Coronado’s hot dog fanatics are just gonna have to wait a little bit longer. That’s what co-owner Kirsten Bertz says. The tiny slice of space between Postal Annex and Wag’n Tails on Orange Avenue promises an upgrade in dogs like …

One of the first times I thought myself to have discerning food tastes was when all my friends were celebrating their birthdays amid smelly ball pits and cardboard pizza at Chuck E. Cheese. Even the allure of Q*Bert and Dragon’s …

“Feed them and they will continue to shop” is, I imagine, the idea behind the Ikea restaurant. Last Sunday, when my mom suggested we get a bite to eat, I parked the shopping cart and ordered the meatball plate. It …

On the last night of my mom's visit, she requested Thai food. I’d seen Mea Kwan 2 (Eastlake) on the way to and from my daughter’s ballet classes, and we decided to give it a try. Inside, the yellow walls, …

Since recently becoming a pescatarian (after being a vegetarian for 13 years), the Pacific Beach Fish Shop has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants. It's the fish sandwiches, I cannot believe how good they are. The way the menu …

On the tail end of a week celebrating their sixth year as a staple South Park eclectic bistro, Vagabond recently announced the addition of executive chef Paul Niles. The world traveler was named best chef by The Beacon in 2009-2010 …

Dateline: hArt Lounge, East Village. Harsh Bohra was a typical starving 3rd year student at downtown’s NewSchool of Architecture and Design when he had an idea. Not for a new city hall, or a Bridge to Nowhere, but for a …

The inside of this cafe is undeniably charming. The expanded dining room on the restaurant's north side is a bit brightly painted, but the main area has this odd Provencal-Industrial thing going on that actually manages to work somehow. Combine …

I have been promising my mom a visit to Brockton Villa for over a year, but every time she’s been in town, we have either forgotten or we just haven’t made it. Finally, this time, we did. Mom is on …

Last December, after closing on our new house in Chula Vista, our real estate agent gave my husband and me a $100 gift card for the Busalacchi family of restaurants. There is one, he said, not too far from our …

As much as I dig a good diner, I would most often opt to sip chardonnay and munch on caviar in a garden surrounded by songbirds if given the choice. My tuna fish budget means I am rarely given the …

It's usually better to go for a sushi place that's at least a little more upscale. The elevated cost is borne out by the fact that the gap between entry-level sushi and the better stuff is pretty wide. Nami Sushi, …

A little while back, Barbarella stopped in to Yu Me Ya Sake House on the corner of Fourth and University. She reported a good meal, but wanted to go back late-night sometime. Makes sense, since the sake house is by …

First off, the meal that our buddies Ria and Maggie brought around was fantastic. It was for the Oscars. I know, not cool, but I’m a sucker for that thing. "I want to thank my mom for making me the …

Earlier this month, I wrote a five-piece summary of a trip to five Vista breweries. My first stop was to one that hadn’t even opened yet. It’s called Latitude 33 Brewing Company and turned out to be one of the …

The official grand opening is over and done with and the New Zealand themed bar and restaurant in Ocean Beach is up and running at full steam. It's a bit unassuming on the outside. With its plain, wood facade and …

This little, Ethiopian coffee shop is a bit sequestered in an ugly plaza at the corner of Madison and 30th Street. The inside is a bit chaotic right now since the ownership plans on remodeling and turning the place into …

It's a legend, a landmark, and a lifestyle all rolled into one. It lurks in its nondescript building along the Boulevard like a fortress, dark and forbidding, potentially filled with hidden treasure. Established in 1938, it is the San Diego …

Errands day often includes a stop for treats. Last week, I spied a new bakery in downtown Chula Vista, which I used as a carrot throughout the morning to entice the little one to behave. It worked, and after lunch, …

Two whole months with no new resto debut? It's almost eerie not to see restaurateur partners Brian Malarkey and James Brennan throwing open doors and popping champagne, but very soon, they'll be back to christening new ventures. March 5 will …

The search for a grilled cheese sandwich on errands day landed the little one and me at Jimmy’s by the Park in downtown Chula Vista. A waitress with the name Tammy printed on the back of her black polo shirt …

First signs of a TJ revival? Check out the New Yorker’s profile of Javier Plascencia, missionary chef of Tijuana. It’s in the January 30th edition. The New York Times has also featured Plascencia and his break-out “Misión 19” eatery (3/9/11) …

