Here's a place where we can share our favorite things at restaurants throughout the San Diego area.
My first reply is what I was craving at the time I posted.
At Dan Diego's, bangers & mash or beef shepherd's pie. Both excellent dishes in their genre.
Bracero -- the octopus dish ("wood-grilled octopus"). It's the best of kind I've ever had.
Pho Hung Cali in Chula Vista -- be sure to try the pho bo kho, a gloriously aromatic rendition of this Vietnamese "stew", done better than anywhere else in the SD area IMO.
Kitchen 1540 Del Mar: Try the halibut dish! It's wonderful; a favorite. Highly recommended.
Bone Marrow at Whisknladle, La Jolla.
J&T Thai Street Food. I like the pork leg stew rice, chicken noodle soup, and spicy lime salad with shrimp. All very good.
Just had to add, since just there today.
The pork "stew" dish didn't hit it, not even close. Bland meat (lots of it, though, generous) on top of a way too-big pile of rice. Hope this isn't a sign of inconsistency.
My companion enjoyed the chicken noodle soup, but its presentation wasn't at all as pleasing as what we'd come to expect.
I'll still go back for both of these dishes, but at this point can no longer recommend them w/o qualification.
One more menu item to try at JT Thai is the Pad Prik King Pork; very tasty, but kind of a small serving. It comes with brown or white rice -- I think too much of it, actually. The alternative to rice is mixed veggies, which I'll try next time. I asked for it to be spicy level 10 and they delivered -- this time. Amazing. Usually, a "10" here is more like a "6" on my personal scale, but not this time! My companion got the spicy lime salad with shrimp, also ordered spicy "10", and she was enchilada half-way through and couldn't finish. We had to get an emergency Thai tea for her to calm down the heat!
Interesting take on the pork leg stew, usually the broth is stellar. I was going to try the duck stew, but remembered that you weren't trilled with it. I still might give it a try as it's one of the few items I haven't tried on their menu.
As for the heat levels, lately they've been right on. In fact, when they see me come in they already know to bring it!
Sorry, Mento - that would be the wrong answer. At Carnita's Snack Shack you order the Triple Threat sandwich.
Rubio's: original fish taco
LOL. Mento, these are typical comments on SD's CH! We often enjoy banter, light jesting, and mild sarcasm. It's meant to be in good humor and fun. :-)
Welcome to our board and keep posting!
Pork Belly app. Although one day I hope to try the steak sandwich.
Now a CSS location on the Embarcadero. Can't wait to go -- right on the water and lots of outdoor seating, I hear.
Normally restaurants which are just known for 1-2 good dishes are not changing their menu often enough and have a bad kitchen since everything on a restaurant menu should come out in good/similar quality. I know this question of "what should I order at restaurant X" is popular but I find it always strange as I go to restaurants to be surprised on the menu and have confidence that everything I order is worth eating otherwise why visit the restaurant anyway
But certain things really stand out, even at the best restaurants, and that's the point here. If I'm going to go to restaurant X just once in a while --or if it's my first time -- I'd like to hear your specific suggestion about what to order. If the answer is "everything on the menu is among the best of kind, so order anything", that's helpful, sort of, but I'd still want to know what you consider the first thing(s) I should try there, since I value your opinion.
I guess we go to restaurants with different expectations - I really hope that restaurants like Georges, Cafe Chloe, Juniper & Ivy, Solare, Eat at Pearl etc. change their menu often enough that even if you go every few weeks you hardly see the same dishes on the menu. (And if they don't we tend to go less and less, e.g Urban Solace, Jaynes). And if all dishes are good on the menu taste preferences from person to person are so different that it is pretty useless to point to "...what you consider the first thing (you) should try there..." (You might prefer fish over meat etc).
OK, but if I were to ask you what you'd suggest at Café Chloe, and you recommended something that isn't on the current menu, that's ok. At least I'd look for it. And if they change the menu and offer a new item that's dynamite, you could re-post here. I'd make an effort to get there and try it before it disappears.
People like you dine at so many places so often, that if I'm going somewhere, I'd like to have a shot at what you think is a great dish. If it's meat and I'm looking for fish, well at least I have a suggestion for the other person. I don't *have* to take your recommendation. And there are others who might benefit from your suggestion, to their delight.
"People like you dine at so many places so often, that if I'm going somewhere" - Actually we are going to less different places now compared to sometime ago but are much more focused on getting more interesting and higher quality dishes (based on how the restaurant operates or if we contact the chefs). (It is better for us to spend a little but more money and be more selective with the restaurants than "just going out somewhere")
Based on your posts and comments I assume that you go out much more often than we do.
Café Chloe -- the steak tartare is excellent, a very good choice for a small plate. :-)
Cantina Mayahuel: Recommend the chicken mole, red or black (the red is made from scratch in-house). Only available Tuesdays and Fridays. Very good.
Ototo Sushi: I'll suggest the shishito peppers, albacore poke salad, and tuna nigiri which are consistently very good. The Picasso roll is worth trying.
By all means, get the garlic edamame and eat it by hand to get all of that great garlic sauce flavor. The (pork) negi chashu and their gyoza are also very good choices for "small plate" appetizers, as is the cucumber kimchee.
The salmon capriccio is quite good, as are the Picasso, Sunset, and especially the beautiful and wonderful cucumber-wrapped namesake Ototo sushi roll -- all definitely worth a try.
I'm glad this place is nearby. I just wish they'd tone down the TV volume inside. Much nicer to eat on the patio outside, weather permitting.
BTW, these days they usually have Stone Delicious IPA on tap, which, IMO, pairs perfectly with this kind of Japanese food.
BTW, please don't expect fast-food style service here. The place is a pretty laid back, European-style restaurant.
I don't know what your experiences are with European restaurants but Civico is pretty much the opposite - uncoordinated, unprofessional, rushed, allows for extreme noise from one table - everything you wouldn't see in Europe but is quite cmmon in th US. Even one of the servers (from Sicily) made a comment to us when we talked a bit how much worse the service in the US is compared from for example in Italy. In general in Europe being a waiter is a well respected job with several years of apprenticeship whereas in the US it is an underpaid job (only relying on tips) of people who often see it as a short detour in their life.
Actually, I've been almost everywhere throughout France and Southern Spain, touring by rental car; also northern Italy, western Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, and have dipped into Hungary (Budapest). But I've always sought out grass roots restaurants, the simpler places that I think are most reflective of the local cuisine. And that's not to save money. In my travels I've experienced friendly, good service -- but not speedy. I learned to be patient. I suspect that you've dined at far more luxurious European restaurants than I, where the service is both more elegant and faster. At Civico, the service I've experienced is pretty much the same as that which I've experienced in Europe. It's unfortunate that you were rushed when you were there with unprofessional and uncoordinated table service. I agree with you about the noise, though.
Service at higher-end (and "every day" ) restaurants in Europe is in general much slower, better paced than in the US. We have yet to have a single visitor from Europe who went with us to restaurants in the US who didn't comment about the rushed, unpolished service (and we mostly are not talking about high-end restaurants in the US)
Carlee's (Borrego Springs).
Both the chicken penne and Baja (chicken) penne pasta dishes are really good here. Very generous portions, so consider sharing between two people.
The gazpacho is dynamite.
Two other things to consider at Carlee's are their fish and chips, and baby back ribs. I haven't had the ribs myself but hear that they're pretty good.
If you get the fish and chips, be sure to ask them to substitute fries. That's because by "chips", here, they mean "potato chips" (albeit home-made). The plate comes with a tasty, non-soupy slaw.
This small pub has surprisingly good tacos.
We like the carnitas, carne asada, and garlic shrimp these days -- just not the fish, which is ok but not a favorite. They also have two flavorful hot sauces at the tables.
The corn tortillas here are strong and tasty. Just right. Tortillas like this make eating a taco so much easier and nicer.
Sandwiches here are good enough, and fries are ok. They also have a made-for-house beer, Peabody Red, which is pretty good.
It's now four years later, and I still say the shrimp tacos at Peabody's are marvelous. My Chilanga DH thinks so as well. Ask for extra garlic, if you want. The carne asada and carnitas tacos are also very good, but for these, be sure to ask for grilled chopped jalapeños. Add a little of the tableside habanero hot sauce.
A good selection of tap beers here, too.
Public House, La Jolla -- The kobe beef sliders are a good choice here. Go during happy hour (otherwise expensive) and try them rare.
Pho Hut & Grill -- I'm not much of a fan of the food here, but a major exception is their banh mi, currently the best to be had IMO in the Bay Park to Kearny Mesa area. The bahn mi xa xiu is my favorite so far.
Checked out the bahn mi here once again and it's still on target. Both my companion and I thought it was as good here as at K-Sandwiches, if smaller and pricier. We both had the banh mi xa xiu; wonderful with their "special" hot sauce (in a squeeze bottle). So this comment is really just a exclamation mark: Try the bahn mi xa xiu.
In the intervening months since this post, I've had two additional things here that I've ordered more than once. Meaning, I like them, and would suggest to others. These won't knock your socks off, but they're tasty and worth ordering if you're right there in the Balboa-Genesee area and craving a Vietnamese soup.
The first is their bun bo hue, which while not at all "genuine" or spicy, is pretty tasty. The second is mi sui cao, a light pork-broth soup that comes with very nice pork dumplings, baby bok choy, and xa xiu slices. Noodles are in a clump in the bowl, so you have to deal with that.
Their prices have gone up here, and these two run about $9 now. Nice big bowls, but a little steep nonetheless.
I have to say that Pho Hut & Grill has become a regular stop for me. I suggest that you just say no to the pho and the salads here, but several other things are really quite good; satisfying. Not since Bale closed have I had a place to go to like this: Closer than Convoy with much easier parking and a number of tasty menu items. And it's nicely air conditioned in summertime.
I tried a stir fry tonight that was just the ticket for my appetite and mood. I got the barbequed pork (Xa Xiu) with chow fun noodles. A generous serving of Vietnamese comfort food, with lots of veggies and 1/2 inch wide, 6 inch long flat egg noodles. Nice, delicate sauce doesn't need anything, although I added a smidgen of sriracha on one side of the plate. A really good menu choice here.
A couple of additional suggestions.
Avoid the salads. Skip all of their "specialty dishes". And skip the fried rice items.
But: Try the har kow noodle soup. (Ask for some red vinegar on the side, to pour into the soup. Almost essential.)
The potstickers are tasty here, too.
Thanks Doc, I've been wanting some Pho, never stopped at this place don't know why.
Will give them a try.
Alas, the pho is poor here, as I implied (howbeit indirectly) in my 12/9/16 post above. But for soup, the mi har kow is very good, and, while hardly "authentic", so is the bun bo hue.
What I want to know is how you remembered a 2 year old thread?!?!????
I remembered the name of it. Even though it was started two years ago, I think a lot of the comments are still relevant. It's a place to post miscellaneous things -- good and bad suggestions in particular -- that don't fit into other threads and aren't significant enough for a standalone thread. I stopped adding suggestions to this thread about half a year ago or so at cstr's recommendation (about it being a long and old thread), but have recently decided to post notes here again. It's been pretty quiet on this board, and I think adding some updates and new comments about what to cherry pick out of a long menu might be helpful to some. I wish others would join in more, but if not, that's ok. I come back to this thread myself to see what it was that I and others liked (and didn't like) at some restaurants.
