Two Ducks is a new underground (clandestine) fine-dining pop-up from the Romero brothers who amicably departed Wormwood earlier this year to pursue and catalyze a healthier approach to working within the restaurant industry. Danny and Dante were seeking an alternative solution to the all-too-common industry grind and the long shifts over many days which often take a toll on mental and physical wellness. As a new father, Danny wanted to shift the mindset in order to prioritize family while also continuing to nurture his craft.

The two formerly operated Tortoise, a pandemic-era underground pop-up
during their earlier time at Wormwood and it inspired the current Two
Ducks concept, a roving dinner experience that heralds all the tenants of
fine-dining but is whimsical, fun and approachable with curated playlists of
everything from The Beatles to mariachi band covers.

Inspired by some of the successful restaurant models they experienced in
Europe, Danny and Dante operate Two Ducks two nights per week on
Thursdays and Fridays beginning this month and with just 20 seats
available per evening. Each evening will feature 8-10 courses based on
classic French technique with Mexican/Southern Californian culinary
influences and will include the option for wine pairings. Reserved guests
will receive an email the evening before that will disclose the location of
the dinner.

At the age of 19, Danny planned to pursue a career in urban planning in
San Diego when he unexpectedly got a job as a busboy — a pivot that
changed the trajectory of his career. Despite the absence of formal chef
training, Danny’s culinary skills are a testament to the invaluable
experiences and encounters he gained while working in a variety of
kitchens throughout his career. With almost half of his life dedicated to the
restaurant industry, Danny’s journey exemplifies his progression from
busboy to waiter, precook to line cook, sous chef to chef de cuisine, and
finally, to the position of executive chef at Wormwood, which was named
San Diego Magazine’s readers’ pick for best new restaurant of 2022. His
brother and “right hand man,” Dante, held the title of chef de cuisine at
Wormwood. Although Romero has spent more time working in kitchens,
both he and his brother, Dante, started cooking professionally about the
same time, years ago.

“The Tortoise & the Ducks” and “The Tortoise and the Hare” are
cautionary tales à la Aesop’s Fables and the morals of both stories are at
the root of the brothers’ mission and vision – slow and steady.

Two Ducks is the pop-up predecessor to what will be a permanent Tortoise
brick and mortar in the future where the same sacred approach to the
preservation of mental and physical health and life balance will be
honored.