Last month, I reported on chef Daniel Barron's departure from Blue Point Coastal Cuisine and his emergence under the flag of Evolve Cuisine. A partnership between Barron and chef Flor Franco (Indulge Contemporary Catering, Urban Chicken), Evolve is all about …

The little, Italian restaurant on University Avenue has received the full treatment from the Reader in the past. Consider this another voice raised in support of the restaurant's culinary cause. The place has consistently offered above-average food; and has a …

Best coffee? It might be here in Old Town. It’s called Van Houtte, and it’s a dark Fair Trade, organic certified coffee from Mexico. And as it says, “Slightly bitter with a rich lingering flavor.” I’m slurping a cuppa on …

I love beer. So much so, I’ve made a career writing about it. I’m not a hop-head or a Belgo-phile. I enjoy every single style of beer from palate-dazing double IPAs to sweet vanilla-tinged barley wines and cloven German hefeweizens. …

Five bucks. That’s all I paid for two slices of pizza, a hefty little salad, and a soda. Taking the ancient revived 1946 trolley again, ending up at America Plaza. Looked out the window. Wow. Another deal? Jump off, and …

Brooklyn Girl, an eatery inspired by the edible artisanal renaissance occurring in the community it takes its name from, is set to open in mid-to-late March at the corner of Goldfinch and Ft. Stockton in Mission Hills. While constructors work …

Mardi Gras? Didn’t make it downtown. But: Did make it to the nearest thing to N’Awlins in this fair city, the New Orleans Creole Cafe (2476 A, San Diego Avenue, Old Town, 619-542-1648). I mean, this is – as Carla’s …

Tucked in back of the Hillcrest Uptown District center, Aladdin is a better-than-average Lebanese/Mediterranean restaurant that is worth checking out for a full service dinner, though the place also serves a good lunch. The great patio gets plenty of afternoon …

Still at Pacific Star. (See "Breakfast Under the Trolley," below). Problem is, I get to watching the danged soccer match in the TV, and talking with Walter and Wasan, the owners, and suddenly it's lunchtime. Plus, where I'm standing, they …

I never gave teriyaki rice bowls much thought until my daughter began eating solid food and joining me on frequent jaunts to sushi restaurants. Steamed white rice has always been her number one favorite food (Don’t ask. I have no …

M likes to surprise me on our date nights. He uses the Internet and friend recommendations to scout out places he thinks I’ll like, and then he keeps everything a secret, saying only, “You’ll see.” This weekend, date night happens …

You sit right under the oncoming trolley. True! The old 422 is bursting through the wall right above you as you chomp into your omelet breakfast. This is at Pacific Star, the eatery at 12th and Imperial transit center, right …

Good, uncomplicated food and a level of consistency necessary for a quality chain is what’s impressed me about Prepkitchen since my first taste of their home-style cuisine back in 2009. That was after the opening of their first store, a …

Finding a good juice bar is a bit unexpected in La Jolla Village, but thoroughly cool. The little shop has a good feel, as though it's been tested over time and always passed. The interior feels nice and worn in, …

Shock! Horror! $1 coffees - and that's for medium coffees, the most popular size -are gone at Cafe Madrid! Café Madrid is one of my favorite Coronado hangouts. Okay, it's a coffee cart. But, far as I know, it was …

With its chic, modern decor, Sabuku Sushi sticks out a little bit on its more typically bohemian stretch of Adams Ave in Normal Heights. The design scheme is basically black and clear, "onyx and glass," if you will, which is …

Music and craft beer are two of my foremost passions. One makes up the majority of my daily caloric intake, while listening to and playing the other sustains my non-dietary needs. So, when Yiga Miyashiro, head brewer at Pizza Port …

“I think we were the pioneers of happy hour around here,” says Anthony Zizzo. “You should have come.” Dang it. He’s right. From 3-6 they had $5 wine and $5 appetizers, in this classy restaurant (at the corner of India …

If you’re looking for a place to have a quiet, intimate evening, DO NOT go to Blind Lady Ale House. But if you're looking for a first stop on a night of wild adventures, BLAH is your man – so …

Some restaurant names leave a lot to the imagination. The most recent addition to the Cohn Restaurant Group family, BO-beau, certainly did. But despite many a head scratch, people have flocked to that Robb Field-adjacent spot. The CRG’s latest concept …