Qiwei Kitchen -- At this unique (to SD) "dry pot" Szechuan restaurant, try the griddle-cooked beef, roast fish, or bullfrog. The bullfrog was the first thing I had and still my favorite. I definitely recommend it, but with the strong caveat that there are tons of tiny sharp bones, so eat with care! Order any of these with the "garlic flavor" and spicy level of your choice, keeping in mind that they're serious about heat here.
Mille Fleurs: The lamb burger with a side of duck fat fries. Available only in the Lounge (and Patio, if you ask nicely).
Red Tracton's: Tuesday Night Mustard Crusted Catfish. The Lobster Club, only available Friday and Saturday for lunch, is a close second.
Davanti Enoteca: Polpo con Rafano (grilled octopus).
Pho Hoa (Linda Vista) -- My suggestion is their Pho Tai, a simple bowl of pho that highlights the broth. That's because the beef broth here (and that at Pho Cali, which is very similar) is the best I've had in SD. When I get the pho tai here, I don't add any of the side veggies (as I always do with other Vietnamese soups), and I scoop up as much of the broth as possible while it's still steaming hot. When the broth is nearly gone, I eat the veggies separately with individual slices of meat, topped with a few drops of sriracha sauce, like little tacos. And -- oh that's right -- the pho noodles too. I don't, in other words, mess with the broth.
Another good choice at Pho Hoa is the pho bo koh. Rich, savory, well-balanced and aromatic broth, and tender meat. Skimpy on the carrots, though, for some reason.
On the other hand, I never order bun bo hue here, which you might say is a loosly-related cousin to pho bo koh, partly because I like mine with cabbage -- and they don't provide cabbage here.
Coal fired wings at URBN. The brussel sprouts at Stone Liberty Station. Breakfast tacos at the Coffee Cup. Al Pastor at Tacos el Gordo. Scallop sandwich at Point Loma Seafood. The mushroom pizza at BLAH. Woodfired bahn mi at Tiger! Tiger! Carne asada tacos at Rudy's Tacos. Chorizo con huevos at Cuatro Milpas. Potato tacos at Mama Testa. Lamb donor at The Kebab Shop. Spicy tonkotsu ramen at Tajima Ramen House. Spicy J-Bags burger at Toronado. Oyster po-boy taco at Waypoint Public. The burger at Neighborhood. Taco especial at Oscar’s Mexican Seafood. Shrimp bahn mi at Bale French Sandwiches. Chilaquiles at Ranas.
94th Aero Squadron -- The prime rib is quite good, and a bargain during their 4-6 "early flight". The creamed corn, sometimes passed around as a complimentary extra, is excellent but needs salt and pepper.
C-Level- Harbor Island -- Try the warm baby spinach salad with blackened salmon. Even better, if they'll make a substitution for you, get it with their outrageous skewered blackened shrimp. One of the best salads in town. My comments here:
Mien Trung -- Well, of course, the bun bo hue is the first thing to try here: These people are from Hue. The bun cha ca and mi guang can also be recommended.
I noticed that the food dish of the month this month (3/19) on CH is bun bo hue ("boon ba hway").
I still think that the bun bo hue at Mien Trung is the most "authentico" you can get outside of Hue. At least in SD. (And no, I haven't been there, but I do read about things.)
For a few comparisons, at Pho Hoa it doesn't come with cabbage and it's not spicy; at Pho Hut its a tasty red soup, but not spicy and with nothing "exotic" in it; at Phuong Trang and also Pho Hiep you at least get the essential fresh cabbage, but again, not the full treatment that this soup deserves.
It's worth seeking out the tiny Mien Trung for bun bo hue, IMO, which is right around the corner from K-Sandwiches.
George's Bar -- The blackened tuna salad (a lunch item) is very good. Get a balcony table.
OK, here's what *not* to order at George's Bar (dinner app): The fish tacos. Horrible tiny pieces of something vaguely fish-like that's tough and dry on a tiny tortilla with a mayonnaise type sauce and pico that tastes like it came from a can. Oh, and out-of-the bag tortilla chips, in case the two tacos ($14) weren't sufficiently filling.
Really ? We recently had as part of the last TBL4 their updated (they are always optimizing their fish taco over the years) and it was the best fish taco we had anywhere. (And they told us that Bracero is now using their in-house made masa also for the tacos at Bracero)
Fairly disappointing DrC, did you let them know?
PS, glad to have you back, that other site is deadsville.
In fairness, it was Christmas Day, and we ordered right at 4:30, when they first start serving dinner. So the "A Team" might not have been in the kitchen, and the fish might not have been as fresh as usual. But both I and my companion thought they were awful. In fact, she said that she might not have realized there was fish in the taco if she hadn't known.
No, we didn't tell the management about it, but I doubt I'll try the fish tacos, at least in the bar, again.
@Honk: I would imagine that those served at TBL4 are prepared with greater loving care.
P.S The bar has been remodeled; I rather like the wider communal table. There is no longer seating right along the pillars, and the balcony area is more open-feeling. It was freezing cold due to draft through the plastic "windows" though; they were actually handing out blankets!
So far our experience was that the execution was on the same level at TBL3, Modern and bar. You should have talked with management if you felt it wasn't a correctly done dish
Tostadas (North Park) -- The tostada mixta and ceviche de pescado are good choices here. But they're messy. Unless you're better than I at eating drippy tostadas, you'll need two napkins for each.
Other good choices here are the salmon and the sandia (watermelon) tostadas.
Suggest you pass on the tostadas pibil, nopal, aguachile and callo de hacha, and also the "mojito" agua fresca.
Last I was here, the tostadas were less watery than previously.
It may be of interest that Tostadas now serves beer and wine, perhaps mainly worth mentioning because one of the wines is a Paoloni chardonnay. It's unusual to see a Baja wine in a fast-casual place like this. Very nice.
BTW, there's an extremely cool-looking beer garden that's opened right behind Tostadas. It may or may not be under the same ownership. Seriously looks like it should be on the cover of a travel magazine. In a good way.
Doc, I just happened to go there last week. It's ChuckAlek Biergarten, based out of Ramona.
Their beers are mainly German-style: I tried the Radler (lager mixed with lemon-ginger soda) and it was perfect on a hot afternoon. You can order tastes or a full stein. The garden is adorable, and you can tell it was put together with love. And it was so nice to find a place in North Park that has something other than overly-hopped pale ales!
They have an agreement with Tostadas for food service. You call them, say you're at the beer garden next door, and they'll bring your order out to you.
Thanks for the tip about getting food from Tostadas delivered to the Biergarten. Definitely will-do next time. We noticed at the entrance there was no menu for food, just lists of beers on different dates. I didn't see anyone eating there yesterday when we happened to pass by (although I didn't look real hard), just drinking beer.
Yes, the place definitely looks like it was put together with love. Postcard-perfect setup and ambience.
Piacere Mio, in South Park. Their taglienri neri is wonderful and intense. Other dishes here are good, but some, such as the linguine al la voncole, are pretty plain and ordinaire and definitely not worth going out of your way for.
The restaurant claims that their pasta is "made fresh every day", which, interpreted, I think probably means they don't make it in-house but instead outsource their pasta from someplace else -- like Assenti's. Where, of course pasta is made fresh every day.
Nice service, but unlike restaurants with equivalent prices, not up there yet. Lots of millennieals onboard, but families, too.
Piacere Mio has evolved a lot since I wrote these comments several years ago. The service is excellent, fast, and very friendly now, and the food has been rightfully applauded by many over the years.
We've been back more than once since then, but I'm posting because today they had an app that warrants special mention. It might not be on the regular menu, but when available it's definitely worth ordering.
It consisted of three large artichokes, which, as served, were maybe two inches across on the bottom. The artichokes included the stems, which were perhaps four inches long and a half inch wide. The artichokes were placed vertically (stems up) on a platter in a puddle of olive oil with tons of finely minced garlic. There were also a few paper-thin slices of some strong dry Italian cheese (Romano?) resting vertically against one side of each artichoke. Very dramatic! And there were a few pitted kalamata olives for flavor accent and presentation. A unique and outstanding combination; not to be missed!
(We also shared a very flavorful and well-done penne pasta dish as a main course, plus a superb chocolate "cheese cake" for dessert, which was comped, for some reason.)
Puesto, Headquarters - Both the ceviche and coctel de campenchana are good bets. Not outstanding but good for a light dish.
Phuong Trang, on Convoy. My companion and I go here a lot. Among the many things we order that I'll suggest are their Mi Xa Xiu (but only if they have red vinegar, "yum", available); bahn tam bi (a delicate coconut-emphasis dish); and banh uot cha lua (a wonderful Vietnamese "ham" dish, with noodles). And based on a recent first-time order, I'll also suggest trying their cahn chua tom, a sort of "sweet and sour" type soup with shrimp but with more empahsis on sour than sweet, no noodles, and an exotic tamarind broth. It can also be had with fish ("ca").
I've learned that "yum" is one pronunciation for the Vietnamese word for vinegar, giam. Another pronunciation is "gee-ahm", closer to "jam". I believe these are regional differences in pronunciation, like "foe" vs. "fuh" for pho (noodles or soup).
I also *think* I've learned that the slightly sweet red vinegar with almost a raspberry kind of flavor that's essential (to me, anyway) in soups like mi xa xiu, is called hak mi cho. It's made from red rice. I say *think* because hak mi cho seems to be more of a Chinese thing.
Grand Ole BBQ and Asado -- The brisket here is as close to perfection as it gets. Order it by the pound, sliced. Figure maybe 1/2 lb per person. Strongly recommend you enjoy this wonderful low-and-slow without sauce of any kind. You'll want a side order, though, such as the cole slaw, and maybe some of their complimentary pickles. Heads up: They only have bottled water, but you can BYO.
Thanks DrC, I almost went yesterday, for sure next Saturday.
I'm not a fan of sauce on brisket, I like the meat and smoke to speak for itself. Did you sample taste their sauces?
What time did you get there?
They start serving brisket by the pound at 5:30, and I got there just before. I think it'd be best to arrive right about then if you can. There will probably be a short line, but it moves along pretty well. They don't necessarily have brisket until closing; when they're out, they're out for the day.
I put a dab of one of their sauces on the spicy coleslaw, but I don't recall which one it was. So no, I haven't sample-tasted their sauces. I did put salt on the brisket, as I do with other meats like steak and prime rib.
BTW, I got a whole slice, but if you like, they'll chop the slice for you.
Took my 98 year old aunt to brunch at Terra this morning. The short rib hash with 2 poached eggs and rosemary hollandaise was really good. Service was lacking, as was - wait for it - parking.
Water Grill -- An outstanding choice at this large yet comfortable and relaxed downtown restaurant is their "Wild Eastern Sea Scallops", with curried cauliflower puree. Very rich, but if you can deal with the calories, go for it.
