favor of healthier alternatives like olive oil and baked tortillas, aiming to create dishes that nourish both body and soul. Their inspiration? Childhood memories of big family breakfasts, with their mom serving chilaquiles and eggs to foster connection around the table.
Now, they’re hoping their food will do the same for their community.
“Eating together is a huge part of who we are,” says Gleicher.
Gleicher’s and Gaistman’s mission doesn’t stop at deliciousness. With unique ingredients like nopal cactus and spirulina, they’re hoping to inspire healthier habits while introducing new flavors to their customers.
"Most people won't eat their fruits and vegetables, so we try to make them love it. Spirulina is an algae. It’s really good for slowing down the development of cancer cells. On its own it’s really salty. If you add it into a smoothie, you can't really taste it," Gaistman says.
Their colorful smoothies are packed with greens, freshly orange or celery juice, and protein. Japanese peanuts add perfect crunch to their Thai me Up arugula and tofu salad.
“Japanese peanuts are super fun. They were invented by a Japanese man, but they were invented in Mexico City and they are coated in flour so it adds a very nice crunch,” Gaistman says.
Their menu is designed to heal the gut and fuel the body, with a focus on simple, unmanipulated flavors.
"Food can be medicine," Gleicher says.
Through their heart and soul-driven cooking, they’re on a mission to make San Diego fall in love with clean eating—without compromising on taste.
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