Running off the inertia of Saturday’s Bike the Boulevard ride, cycle your way over to Empire House Urban Palate in Hillcrest on Tuesday the 28th for a special two wheel happy hour from 5 to 8 p.m. including: $2 PBR …

Finding a good place to stop for lunch between errands can be challenging, especially when your errands take you to places that aren’t exactly known for tasty nibbles. So I was delighted to find Los Pueblos in the shopping center …

Yesterday I attended a tasting event at Rubio’s in Torrey Highlands, where two new menu items were introduced to food bloggers/writers from the San Diego area. Founder Ralph Rubio was on hand to demo and answer questions. The first was …

“I’ll give it to you for $4,” says Sim. Boy, talk about in the nick of… It’s 9 o’clock on the dot. Suddenly realized I had nothing to fill the belly for Carla and me. Did something I’ve never done …

I’m what you might call a Cheese Head, for no other reason than that I love cheese. I am not, however, a Fancy Cheese Head. I mean, I do love fancy cheese, but I couldn’t tell you the difference between …

As a new resident of Chula Vista, I’m on the lookout for a go-to sushi joint in my neighborhood. I’d like the option of popping in for a quick lunch, relaxing over an inexpensive dinner, or calling up for take-out. …

Earlier this week, my old man and I had a conversation about that phenomenon where you hear of something (a word, a name, a person) for the very first time, and then suddenly it’s everywhere. It happened to him recently. …

One day last week, my good friend S said she wanted to take me to Centifonti’s. I didn’t understand what she’d said, even when she repeated it a second time. But when she said, “Come on, I’ll buy you chocolate …

Last night, I headed to Neighborhood in the East Village for an impromptu casual meal. I’ve been here many times and usually go with their reliable line of burgers. This time, I was in the mood for protein and something …

So what was I doing without Carla in Dobson’s? (See "About Last Night...", below). Fact was, like last time (See previous posting, “Bullfight Bisque,” 9.1.11) I had this typical nighttime gap between buses. There was Dobson’s calling from down Broadway …

Tucked away in the Hillcrest Uptown plaza, Bo's is partially hidden in plain sight. Despite being a few yards away from a busy stretch of University Avenue, it lacks frontage on that street and isn't noticeable to passersby because Pick …

Do people take Valentine’s Day Seriously? Last night in the Gaslamp, you’d better believe it. It was a Tuesday but it looked like a Friday. Here’s a sampling of the sights. I’m crossing Horton Plaza towards Fourth. See a crowd …

Last week, as I was flying out of San Diego to attend San Francisco Beer Week, a TV celebrity was on his way in to eat through America's Finest City on his never-ending quest to gobble down the most peculiar …

Step 1: Await the Weekend Brian's keeps normal hours on weekdays, but on the weekends it's a 24-hour after-party paradise. Honestly, it's the kind of cuisine best left to those times when you're not sure if it's tomorrow yet or …

Not that I’ll ever eat there, prices being what they are, but the Hotel Del’s 1500 Ocean and its other restaurants are sure taking a good direction when it comes to getting green. This all started when I heard they …

When planning a recent trip to the Japanese Friendship Garden, I had my mind set on lunch at the Tea Pavilion to round out a pleasant afternoon in Balboa Park. I’d never been, but I had visions of a serene, …

Asian tacos and burritos — they're not just for food trucks anymore. In early March, Taco Banh, a new non-mobile spot specializing in Latin-Far East fusion, will debut in Hillcrest. Organic and all-natural will be the name of the game …

Is W's beach under threat? W, the hotel that gave us The Beach Bar two stories above street level, is redoing itself. And that means that The Restaurant — that kinda cool corner place at Columbia and B with the …

More changes a-coming in the office district around Columbia and B. So far, Karl Strauss and the W Hotel have been about the only reason to fork off this western end of Broadway and explore lawyerland behind. But Via Spresso …

Come July 1, production of a most delicious and controversial gourmet ingredient will be banned in California. That tasty taboo-to-be is foie gras-fatted duck or goose liver. When cooked correctly, it's sumptuous, buttery, subtly gamey, and unbelievably scrumptious. Unfortunately, controversy …

“Happy Hour?” I ask the guy cleaning an outside table. “You’ve got ten minutes, sir.” All right! I’ve been trying to figure out a way across to Little Italy, when I happen on this beautifully bricky corner at Columbia and …