Wow, eastern sea scallop's, especially if they're diver (called dry scallop's) sea scallop's are insanely pricey these days. Getting 3 on a plate is generous. I bet they were rich, love the taste and texture.
Thanks for the post.
That sounds amazing. I've also been wanting to order their seafood tower.
Bread & Cie. Bakery/Cafe, Hillcrest: The breakfast pizza and the cinnamon roll.
Galaxy Taco: I've only been here for lunch and only ordered tacos, but if that's what you're heading here for, one of the best on the menu is the grilled fish taco (not to be confused with their Baja fried fish taco). Only available at lunch, however; it's not on the dinner menu. Ask for extra pico with your tacos-- they really benefit from it.
Sang Dao -- This unassuming place on El Cajon at 54th was recommended by cstr (link below), who suggests both the red curry and phad prik khing. I haven’t had both, but also recommend the phad prik khing with chicken. It’s a flavorful stir-fry with lots of fresh green beans plus some red and green bell peppers, stirred together with a savory, thick, granular dark orange-colored sauce. The sauce is medium-spicy with a nice background coconut flavor and lemongrass notes. The generous serving comes with rice. Their Thai iced tea (with cream) is good, too.
Unfortunately only always a few days there - try also the BBQ carrots (and nearly eveything else on their constantly changing menu - follow Chef Anthony on his IG account to see what new dishes he is coming up)
You've been here a lot, it seems, Honk. Me, just twice. I've heard (or read) that they'll make up a dish that's not on the current menu if you ask -- provided they have the ingredients, of course. Not true? Are there no long-term menu items? What about the BBQ carrots?
Swordfish schnitzel sounds very interesting.
We might have been 20-30 times (perhaps even more) and the menu is always in constant flux. some dishes (mainly from the large plates) stay for a longer time (perhaps 3-4 weeks) everything else might be one the week for 1-2 weeks (sometimes dishes seem to be longer on the menu but just the protein is the same and other components have changed). No idea if they make "old" dishes on request but I would never come up with the thought in any restaurant to ask for an old dish, why ? The only dish which is always on the menu is the Yodel (but even there some small seasonal changes happen)
We did try the BBQ carrots and they were quite good. We were intrigued by the carrot top puree that they came bedded on
What else did you have and when did you go ? (We were there yesterday late night for a second (small) dinner/snacks
We had the swordfish schnitzel and general tsao cauliflower that we shared. My sister and BIL had the NY Pork, I had the Ahi. For dessert my BIL had the yodel, my sister the chz cake and I had the s'mores pie.
The swordfish schnitzel was the clear winner of the evening. We like the general tsao cauliflower, our only complaint was that the mushrooms were cut into such big pieces, and probably not rehydrated enough that they were too chewy. The pork was the better entree of the 2. It was tender with the sauce and extra bacon making it a little on the rich side. My ahi was cooked just past rare as requested. The short rib ravioli on the plate was not successful. The pasta was undercooked making it somewhat tough and gummy and the filling inside dry and oddly tasteless. The creamed kale served under the tuna was outstanding. We like all 3 desserts.
Guys, don't hit the snooze alarm anymore, wake up and post!!!!!!!
I'm going to hit Village Kitchen Chinese/Hunan on Claremont Mesa this Saturday for some Hunan cuisine. Lot's of spicy entree's in Hunan cuisine, take note DrC, I'll report back. I hear the chef put's out some serious flavor. The place opened later December, so I'll be interesting to see what they are all about. I hoping for another great Asian alternative.
I've got my sights set on the Grilled Octopus (spicy), I love octopus, and Farmers Pot Medley with Lotus Root and Beef.
Chow On!
Let's face it - the only way you are going to get real action here is to convince the poster formerly known as the Beach Chick to return. Work on those sweet talking skills. LOL
I think the glass is half full. Yes, it would be great to have BC posting here again, but perhaps returning isn't an option? I hope not, but it's possible.
By the way, this thread isn't a blog; I wish more people would post things here that they've had at restaurants and really enjoyed.
I don't think she left a trail of crumbs to follow back. That other place is boring and dull.
I do see several interesting names, on a few boards, that could be tied to the newly appointed 'flower child' or should I say 'flower granny'. Aloha.....
With the exception of a scant few, most are still posting on CH and I bet the others are looking closely.
I would enjoy the FN to show up again. Enjoy the whit and banter.
I think most posters are in limbo. You and DC are about the only ones posting here with any regularity. Honkman and I make a few guest appearances every now and again, buy by and large, this board is as dead as the one on the other site.
The bifurcation onto two websites wasn't helpful to either, but that's the current reality. I still think of CH as being the "official" board; FTC is interesting and I participate there, but it's invisible to a lot of people who aren't in the direct loop.
I'm glad that you and Honk still participate here, even if it's less frequently than before. Some seem to refuse to do so, and to me that seems stubborn; a shame.
Why? CH is a morgue. Go look at the other boards, some of them are slower than this one
I long for the larger regular crowd that was here only a few months ago, but I don't think our board at CH is a morgue. I'm glad that the SD board still has a pulse, and thankful for those who have helped keep it alive.
Perhaps some other boards are struggling still more, but speaking strictly for myself, I only care about this one.
You're two steps ahead of me, cstr. I was planning to check out Village Kitchen on Thursday, but I won't steal your thunder. Maybe I'll try Tasty Noodle House instead.
Thai Papaya (Pok Pok) -- This tiny sister restaurant to Sab-E-Lee is in the original Sab-E-Lee location on Ulrich at Linda Vista Rd, next to the liquor store. It's a gem that's unknown even to most locals (Shortly after opening, they dropped the "Pok Pok" in their name.) There are two things here worth trying on a first visit. The Yen Ta Fo is a delicious, exotic seafood soup that has no "heat" at all and doesn't need any; and the Khao Soi, a kind of curry soup with a big chicken leg in it. The latter has some heat, but it won't knock you over.
Sab-E-Lee (original) -- This Linda Vista spot is a premier Thai restaurant, maybe the "best in town". Nothing exotic, but everything I've ever had on their menu is well done.
What should you order from their extensive menu? Well, the red curry is marvelous; the cabbage and tom yum/ka soups wonderful; the chicken or duck larb and also their pad thai or pad see ew all very good; and their Thai ice tea is excellent.
Be advised that they take "Thai heat" seriously here, but will accommodate any taste. If you're able to convince your server that you're also serious, be sure to get some of that Thai ice tea when you ask for spicy level 10. I do.
NFTR: Drove by Sab-E-Lee this evening, and their long-time-coming expansion looked complete. It's not huge, but it's an improvement -- much needed. Couldn't tell if the expanded area was available to diners yet, but if not it appears to be imminent.
Meant to post earlier, but yes, the expanded area at Sab-E-Lee is open now. It adds only 6 more four-tops to the room, but that's a significant increase in capacity here, and reduces the logjam.
They have beer on the menu now, BTW.
Bencotto -- This is our favorite place in Little Italy for pasta. Try the tagliatelle, with salsiccia sauce.
Pho Hut & Grill -- Pass on the pho and bun, and go directly to the "sandwiches made to order" part of the menu. Until K-Sandwiches re-opens, this is the best bahn mi in the area, for my taste. I especially like (and suggest) the bahn mi xa xiu (French baguette barbequed pork sandwich). Be sure to squirt on at least a little of the sriracha sauce from the sqeeze bottle on the table. It's not Huy Fong brand -- refreshingly different.
Chicken Charlie's -- This is a nice, clean, fast-service restaurant by our Del Mar Fair friend. The chicken is good; the sides need work. Order the fried or rotisserie chicken entrée. I haven't had the zucchini or cucumber salad here; maybe they're decent sides. Fries are ok, but...yawn...
"Chicken Charlie" does have a way with fried chicken. Nice and crisp and very flavorful on the outside, and chew-off-the bone tender inside. So that's still what to order here. Fried chicken, from the "entrée" list.
Sides are still an issue though. Pass on the fries unless you're an unmitigated fries addict. I've now had the zucchini (ok) and salad (also ok). The coleslaw is very fresh and with a little Tabasco, nice and tangy; best bet for a side.
Went to Village Kitchen Chinese (Hunan), on Claremont Mesa, this pasty Saturday.
The place opened mid December, everything is quite new and very clean. There were 5 server staff when I went in at about noon, that place was about a third full.
I checked off my order, they have order slips, of Grilled Octopus which included grilled onion and Farmer Pot Medley which included slice beef, some tripe strips (Yum), lotus root and tender small celery hearts. Both dishes were enough for at least two to share. Both dishes were spiced well, DrC and I could probably always use additional spice, but I did not ask for additional spice the first time out. That'll change on my next visit, take note DrC!.
The dishes came out one at time in a staggered fashion, a little awkward, I think they need to work out some service kinks in the kitchen. Still very reasonable.
The prices are quite fair considering the generous portions, all the servers were very cordial and friendly.
When I left there was a waiting line of about 10 people and the entire restaurant was full. Another good observation was that I was the only Non-Asian eating there. A good thing!
These owners got the Hunan part nailed, all the dishes coming out of the kitchen look excellent. Definitely worth a try, this could be some of the best Hunan in the SD area.
Can't wait to try other entree's..
Wow, what a find! Thanks for posting your recommendations. I ordered the "Farmer Pot Medley", easily the best Chinese dish I've had in a very long time in SD.
A wonderfully plain but attractive restaurant, larger than it looks from the outside, and with servers (at least at opening time tonight) that had difficulty speaking and understanding English. But I did manage to convince them that I wanted it "very spicy". Thanks for the heads up on that. What I got was maybe a 7, which was fine. It came in a pot with just enough sterno underneath to keep it sizzling for maybe 5 minutes. Perfect.
I sure hope this place does well. Not only the best Hunan in SD; I'd say some of the very best of any style Chinese to be had in SD.
Glad to hear that you enjoyed VK, this place is a real gem. I can't wait to get into there menu on more visits. Everything I saw coming from the kitchen looked great. There's a few dishes i'm considering for my next visit, Chili Pepper Fish and Spicy Eggplant served in a mortar and pestle.
Cucina Basilico -- See Phee’s and Honkman’s posts, links below. I go here for the house-made pastas. Which ones? Well, whatever they have at the time -- which changes. But for sauce: I suggest the marinara (delicate but excellent); marinara with Italian bacon ("Pantera Rosa", a little heavier); or alfredo. For all three of these, I'd suggest the fettuccini or linguini, if they have it.
I would also add the pesto and classical ragu. And as appetizer the calamari (not deep fried but braised in a slightly spicy tomato sauce). (And very rarely do they have braised pork shank (t-rex size), red wine risotto or ravioli as specials - just order them)
Just had the giant braised pork shank there last week. Absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection. My only complaint was not enough pasta for the dish, so I ordered a side of their plain fettuccine and dumped it on the dish. When the bill came it showed the side of pasta that I ordered for $0.00. Pretty damn nice and accommodating!
Had dinner. at Cucina Basilico last night. Disclaimer; my ethnic background is Sicily and Naples.
Started with the mixed leafy greens with beet and goat cheese salad, very nice.
Next, I had the bolognese ragu, it was a good version of a bolognese. If that ragu was simmered another 2+/- hours it would have been excellent IMO. I liked that you could see the Italian version of a good sofrito in the ragu, finely chopped carrot, celery and onion. I had it with house made fettuccini.
Lastly, the chicken parm, a nice size breast of chicken, not pounded into a cutlet, and very juicy. The chicken had a nice crisp exterior. The only negative was the entree was not served with pasta, but rather some steamed veggies.
The house made tiny rolls were hot and a good vehicle as a plate cleaner.
Overall, I liked CB and will return again. It's in a out of the way spot, but if I'm in the area I wold not hesitate to go back. Prices were reasonable, service good and the places is very clean. Wine list average, but serviceable.
IMO, CB is one of the better places for old school Italian in SD.
Thanks DrC,HH and RH for getting me to go there.
I think their chicken dishes are their weaker part of the menu. If you want something non-pasta dishes I would go for the fish dishes. (And with sous vide at home you can easily make better versions than any restaurant using conventional techniques). And do you mean old school American-Italian or Italian-Italian ?
Definitely American- Italian.
Cucina Basilico has very little to do with American-Italian food (if you would ever tell them that they would get quite angry about it as Francesca and her husband hate American-Italian food. This is food you will get in small neighborhood restaurants in Italy with the good pasta to sauce ratio (not that oversauced American-Italian stuff, not covered in cheap cheese etc)
IMO, it's still Americanized, maybe even a little geared to SO CA.
While I liked everything I ate, the menu is geared to the American culture. The ingredients were quality and the prep well executed.
I did like the sauce to pasta ratio and agree it was not swimming in sauce, but I would not go to the extent that it represents a small neighborhood restaurant in Italy. Tiny places in Italian neighborhoods, non-touristy away from the mainstream, which I gravitate to offer many special family recipes and a home style charm that I can only find in Italy.
CB, does well and I hope their 2nd location continues the trend for the long term.
I don't see much Americanized recipes. yes, they would like to add some more unusual ingredients but afraid to do so since most likely nobody will buy the dishes but the dishes themselves are what you would get in an Italian neighborhood restaurant.
Here's one small example of Americanization, serving bread with olive oil. Except for touristy places, you'll never see that served in Italy.
At higher end restaurants I somewhat agree with HH that almost everything you order should at least be well prepared and enjoyable. But If I'm getting take out from an inexpensive hole in the wall, I tend to be more picky as there are just a few truly transcendent items in that price range. I mean there a only a few $5 - $10 items that truly send me . . .
Crispy chicken tacos from Rodrigo's, Potato tacos from Mama Testa's, Fish Tacos from the Brig, Carne Asada burritos or the Chile Relleno/Chick Ench combo from Maritza's, Fish Tacquitos from PLSF, Explodo Dog from Fathom, TJ dog with over easy egg or the Holy Mole burrito from Lucha Libre, Pork Belly App from Carnitas Snack Shack, Torta Ahogada from El Gallito, smoked tuna Taco and Red AguaChile Shrimp from TJ oyster bar, Pork Belly Nachos from brothers Provisions, The Meatball Roll from Long Island Mike's, Nam Sod Salad (Spicy#6) from Sab E Lee, Wild Boar Burger at Urge, The Half Pounder with Cheese at Rocky's and The Coop-Deville at the Crack Shack (ok it's $12).
The Spicy Garlic Wings, Pho, and Special Fried Rice at OB Noodle House. Black Ramen with Volcano Sauce at Nishiki. The mix lamb and chicken doner at Ala Turca, The Hydra, Siren, and Aphrodite at Supernatural Sanwiches. The pressed Cubano and also Chimichurri steak sandwiches at Wich Addiction. The Al Pastor and the Lengua tacos at Taco Bar, the Chorizo Potato Tacos at City Taco, The Mole at Cantina Mayahuel, Enchiladas Suizas at Ponces. Thanksgiving on a Bun at Tin Leaf. The braised lamb Curry Bowl or Chipotle short rib bowl at Bushfire Grille. The blackened Albacore Tataki with warm garlic ponzu at Kappa Sushi, #6 BBQ Pork Banh Mi Sandwich at Cali Baguette.
Another treasure trove of suggestions (as with y6y6y6's in October)! Thanks for your posts.
World Curry -- Just saw on Eater today that this place is 10 years old! Wow, hard to believe. Its a great little rough-hewn place on Garnet that I get to every once in a while. And when I do, I always order the same thing: Phall, a very hot English curry, a 10 on my personal hotness scale. But full of flavor if you can handle the heat. My DH companion has had other things, so if blazing spicy doesn't appeal, try the vindaloo or panang, both very good.
Beignets with lemon verbena and bacon maple at Currant American Brasserie, fish tacos at the Brigantine, a albacore tuna salad sandwich at Pt Loma Seafood, beer at any of the breweries, and pack a picnic and sit at Sunset cliffs.
Welcome to CH, nice looking beignets, much better presentation than a typical beignet. Were they well stuffed with the lemon?
I must say your post format resembles a former CH poster. If you had only mentioned Dobson's and the Water Taxi. Sunset Cliffs, or what remains of it, nice setting.
Welcome, post often!
Yum Cha Cafe -- Kitty-corner from Pho Hoa in LV. This large spot is the quintessential “hole in the wall” Chinese counter-service dim sum. Sad to say, some of the quality, quantity, and value seem to have been slipping away of late. Maybe there'll be a revival. But there’s one item that’s sill a pretty decent deal -- which is to say a tasty bowl at a good price -- and that's the BBQ pork soup with wide rice noodles. Be sure to ask for some pink vinegar, and also some chili sauce.
Regal Beagle -- This is a somewhat remote and rarely mentioned place in northern Middletown -- on India, a couple of blocks south of Washington -- that has really tasty sausages. For starters, try either the Hungarian Kolbasz, German Garlic, or a Pork Brat. Lots of toppings available. Lots of paper towels available.
Pho Hiep & Grill -- This is another of those places where you can easily be disappointed, but where there are some items on the menu very much worth trying if you're in the area. Basically, the things to order here (IMO, of course) are those with grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, or grilled Vietnamese sausage.
For example, a very good choice is their com tam ga nuong, a substantial plate of grilled chicken, a nice little salad, rice, and a cup of broth. Similarly, the bun dishes with grilled chicken, such as bun ga nuong, are very good; they're basically a semi-cold salad with cooled noodles and hot grilled chicken. For these, take full advantage of the hoisin sauce and the hot sauce that's in a *jar*.
In other words, they do grilled things well here. All else, IMO, is "not worth the calories", as Honk would put it.
Except: The bun bo hue, which, while not "authentic" (as it is most closely at Mien Trung) is usually tasty, if sometimes a bit too heavy on the fish sauce. (Bun is the type of noodle, a small diameter, round rice noodle.)
Mister A's - hard to beat this view. I loved the Grand Islands Farm Filet Or Cedar River Ribeye. It's around $50. If you want to save money, go at lunch time. Price is $35.
Parana -- This is one of the places in our new and very cool Liberty Public Market; it's the one that sells empanadas. I'll make one suggestion, and that's to be sure to add the (regular) chimichurri to each bite, because the empanadas by themselves are kinda plain and lack salt. That said, the properly-sauced spinach & cheese version is very tasty.
Boiling Passion -- I haven't been yet, but it sounds like this might be a "one good dish" kind of place, so it might be worth checking out KirkK's comment below (in order to order that one good dish):
I always get concerned about places that are a one entree wonder. Kkirks review, while informative for this one dish, was not a get there fast ringing endorsement.
No. I heard no bells either. I do want to try this one dish here, though.
Why ? One dish wonder restaurants (which are not set up as restaurants focusing on one dish) show that the restaurant has really no idea what it is doing and should be ignored so that they make place for better restaurants.
HI HH, not sure if you're pulling Doc's leg or you're serious. However, if I'm going to this type of a place with others, I get concerned if they're not interested in this one particular entree they might have little else to choose from. That's just me being me.
I agree with you. I definitely wouldn't personally suggest taking others to a "one-dish wonder". But I'm willing to try that one dish myself if I'm dining alone -- which is most of the time -- or with my companion if she's also interested (in advance) of trying that one dish. And I think other people should be aware that there's just that one dish so they can decide for themselves if they want to take others there.
No, I am serious - if a restaurant has a significant large menu but is only known to make one dish in a good quality I have little trust that the chefs/cooks are in general competent and care about their job (otherwise they would take the rest of the menu serious or completely eliminate it). And I don't think such a restaurant is a good addition to any restaurant scene and will be hopefully replaced by a restaurant which takes its business and customers serious (because if you are not familiar with that restaurant, and we can't expect every customer to do an extensive search before every restaurant visit, you will get crappy food if you don't know the one strong dish). (or would you be OK to go into for example a pharmacy (or any other business) and potentially getting not the right medicine (or any other product) because it just specializes in one drug)
Message heard and point taken, Honk. But I'm still going to try the "ma-la hot pot" soup here sometime.
Hey Doc, hope you enjoy it. I agree with HH, places like this won't last long serving meh chow.
Post back with how it was.
I came. I saw. I ate. Yes, the ma-la hot pot here is quite good, if a little pricey at $14.
No ma-la on the menu, but the server understood what I was asking for. On the menu, it's called Taiwanese Spicy Hot Pot. This is a "two chili" soup ("hot" on their spiciness scale), but it can be ordered as "three chilies" (very hot), which is what I asked for. It was in fact pretty spicy. Not blazing, but maybe a 7 on my personal scale.
The broth was tasty, and the waiter came around with what looked like a giant tea kettle to refill the bowl with it when it got a little low. Some of everything in this one, including beef, pork, mussels, and a number of things that I didn't recognize. The broth was well paired for this melange, as it had a seafood kind of flavor.
The most curious thing (almost weird) about the soup was that it came with "instant ramen" noodles, as well. That's how they're described on the menu, and they really mean it. They looked like they'd been slipped right out of one of those square cellophane packages of ramen that sell for 29 cents at the grocery store, and placed dry on top of the soup. Mixed in, it was ok.
Will I go back? I dunno. Kind of expensive. And if this is the only dish that's good, then I've been there and done that.
Shakespeare -- The fish and chips are pretty good, IMO.
Also, cstr reports that the burger is great: http://www.chowhound.com/post/craving...
Good pub food here.
Xian Kitchen -- Definitely try the biang biang noodles here, unless you don't like (a) spicy, or (b) oily. Actually, I think they're supposed to be eaten with something else, so that you can dip things into the excess “gravy” (the term that the server used) at the bottom of the bowl. Aside from some sprouts and chili oil (with maybe a little beef paste in it) on the bottom, and some ground dry red chilies on top, this is just noodles. But wow, what noodles! I think they're the best I’ve ever had of this kind. And they’re *monsters*! Fully 1-1/2” wide, maybe 10” long, and thick, too -- perhaps a couple of millimeters. Delicious.
BTW, I should add that the spicy beef biang biang noodles were highly recommended by Sage, elsewhere. Which is why I tried those first. He also enjoyed two other dishes at Xi'an: Fresh Three-Flavor, and Green Beans and Eggplant. I definitely plan to try those two dishes as well, given his spot-on comments about the biang biang noodles!
From moving here in 1999 from the Bay Area, I have never had an impressive meal in this city.
Maybe Tacos El Gordo in Chula Vista. Good Al Pastor from a spit, but still not as good as the north.
Well, alrighty then...
I don't think you will find too many people here that will compare San Diego to San Francisco, but you'd have to go out of your way not to have an impressive meal here. Even our most pessimistic posters have had good meals.
Also, I find it curious you say Bay Area, because having lived there itself I find it interesting that the when places are being discussed there, you find frightfully little on the Peninsula and the South Bay. Are you going to claim those as well? Anything in Oakland or points east?
I don't think this type of thread exists on the other site, so I'm here for a visit.
Any opinions on what to order at Starlite? We are headed there for a late dinner after the Pentatonix show.
Dag
Hi Dags, hope all is well, thanks for dropping by. Stay a while, this is a no emoji zone.
I'm a sucker for the grilled octopus, Cheese and Charcuterie Board, Baked Rigatoni.
Their menu has many items that will tempt you as you graze. They have one of my favorite bourbons, Buffalo Trace, straight up with one rock.
Check out our Convoy St 'Little Asia' thread, lots of posts and recs.
Enjoy your night!
Which day will you have the late night dinner and at which time ? During the week the late night menu already starts at 10pm and is rather short, on weekends it starts at 12am
It's a Tuesday night.
If it is after 10pm I just woukd get the burger from the late night menu. If you are there before 10pm the octopus and pirk belly appetizers are simple but good. For entrees their daily fish dish is often very good and leave room for the dessert. Starlite tends to have simple preparations which nicely showcase the flavors of the often local ingredients.
Biga (Downtown, Broadway and 6th) Crispy Chicken Skin and Scamorza Sandwich. It's like a chicken skin BLT and is amazing.
I go there often for lunch because I enjoy their sandwiches to the point where it's becoming problematic. But I totally missed this one! It sounds good, I'll try it next time I go in. Thank for the tip!
Problematic SP, do we have an addiction issue? What are some of your favorites. The sandwich that zmirzlina describes sounds amazing, love crisp chicken skin, best part of a bird.
Will try and get there soon.
Problematic in that I'm there too much, and I know my weight is going to shoot up if I don't cut back on visiting Biga! Their sandwiches are HUGE (it's easily two meals in one), cost 10 bucks or less and are all made with good ingredients.
I usually go for one of the sandwiches with prosciutto, arugula and mozzarella (which they make in house) and opt for the foccacia bread and pesto dipping sauce (they have four different kids of sauces for their sandwiches you can choose from, I prefer the creamy pesto). The pickled vegetables that come on the side nicely balance things out.
Ha!, the choice between a well crafted sandwich and bringing a salad with no dressing to work for lunch.
The prosciutto, rocket and mozz sounds wonderful, please tell me that the housemade mozz is creamy, soft and milky like a fresh made buratta.
I'm so there! Thanks for the rec and post.
BTW - you can sell your digital bathroom scale on eBay.
Yes, that's how the mozza is there. They also have made to order pizzas and fresh pasta, too.
Thank your waistline for the rec, I'm going to try and get there this week. That sandwich sounds amazing.
WOW!!!!! SourPina and zmirzlina, went to Biga today for lunch, had the prosciutto, arugula and mozz sandwich in a soft fresh baked chiabatta roll. I chose a side of housemate roasted tomato dipping sauce. Also loved the spicy giardinere mix which provided some acid to cut through the richness of the sandwich.
That sandwich is huge with the quality of the ingredients and value at just under $10.00. I'm definitely going to cruise through their menu in the next 3-4 months.
The place had about 30+/- people when I was there today.
My only concern is that the lease cost for their large space must be astronomical given it's location on the corner of Broadway and 6th. I hope they do well and stay a long time, what a plus for Gaslamp.
I lucked out and got a parking space right across on 6th.
I hope Doc, DD, HH, RH et al will try Biga, you won't be disappointed.
Thanks SP.
Unfortunately I Doubt that we will have time to try it before our move
Where are you off too?
Unfortunately the biotech/pharma scene in SD has gotten really bad the last 6-7 years and so it is time to follow the VC money to Boston
Are you going to live in the city? Wow, that's a huge move!
Boston is a great sports and food region.
We will soon fly to Boston to see where we live but it will be most likely one of tge parts reasonable close to Cambridge
You're abandoning us?!?!??? Noooooooooooo........................
I, for one, will be very sorry to see you go :-( but I understand the dilemma
Regarding food, we haven't really started to read about it yet and put together lists.
Regarding sport, unfortunately I have yet to find a sport popular in the US worth watching (football, baseball are unbelievable slow and boring games, basketball can be OK sometimes)
I'm sure you'll do well finding great places to chow on. When I travel, I often check out the CH boards for suggestions or recs. I find CH boards to very very helpful.
Give it a shot.
Believe it or not, MLS now sells more tickets than basketball or hockey in the US.
I've put it on my list. It's gonna be a hard pick first time out between a prosciutto sandwich and the one with chicken skin.
So glad to hear that you liked it!
I wonder if Biga and the other restaurants that moved next door (Ramen Yamadaya and that new carnitas place) got a deal on the lease, since that whole level of the building had been empty for a while. Their presence has been a good change for this part of the neighborhood.
I found this on my second or third visit and have been unable to order anything else. What else would you recommend off the menu. I mean, I can order two sandwiches, right?
If you order two sandwiches, you'll have four meals! :-) I normally opt for the sandwich with prosciutto, arugula and the housemade mozza with creamy pesto dipping sauce.
I have not tried their pizzas or any of the entrees at dinner, but their pastas do look good. My coworkers also eat there often and they like the pizzas.
I was just telling cstr that I need to cut back on my Biga habit, but since you mentioned the crispy chicken skin sandwich I may have to go back this week to try that!
My partner and I shared a Crispy Chicken Skin Sandwich and an arugula salad at Biga today, and enjoyed both. The sandwich was gigantic and the bread surrounding the filling tasted like it was made with pizza dough that had been lightly wood-fire seared. Really, the bread was almost the best part. The sandwich came with two small accents on the side, a ho-hum cauliflower pickle, and cold, cooked tomatoes and onions. The latter tasted good on the sandwich. I don't think I'd have recognized the main ingredient as fried chicken skins, if I didn't know, but the overall effect with the other ingredients made for a very tasty sandwich. The salad was good, but nothing special. We both want to return to try other things on the menu.
Washed things down with a draft Sudwerk pilsener (she) and a New English IPA (me). Both nice and fresh.
Service was friendly (almost giddy), but slow today -- a Sunday. I imagine that during the week there are several more staff present. If I worked downtown, this would be on my current shortlist for lunch.
The restaurant's address is odd: Their website gives 950 6th St, but really it's at 531 Broadway, right next to Pipirin's. Happily, either address will lead you to Broadway and 6th.
Char House Saigon Grill & Pho -- This place is something of an enigma. I like it, but I don't. They over-dose some kind of sweet spice, maybe cinnamon. The effect is like when too much cumin is added to American-style chili.
But--there's at least one bowl that this works well with, and that's their pho bo kho. Nice tender meat, lots of carrots, hearty red broth. Nothing unusual in it -- not to worry -- as some might with bun bo hue, for example. And the pho noodles aren't all stuck together in one big clump, as at too many other places.
Rich and satisfying. Suggested.
Recently-updated menu, by the way, at least in terms of navigation through the hardcopy version.
Blue Water Seafood & Grill on India. Not to be confused with Bluewater Grill in Coronado. I suggest getting the salad option, with yellowtail or ahi and either lemon-garlic or blackened. Other good choices here are the garlic bread and seafood cocktails. Modelo Especial goes very well with these.
Dae Jang Keum (DJK). At this off-Convoy Korean restaurant, the real-charcoal tabletop grills are quite good, but since you have to have two or more people for that, I more frequently go at lunchtime and order a bento. I'll suggest the marinated spicy pork BBQ bento. Lots of little side dishes come with the box (of course), all very tasty, and the whole thing is only about $10.
Balboa International Market. It's fun to look around in this Middle-Eastern store which also serves up some really good hot food at the deli counter in the far left-rear corner. Tables inside or on an adjoining patio. For a first time, I'll suggest either the boneless chicken kabob or chopped lamb plates, which come with a small salad and rice. If you ask, they'll probably substitute lubia polo (with green beans in it) instead of regular rice. Definitely worth asking. ( learned about this substitution from Honkman, some time back.)
I always found the lamb dishes the weakest at BIM (especially the lamb shank) and prefer the chicken and beef dishes. And yes you can get lubia polo (and any of the three other rice variations) for an extra $2
I don't remember being charged extra for the rice substitution. Maybe it was added into the price when I 've ordered and I wasn't paying attention. Next time I'll see. Either way, a $2 extra charge wouldn't stop me.
There are other things that they'll bring to the table for free if you know what to ask for. But I don't know what to ask for. One time I was there, the people at the table next to me asked for something extra that looked great, and so when my order arrived I also asked for it. Except that I must have pronounced it wrong, because it wasn't the same thing. Whatever it was, I recall that it was delicious and made for an even better meal!
Cane Patch Kitchen -- This is one of the places at Liberty Public Market, and it's worth a stop. The seafood gumbo is very tasty and worth a try, although if I had to choose, I'd go for the "Hot Link" (split sausage) Po Boy, ordered grilled and with hot sauce -- very good and very satisfying.
I'm kind of spoiled with the hot links at Grand Ole BBQ Y Asido. Does CPK make their own?
Grand Ole BBQ is definitely the winner in the hot links department, but these are very flavorful and have a great texture. It's possible that they make their own, but I don't know that as a fact. They taste like it. One time I asked the person at the counter, who did say that their hot sauce (a Louisiana-style) was house-made. So maybe.
Pork Tostadas at Iris.
Hey Doc, Ironside is having a Shuck-A-Thon dollar oyster charity event today from 3pm-10pm. Good time to slid a few down for a good cause.
LITTLE ITALY— Ironside Fish & Oyster's third annual Charity Shuck-A-Thon is scheduled for Tuesday, August 2. For an epic seven hours, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., the restaurant will be offering $1 oysters and behind the raw bar, a host of female competitors will take turns shucking their hearts out to benefit a variety of charitable organizations with 100% of the proceeds from the sales of the $1 signature Ironside Select oysters going to support the featured charities.
Shan Xi Magic Kitchen. The cold-noodle Liang Pi is a delightful small bowl of delicious thick noodles, veggies, and what I think is lightly fried tofu (but not sure). There’s a mildly spicy, very flavorful “soup” on the bottom. This would be a refreshing hot-day lunch, or a good choice for a very light dinner or appetizer. And it’s only $4.50!
Koon Thai Kitchen. Their lunch specials are a good deal; I often order Pra Ram with chicken, a peanut-sauce dish. The tom ka here (I always get it with chicken) is outstanding, and, if you dare, order it "very spicy" to get fullest flavor. A "cup" here is a decent serving. Another favorite is the chicken satay salad. Refreshing and flavorful, also with a peanut sauce.
I still think Pra Ram with chicken is the thing to order here among Koon's lunch-special offerings.
I haven't been here for quite a while and may well be mistaken, but I believe that lunch-special servings used to be small, but came with a cup of Tom Ka. Now lunch servings are plentiful, but soup is $2 extra.
The small salad that's served on the side was flat and boring today. I recall a refreshing, crisp salad with and interesting sauce. This was chopped lettuce with a bland, light peanut sauce.
Two in our group of four ordered pad see ew, one with chicken and the other with pork, at different "hotness" levels. Both were disappointed and didn't finish.
Well, OK, it was a Monday, and at least the place was open. (We'd wanted to take our visitors to Sab-E-Lee.) The A-Team isn't in the kitchen at Koon's on a Monday, I suppose.
On the other hand, the Pra Ram was very good. As always.
So getting back to the point of this thread, yes, I think Pra Ram is the reliable choice here, for lunch.
Maritza's Authentic Mexican. This nice enough hole-in-the-wall place is a Clairemont classic, bridging decades in a location that's now a god-forsaken run-down local strip mall, fallen from the days of Frasier Farms and Greentree Grocers of the past to what looks like a Walter White hangout.
The owner here is Carmen, whose daughter's name is Maritza. Carmen, in turn, is the daughter of the original owner of Carmen's on CMB.
On Wednesdays, order the carnitas plate with corn tortillas, a two-plate substantial dish with house-made carnitas.
The tortilla chips here are marvelous; unsurpassed IMO. Delicate, puffy, almost flakey; they define what a great chip should be.
Rhonely is fond of the chile relleno, chicken enchilada plate, and I won't argue with that as a great choice. I'll also suggest the chile relleno with beans (which comes with chips) as one of the best deals in town at $5.
Just be sure that you add at least a little of the outstanding house-made chile sauce to anything you get.
'Just be sure that you add at least a little of the outstanding house-made chile sauce to anything you get'
I drink that stuff, totally awesome! I've gone up for refills many times.
Great recommendation. Maritza's is fantastic. Worth pointing out that it's cash only. There's also a Keg n Bottle a few doors down if you need an ATM, or any of their great selection of local beers.
Maritza's is further proof for why nobody should be wasting their money at Super Sergio's on Convoy.
The Clairemont/Balboa/Convoy/Genesee area has at least 3 great Mexican fast food joints: Harvest Taco on Clairemont Mesa and Ruffin, Maritza's on Mt Acadia, and Yesenia's on Clairemont Mesa, across the street from the business park where Societe Brewing is.
Urbane Café -- This small soup, salad, and sandwich shop is in a shopping center on the corner of Linda Vista and Napa -- the one that shares space with condos and the Morena trolley stop. It's worth seeking out. OK, it's part of a chain; there's another one in the SD area on Mira Mesa and more further north. And parking at the Napa location can be tight. Still worth seeking out.
First thing to try? I'd say go for the Green Chili chicken sandwich. No, it's not spicy at all. It comes with a leafy small salad (with balsamic and a couple of tangerine slices), and a very good green tomatillo salsa on the side (for dipping). It's delicious, and not insignificantly because the bread here is just wonderful. Flat and circular, fresh as can be and so very flavorful. The chicken on this sandwich is great and the other ingredients just right. A very satisfying sandwich.
Ocean Pacific Grille. I've been to this place exactly once. This past Sunday to be exact, during that late-lunch restaurant fog between lunch and dinner. This is one of the places downtown that serves food during this never-never period of the day. At least on the weekend.
If you go, it'll be very peaceful. There are TVs, but the music is separate and at a low volume. Nice.
I recommend that, whatever else you order, you get the crispy Brussels sprouts and cauliflower with dried cranberries. Excellent.
The ahi tuna sandwich is good, and you can specify your preferred degree of done-ness.
The fries are a big disappointment. If you can talk your server into another option, I'd say go for it.
Saigon 5. This walk-up service restaurant in the Balboa 99 Ranch Market has at least one brand new favorite: bahn mi thit nguoi -- pork belly (bacon) sandwich. Very nice bread and tasty ingredients. Be sure to add some sriracha sauce and, if you like, help yourself to some extra jalapeno slices from the open bowl in the condiments area.
Very nice to have a new alternative in the immediate Balboa/Genesee area. Anxious to try their soups, especially the pho bo kho.
I've yet to try the pho bo kho at Saigon 5, but have had a couple of other things.
I didn't really care much for their pho tai, which was "different" in too many ways from what I'm used to. On the other hand, I really liked the mi hoanh thanh xa xiu, which, said differently, is a soup with mi noodles (spaghetti-like egg noodles), Vietnamese-style wontons, and sliced barbequed pork. I don't know what was in the wontons, but it was interesting, also different from what I was expecting but quite tasty. The broth was good too, and benefitted greatly from a generous amount of the red vinegar that's available in a squeeze bottle at the counter. I wish every Vietnamese restaurant had this delightful vinegar readily available like that! There was a huge bone in the bowl that I got, and although I felt a little bit "cheated" by the space it took up, I picked every tasty tiny piece of meat from it. The soup is also available with pho noodles (thin, flat rice noodles), but I think that mi is the better choice. It's also available with dumplings, which may have a different filling.
The menu at Saigon 5 in 99 Ranch keeps changing, and I’ve recently had a soup (four times) called Fujian noodles. It comes with a crispy thin-fried wafer, on top of which there is a whole shrimp (including tail, feet, and eyeballs), that I really like. Except for the eyeballs, which I can’t deal with.
The soup itself is very different from what one normally gets at small pho places. There are two kinds of noodles in it: mi (egg noodles) and relatively thin rice noodles (pho).
Very tasty broth, but I suggest adding a splash of the red vinegar (it's not red wine vinegar) that’s at the counter. I also suggest adding at least a couple of the fresh sliced jalapenos, as well as a couple of the pickled ones.
These days, though, they’ve stopped giving you an Asian spoon to eat the soup! Awful. Shame on them.
So I bought 50 disposable plastic Asian-style spoons from Amazon and I now carry one with me when I go to 99 Ranch on Balboa. You just can’t eat Vietnamese or any other Asian soup that comes in an appropriately big bowl with a tiny, straight spoon. (Same problem at Shan Xi at 99 Ranch.) Diner beware.
Brigantine -- The marinated swordfish is quite good. If ordered with “vegetables” (green beans and slender baby carrots) and mashed potatoes it makes for an excellent and tastefully presented entree. The macadamia crusted mahi mahi is also a good choice. Ask for extra butter for the mashed potatoes, and add a little salt to everything.
In an earlier post on this thread, lindsaysudel suggested the fish taco at Brigantine.
I've only been to the Brigantine locations in Pt. Loma and on Coronado, but I assume the quality is generally similar at the others.
Pieology and Blaze -- When you "assemble" a pie at either of these places, if it has a liquidy base (like tomato sauce) or if it sits too long before baking, you'll end up with a floppy disk.
Pieology handles this much better in my opinion. If you like a decent-tasting, crispy crust, that is.
I'll suggest for either that you go for a "white" pizza for a first try. Get garlic butter (at Pieology) or pesto (at Blaze) and no red sauce but several different cheeses, and then -- whatever. Just not something that'll generate liquid, like diced tomatoes. You'll get a fast and darn good pizza, with a nice crispy crust (from Pieology) or a floppy crust (if you like it that way -- NY style I guess) from Blaze.
Facing East Noodles and Bar. I loved the small, pork-filled Xio Long Bao (XLB) in this tastefully simple, moderate-sized restaurant; so flavorful and really juicy. And their green beans with garlic make a wonderful accompaniment, or as I did when I visited, appetizer. (They say you should allow 20 minutes for the XLB to arrive.) You get ten of the "soup"-filled buns, but since they're small it's a manageable order for one person.
I love XLB and try to make a stop at Din Tai Fung whenever I'm in LA. I see that Facing East has squid ink, black truffle and foie gras flavored XLB. Did you try any of these different flavors? Worth it or hype?
I've only had the pork (so far), but Ipsedixit tried the truffle and foie gras versions and reported elsewhere that he didn't like either of them. At all. He thought the pork XLB was too salty, that the skins were tough, and that the buns were shriveled -- as in dead on arrival at the table. I thought those I had (pork) were just right in all respects, so we had very different experiences.
Happy to see that I have a fellow XLB lover at SDMag:
http://www.sandiegomagazine.com/Blogs...
Yes, I think that that Facing East is about as good as XLB gets in SD.
Hey Doc, taking after DD's idea, how about starting a new thread for 2017. This one is getting bulky with close to 250 posts.
Actually, I was thinking that I'd stop posting to this thread, since it really hasn't worked out as I originally envisioned. When I started it last year, I'd hoped that rather than having to search for comments about the best bets at restaurants, there would be a single thread to go to for a CH recommendation. I myself always like to have an idea of what to order at a given restaurant, being as I'll never eat all of that's offered on any one menu. The thread didn't work out the way I thought, though, and in fact someone once said it was just me writing to myself. In truth, I have gone back to it myself when returning to a restaurant to see what it was that I liked (I don't keep a journal), especially if my DH is coming with me for the first time and wants a suggestion. I often can't remember what it was that I had and liked!
Anyway, you're right. It's time to truncate what could become an infinite thread and either start anew or let it go. I think I'll choose the latter, based on the unbalanced participation on this thread. For new restaurants we do have DD's 2017 thread to post to, and that should be good enough.
This is probably 'what shouldn't I order'
Went to Cucina Urbana, I like the vibe and the liveliness there. The staff were very attentive.
The good:
Burnt Brussel Sprouts; The sprouts were excellent,well seasoned, nice charred exterior, soft interior. Great dipping sauce with a little attitude to it.
The bad:
Bolognese; The noodles were extremely thick, very gummy and chewy. The ragu was dry and tasteless.
It was like this dish was left in the refrigerator uncovered overnight, then re-heated. The edges of the noodles were dried and on the hard side. A total disappointment, I should have sent it back.
I'll return for the sprouts and maybe the grilled octopus.
Really disconcerting to hear of your negative experience at Cucina Urbana with their Bolognese, cstr. I've not previously had that menu item there, so I've made a note of your comments. Happily, there are still lots of other things to order at CU, and I personally have yet to have a bad experience there myself. Fingers crossed.
Basic Pizza - mashed potato crust with bacon
Arrivaderci - cheese ravioli
Northgate Market - lengua tacos
Himalayan Cuisine - chicken tikka or paneer tandoori
Hong Kong BBQ - cheap eats for duck lunch special
Grill House - hummus and dizi
Athens Market - meatballs
Saffron - peanut sauce
Pizza Nova - house bread rolls
Trust Restaurant at Park and Robinson offers up some of the most sumptuous dishes to be had in town these days.
I suggest trying their wood-grilled cauliflower with aioli; marvelous and with some zip to it.
The pork sugo is a dish that evokes wonder. What an outstanding mélange of shredded pork with amazing ingredients to produce a dense, well-oiled mash of truly exceptional flavor. It could easily be shared by four, it’s that rich. Don't let the serving size fool you.
And finally, I think that the wood-grilled octopus is elegant, but it’s a lighter plate (beautifully presented). It would make a good choice for the first appetizer.
It’s too bad that this place is so noisy that you have to yell at each other if you're seated inside. The thumping music doesn’t help. That's the SD norm these days, I guess. The outdoor patio is quiet.
I've had almost everything on the menu, and it's all good. The sugo can highly recommended, I wasn't as wowed by it as I thought it would be...we had better things on the table that evening. Unless it's bitterly cold (which would be the mid-60s in SD) it's easier to sit outside, less noise, better conversation.
Nice report Doc, its on my near term 'get there list'. The octopus caught my eye.
Agree about the noise, we have to deal with that.
Tako Factory in El Cajon blvd - peanut salsa and any of their burritos with burnt cheese
Troy's, Clairemont Square. This plain and simple American-homestyle place has been around forever, but I never think of it, even though I love this kind of basic comfort food sometimes.
Well, after a very long time, I visited last week.
They have the best darn liver and onions in San Diego, I think. Order off the main menu ($10.75) and get a baked potato (which comes with lots of butter, sour cream, and fresh chopped chives). If the soup of the day is vegetable, get that. The plate also comes with boiled sliced carrots and a roll. The carrots are fine; the roll I had the day I went was a little dry.
Everything is home-made, or if not, it sure tastes like it. And you won't leave hungry.
Dinner starts at 4. Service is tight and very friendly.
Beef liver, you're a better man than me Doc !! Back in the day, my parents tried several times, with no success (YAY!!), to trick me into eating liver. Just couldn't get by the texture (gross sandy mushy) and the metallic taste.
I checked out Troy's menu, wow what an old school est. Selection is good and prices are basically free.
I saw the halibut steak for $12.50, wonder if its fresh or frozen. Even if its frozen thats a heck of a price for a dinner. Deep fried scallops for $10.50, can't go wrong to try their menu, whats the downside a sawbuck, pretty short money I'd say.
Souvlaki, traditional Greek comfort food.
Was this your first visit to this place?
Also, nice breakfast menu.
I'll have to give it a go and report back.
Thanks Doc!
They have a 2nd location on Mission Gorge Rd at Zion, basically across the street from Kaiser.
I've eaten at that location multiple times. It's a lot of underwhelming food for not a lot of money. Food is okay, nothing special, but not awful either.
I do not share DCs love for this place.
If you get on their mailing list and give them your birthday, they'll give you a free meal sometime during your b-day month
Well, I wouldn't exactly say that I love Troy's per se, but I really liked the liver and onions I had the other day at the Clairemont location. I was looking for a place that had it -- not many do. Troy's came up and I really enjoyed it.
If you know of a place where I can get liver & onions that's better than what they offer at Troy's, I'd be very interested in finding out.
On this thread I'm only reporting on menu items that I'd recommend, not so much on the restaurants themselves.
At their price point, if I were in the area say at breakfast/lunch time and hungry, I'd try it. The downside is pretty painless.
I remember a few posts of Ch'ers who went to high-end places and basically stated that they should have wiped their butt and flushed a few twenties down the toilet rather than experiencing the so called underwhelming high-end chow. So I guess, that can happen anywhere!!
I'd still keep driving if I ever craved liver !!
I'm curious about their seafood choices. Have you experienced any DD?
PS - don't know how Cheers got tagged to my post, oh well CH!!
I don't think I tried any of their fish or seafood choices. I think I usually had the Greek salad, which I did like, and their Greek Lemon Chicken which I thought was rather nondescript. My mother tried their meatloaf once and said it was okay. My biggest problem with their entrees in the center of the plate item, it's the sides, which are pedestrian at best.
My mother liked to go there because it was inexpensive. I just wish the execution of their menu had been a little better. They have a very large menu, it's hard to do everything on it well.
Interesting, let's analyze.
The mom of the DiningDiva says the meatloaf is Okay. I suspect the your mom is a pretty good cook, given the fact that she turned out a DiningDiva who's career is in the food business. So, the meatloaf just might pass muster with me. As for the sides, and maybe the entire menu, we have keep Troy's context, it's not Georges at The Cove etc. It's a basic American blue plate comfort food est. Doc confirmed that with his craving for Liver & Onions.
I'd go out on a limb and 'speculate' that some of those sides might not be house made.
As for the cost focus, your mom says she liked to go there 'cus it's inexpensive. Watch out DD, that trait maybe in the gene pool. Please keep us up to date as you creep up in your next set of age brackets!!
If you begin to rifle, in a rapid fire method with both hands while distracting your table guests into a hidden glad bag (man I'm good!!), muffins from the buffet into your pocket book you're doomed.
All we can do is give you some CH therapy and send you to Troy's!!
Lastly, I'll take the plunge and attempt 2 of their seafood entree's and report back, maybe in mid Jan. Not much time between now and year-end and too many calories to be consumed at get togethers.
LOL...thank god I've had my coffee...
My mother's real quote about the meatloaf - and she LOVED, meatloaf - at Troy's was..."It's okay, but it's not as good as the meatloaf at The Trails". I'm kinda neutral on meatloaf. I don't dislike it by any stretch of the imagination and when it's done well, I do like it. But I absolutely agree with my mother on her assessment, the meatloaf at The Trails is probably some of the best diner-style meatloaf in San Diego.
The Trails is no longer serving dinner, it's returned to it's roots as a breakfast/lunch spot, but they do offer a meatloaf plate at lunch. I don't know if they are still using the same recipe or not. The last time I had it there was several years ago and I thought it wasn't quite as good as usual, which could totally be function of who was in the kitchen on that day. And besides, if you're going to The Trails for lunch, the thing to order is the Baja Betty Burger, which I think is killer...patty is a mix of grd beef and chorizo with pepperjack cheese melted over the top and then topped with pico de gallo and a jalapeno aioli. Messy goodness.
Glad I could bring some humor and laughter into your day.
In addition to trying Troy's for seafood, I'll have to make a few runs to Trails for the DD's mother endorsed meatloaf and a Baja Betty Burger.
BTW - wasn't Trails on a FoodNetwork restaurant redux reality program (Robert Irvine) years ago? Appears like it didn't work.
Yes, The Trails was on Restaurant Impossible and it was one of the few redos that worked, and it worked in spades. It's PACKED for breakfast and lunch almost every day. I think it got to the point where she didn't need to stay open for dinner in order to make her numbers. In fact, I'd venture to guess that it was costing her more to stay open for dinner than she was making in dinner $$$.
Go for lunch during the week when it's less likely to be SRO.
Edited to add...I haven't had the meatloaf at the Trails in years. I don't know if they're still using the same recipe or not. I can attest to the fact that when she first started offering it, it *was* really good, I don't know if it still is.
In CH's restaurant-referencing algorithm, I suspect that Ch'ers = Cheers.
DD are those two restaurants owned by the same people? I get that they are both named Troy's and they are both Greek, but the Claremont one seems so much more American Diner style while the Mission Gorge one is much more Greek in style. However, the quality level at the two seems to be about the same, which is just ok. But truth be told, I do like the Gyro omelette at the Troy's in Mission Gorge.
I think they are the same, but I'm not 100% sure on that. I think Troy's on MIssion Gorge is probably better as a breakfast/lunch spot than for dinner. There's a lot more activity and foot traffic during the day in that complex than at night.
I do think the people at the MG location are exceptionally nice. They were really accommodating and aimed to please. Or it could simply be because my mother was in her 90s when we were going there and people in general tend to be pretty helpful with the truly senior diners.
I've been a couple of other times for breakfast, but the last time was long ago. I just got a craving for liver and onions, which I do once in a while, and Troy's was the closest place I could find that has it on the menu.
Con Pane, Liberty Station. I've eaten here exactly once, mostly because other times I tried it was packed and I didn't want to wait in line (and then not find a table). But we managed to get in last Sunday afternoon, and the one thing we tried was a winner. It was the turkey cobb sandwich. Sounds plain and simple, but it's actually anything but. It's a complex sandwich, and every single ingredient (and there are lots) was delicious, from the crumbled blue cheese to the excellent bacon.
The real standout, though, was the bread. There are many bread choices available for their sandwiches; I chose multigrain. I have to say that this was about the best multigrain bread I've ever had. Very thick slices, very fresh, and with a very nice, grainy texture. Really outstanding bread.
I want to try some of their other sandwiches, but for now, I don't think anyone would go wrong ordering the turkey cobb.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken, 99 Ranch Market, Balboa. Try the lightly breaded, thinly sliced, large, fried flounder slices.
This is the sort of thing I thought I'd find every hundred feet along the water when I moved to SD ca. 40 years ago. But no, alas, it wasn't to be found.
This food-court type place is a walkup takeout or self-serve sit-down fast-food kind of place in a specialty Asian supermarket that specializes in fried chicken (well, of course).
Right. But the flounder, which comes in in an undersized, unadorned cardboard basket, is what I thought would be ubiquitous here, all those years ago. Three giant pieces go for $7.99.
There are a number of flavorful dipping sauces to choose from that go well with the fish. A couple not so much. (They'd be better with chicken.) I say eat it by hand, breaking pieces off of the oversized slices and dipping them into a sauce.
Really good and dirt cheap. There should be dozens of places in coastal SD -- really -- that serve up cheap but sumptuously juicy fish like this.
85 Degrees Bakery - their strawberry chocolate mousse cake is to die for. http://www.85cbakerycafe.com/
I just may try this before year-end as my calorie watch is beginning to get totally torched.
Fess up, how much did you hammer down in the first sitting?
We love 85 Degrees, though I haven't tried the strawberry chocolate mousse cake. I knew they had a raspberry chocolate mousse, but not a strawberry version. Will check it out next time we go.
Do try their brioche. I'm also fond of their milk butter puff pastry, caramel danish, and coconut twist (on the serve yourself side).
I will say they do a great job of dealing with long lines!
I've never been to the actual bakery but someone came with a box of pastries and the strawberry chocolate mousse cake. Gosh, everything was delicious!!
Finally went to the bakery! There’s a buy 1 get 50% off their new cake by the slice. Ordered the tiramisu and chocolate mousse for less than $5. Amazing!!
Oh and highly recommend their cheese tart! Taste almost like Bake Cheese Tart in Japan. It’s best eaten fresh out of the oven which the counter people said I was at 730am
Golden Chopsticks - spicy fried chicken wings. A staple at Filipino get together
Valerios - pandesals stuffed with ube
China Quick Wok. This is a plain & simple Chinese fast food "joint" that has one standout on the menu that I'll suggest.
It's their *bowl" of hot & sour soup. Generous-sized "small" bowl for only $7, chock full of shrimp and fish. There's a larger size if you want to share.
Good choice IMO if you enjoy a nice, soothing, classic American-Chinese-style soup and (sort of) fast service.
I dunno Doc, fast food ?? That would have to be some bowl of soup for me to get there, but I might since you posted about it.
Well, but we eat at mariscos trucks, J&T, and K-Sandwiches, don't we?
I'm almost certain this place is family owned, not a franchise. And I'm not making a blanket recommendation, just suggesting that if someone goes there, a good menu choice might be a bowl of their hot and sour soup. Not the best I've ever had, but really pretty tasty. The rest of the menu is middle-of-the road, IMO.
El Jardin is an attractive new "Modern Mexican" restaurant in Liberty Station. They have a fine selection of mezcals and tequilas, and some worthy cocktails. The tepache highball is very good, and I'll suggest the Illegal Espadin Joven mezcal.
Their torroidal-shaped guacamole, served on a plate, is not to be missed. It's the best I've ever had. A generous serving to be shared, it comes with a tostada-like (but not flat) tortilla.
Two entrees that would make excellent entrée choices are their Carne en su Jugo, and the Santa Maria Rib Eye. The first of these consists of slices of wonderfully tender, succulent and fatty meat, plus a bean and corn mix with sauce. The rib eye Is Mexican style, marainated in what seems to be a citrus mix, and is served with boiled and grilled chunks of yellow beets and radish slices of some sort.
Friendly and attentive service.
The new incarnation of El Jardin adds "Cantina" to the name, some changes in décor, and an inviting menu. The birria and carne asada plates are very good. There are now three guacamole variations; the "classic" version is generous but plain and needs salt, and the chips are right out of a bag -- or at least tasted like it. Sigh. Maybe one of the other two variations is more interesting, more like that knockout from the past life of this place. The hot sauces are flavorful but not so "hot". There's still a great mezcal collection, and I'll suggest Mezcal Vago Elote in particular as a terrific choice. I'd say pass on the desserts.
Absolutely!
IMO, omikase at Tadokoro is the best sushi experience to be had in SD.
Inspired by your post, we went here for omikase at the bar Saturday night. A two-hour "four course" meal with seemingly endless servings. We could barely eat all of it, but had one extra serving at the end anyway. Superb food, and such friendly and gracious people at this small place. We haven't been there on a Saturday night; it was packed with reserved seats and tables the whole time we were there, from arrival to departure.
Cha Cha Tea Spot.. So far, I'd say the house specialty at this stop inside 99 Ranch Balboa is the thing to try if Sichuan Broiled Fish, a very spicy soup, is something you'd enjoy. I'm told that one isn't supposed to eat the "broth", but I did and loved it. Not for someone who wouldn't enjoy a dish at Sab-E-Lee at hotness level 8. Otherwise, delectable.
Baci. By all means, try the outstanding osso buco if it's available. Absolutely marvelous. It's not on the menu, but a frequent special. Baci is one of San Diego's finest Italian restaurants, both in food and old school formal black-tie service, a place where you dress up in your best jeans when you go.
The tripa tacos at Las Mulas, crispy.
I've frequented Blue Water Grill, in Carlsbad, the past few weeks, once on Sunday and the other Tuesday. Although it's a small chain, they put out a good product.
I really like the menu with excellent fresh seafood options. Also cooking options.
The house made chips are pretty food.
I first visit this time, tried grilled shrimp and scallop skewer and then later in the week, Mahi Mahi. Both were excellent.
The only negative is some of their sides are on the bland side, specifically grilled baby carrot (extra cost), just flavorless. They really needed roasting with some additive (maple syrup or brown sugar). Also, the fries are just fries, bugs me to no end, why is this in most places. Get away from the Frozen Sysco fries.
Additionally, their coffee is killer, with a semi full body and smooth taste.
Service was very attentive and pleasant, even being greeted at the front of the house was a nice experience. Seating was comfortable, tables spread apart allowing for a conversation without yelling, a big plus.
Definitely worth a try if you're in the area.
Sang Dao, I hadn't been for some time and was craving some great Thai Curry on this not so warm day.
Red Thai Curry with chicken, extra spicy!! (take note Doc, right in your wheelhouse). Lots of crisp veggies, green beans, peppers, sprouts and Thai basil.
I really need to get back to this place. And when I do, I'll re-read your post to check for this and try it.
I've been here just a handful of times (last being some time ago), but each time I've been, I've been very happy.
And, when they say "extra spicy hot" (if you ask), they mean it!
Yes they do mean it when I request 'spicy'. In fact, the owners daughter, also the server, came over and asked if it was spicy enough. She offered to bring more fresh diced Thai chili's. Perfect!!
i really enjoy this place, they put out some excellent chow. One thing they do, when a dish calls for eggplant, they use Thai eggplant which is much more expensive. It also has a better texture as it is more firm. Overall, quality in each dish.
I was in North County for a few days it was lunch time so I hit up Vamos e Texcoco for some awesome lamb barbacoa. You buy it by the pound and it comes with all the fix'ns. I especially like their pickled habanero onions. That and a cold beer, perfect.
The lamb was so juicy and tender, they cut and chop it to order.
I have to visit Aqui in CV, haven't been in some time.
Et Voila. This has been one of our favorite places for special times, but it's changing. I can recommend the sausage & cheese appetizer and the scallops entrée.
The pork belly appetizer is good but way overpriced and way under-delivered, quantity-wise. Go for it if you don't care.
The steak entee is delicious but comes with -- what? -- French fries. Tres ordinaire.
The lamb isn't what it used to be. It now comes looking like bone marrow: Delectable moist slow-cooked lamb (I think) wrapped in some kind of pastry, like a little, precisely-cut tiny burrito. But it's served in a bed of Mexican-inspired vegetables. Not at all French, in my view. More like French-Mexican fusion. Which is fine, just not what I would expect here.
Desserts are good but not earth-shattering. I like the crème brulee.
Wine list is decent. For a good wine here at a reasonable (restaurant) price, I'll suggest the Daou Cabernet.
La Catrina. This North Park restaurant replaced Tostadas on University a few months ago. Pretty much the same inside as before, except for the long table in the middle, which is gone. A printed menu and table service replace the counter service (for ordering) and posted menus, but you still pay at the cash register. I don't think La Catrina is owned by City Tacos, as Tostadas was, though.
I can recommend the two things we had today:
First was the generous serving of El Diablo Aguachile, which came with numerous tostadas. And we were given more tostadas when needed, without asking. On my personal hotness scale, this "diablo" was about a 7.
The Rib Eye and Bone Marrow tacos were also quite good. The amount of meat was generous here as well, and there are four hot sauces to choose from. We shared both the aquachile tostadas and the tacos.
Curiously, the tacos come with French fries on the side. They tasted pretty good when the green chili sauce was used as a dip, actually. They were otherwise non-descript. An odd combination.
Two very good beers on tap, a lager and an IPA. We had one of each. Bottled beers, like Modelo Especial, are also available.
Took an unplanned lunch at Le Papagayo in Encinitas, I really enjoy this place, its outside seating and general vibe. The staff is very pleasant, attentive and accommodating.
So, I went for the Papagayo Burger, rare with Swiss and the sauce on the side. I opted for onion rings instead of truffle fries, I'm not much of a truffle fan, way too strong and assertive. The Swiss was a nice portion, not see through.
The burger was cooked to order, served with L,T, Red Onion and their sauce, on the order of Thousand Island, but house made and quite good.
The only (small) downside was the bun, the burger patty was huge and though the bun was tasty and fresh, but it just couldn't hold up to the mass of meat and accompaniments.
I'd order again in a heartbeat. Todays weather was a perfect setting.
Giovanni's. Not the Giovanni's of ancient days and lore -- the one off of Balboa that just closed after being in the same odd place forever.
The new Giovanni's is on Linda Vista Rd, in the same strip mall that has Ballast Point and J&T Thai. Same ownership, I guess, but that's about all.
So far in three visits spanning many months and ordering various salads and entrees, not a dud in the bunch. All of them creative dishes made with care and craft; nothing award-winning (maybe) but certainly very good -- satisfying. And nicely presented and served.
So, what are good choices here to order? Well, after maybe 10 dishes (salads & entrees) combined among three people, I'd say whatever sounds good on the menu probably is.
(Today, for instance, we had a refreshing, very fresh and interesting salad, plus an alfredo-like spinach & chicken fettuccini entrée.)
Mien Trung. I haven't been to this tiny "hole-in-the-wall" place in at least two years. But they're still churning out what has to be the most true-to-style Bun Bo Hue in San Diego. I haven't been to Vietnam, let alone the town of Hue, but that's where the owners are from. While I'm sure that there are variations on bun bo hue even in Hue, the soup by that name at Mien Trung is different from any other that I've had in my 40+ years living in SD. It's their specialty in this special, almost hidden, place behind K-Sandwiches.
Clean and sanitary, although the table tops might feel sticky. Table service or order at the counter.
In short, while other things here are good, the thing to order, at least on a first visit, is their bun bo hue. It wasn't picante enough for me (and wouldn't be for people like cstr, either, I'd assume), but there's chili paste on the table.
Bay Hill Tavern. Been exactly once since this place opened about a month ago, but it's just what Bay Park / West CM needed. Nice modern pub décor, a good layout, massive bar, comfortable seating, sound-conditioned ceiling, and good service. What to order? Well, the cheese-mushroom pizza we shared was terrific.
Pho Tommy. If you're a fan of rough-and-ready hole-in-the wall places, you'll be comfortable here (corner of Ulrich and Linda Vista Rd) as they transition from a Vietnamese market to a Vietnamese restaurant, designed to accommodate large groups and parties (so I was told by the owner), complete with a small stage and on-stage speakers. Maybe trying to be a nightclub? They're about 1/3 the way through the transition process, as they clear out the last of their market inventory and carry out the remodeling -- bit by tiny bit. If you go, the pho tai (a baseline for me) and bun rieu (hard to find) are good choices IMO. The chow ga is thin and in need of lots of salt and pepper, and has the chicken served on the side (not a fault, but different in my experience), but it's a generous serving and tasty -- a good choice if you don't like spicy food or have a cold. (Chow ga is kind of like Mom's chicken noodle soup.) Be prepared to be one of the only diners in a large space, but service is good and the food seems fresh.
Buta. Another newbie in the Bay Park area, the ramen here is good if not outstanding. Both the Tahini Old School and Crazy Garlic offerings (both tonkotsu) are good choices but both need something...like a good splash (or two) of their chili-marinated vinegar. The ramen itself is decent. The parking situation in this long, weird shopping strip (where Ballast Point on LV Rd is located) is abominable; a shame.
Oceana is a wonderful restaurant inside the Catamaran Hotel in PB. The Atlantic Char, filet mignon, and spare ribs are good choices. The scallops used to be a good choice as well, until they put the bitter, extra-salty, horrible stuff under them. Pass on that one, and all should be fine. Great formal/informal attentive service and a nice, quiet environment for meeting and talking with family or close friends.
FYI, cstr has started a new thread for 2020 here: https://www.chowhound.com/post/san-di...
Thanks, Pat. But when I click on your link, it just takes me back to this thread.
Hi Doc, I think this (linked below) is the new thread from cstr that Pat intended to link:
https://www.chowhound.com/post/san-di...
As stated by the OP (cstr), "Time for a new thread, the current What Should I Order... is old and very difficult to navigate with CH sort features unusable. Hopefully, this might pump some new interest in our site and bring much needed activity."
There are no comments as yet on the cstr thread but it's just been started.
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