Le Dîner à San Diego will debut in San Diego this May. Inspired by Dîner en Blanc, the refined flash mob pop-up picnic held annually in Paris since 1988, Le Dîner à San Diego will be held on May 25, …

I've never eaten at a food truck before. Correction, I've never eaten at a food truck that had a name other than "the roach coach." It was a long time ago, when I spent a dismal summer temping between real …

In the restaurant industry, thirty years in business is dynastic. Thirty years of business in a vibrant, Uptown neighborhood that's reflecting the shifting tides of eat and drinking trends is an eternity. According to the serene donut merchant behind the …

Saturday afternoon, 3:00 p.m. I’ve missed lunch and am hungry as hell. But early dinner plans make me hesitant to eat anything too filling. Already on 30th, I stop at Filter Coffee House for a cup of soup. Filter North …

We eat well at home. Salad accompanies the pasta every time it’s my turn to cook. When my husband cooks, it’s brown rice and green vegetables most of the time. And so, on days when the errands have piled up …

The Luna Grill replaces a failed Chinese restaurant in this no doubt high rent, make-or-break-it location in the heart of Hillcrest. Since kebab shops seem to be fashionable right now, trendiness at least is on Luna Grill's side. Rather than …

Jersey Joe's is on that less popular stretch of University Ave east of Park Boulevard, where the vibe is a little seedy just before the cool parts of North Park. Joe's promises that "East Coast taste meets West Coast style" …

Acknowledgements are due to deniseathome for leaving a comment about Kiko's Place at the bottom of my bit on Los Panchos. Neither of us could think of the truck's name, and I didn't get a chance to verify if anybody …

Still in Uptown. Late at nite, echoey streets, kinda closed down except for that wunnerful hot dog joint (see below) that’s saved the marriage, Carla being what she is with her hot dogs. So – and this is Wednesday - …

d Bar Desserts, the Denver-based pastry shop/casual bistro, is coming to San Diego. Chef Keegan Gerhard's second venture will be in Hillcrest, right next to Snooze. Gerhard, who began his culinary career in San Diego, was named one of the …

So, I was wandering along University around eleven at night, looking for a bus, any bus that’d take me downtown. But, wait...yonder luminous red umbrella., lil white cart, the smell of grilled onions. People stopping, ordering…are we in TJ? No, …

Western Steakburger is not the hippest place to grind a burger and some fries. It might be the least cool restaurant in the neighborhood with its mid-century anachronistic facade, un-ironic decor paying tribute to Western-themed cinema culture, and cafeteria quality …

Oh man. Last night. Can’t believe I’m here. Sitting at a table with a rose in a vase, listening to a gal at a mike get lyrical about “The Shift” of 2012. Like, end of the world as we know …

Two weeks ago, I reported chef Daniel Barron's departure from Blue Point Coastal Cuisine. I also shared the opinion that he'd never seemed a conventional fit for that restaurant due to his affinity for futuristic molecular gastronomy. After doing so, …

Trottin’ down Fifth t’other night around ten, into the belly of the beast, da Gaslamp. Course my own belly's bawling out for something. Anything. Problem? Tapped out. Seems like I always am, this time of night. So definitely looking for …

Bayu's has been open for just over a year at the corner of 5th and University in Hillcrest. Despite it's forgettable facade, the doors open onto a nicely laid out dining room with white linen on the tables, big windows, …

The most mysterious thing about Mystic Mocha in University Heights is where in the heck it's located. Tucked into a tiny spot on Mission Blvd. between Alabama and Mississippi Streets, it's easy to pass up two or three times. Especially …

Last summer, I reported Augie Saucedo’s departure from The Shores Restaurant to become executive chef at Sycuan Golf & Tennis Resort. Saucedo had spent the past eight years—an eternity for a chef in this day and age—working at the gourmet …

Is that…could it be…? Jason! I’d know that face anywhere. Even here in Old Town. “I bought this,” he says. “The business. Lock, stock and…” “…coffee cup?” I ask. Wow. I’d gotten to know Jason where he worked at the …

As of this writing, seats are still available for the inaugural Alchemy/Hamilton's quarterly beer dinner. "The Barrel and the Beast," as the event has been dubbed, shall be a four course meal featuring dishes by Alchemy's head chef Ricardo Heredia …

Edo Sushi in University City is a busy place, popular with students and neighborhood residents, with friendly, fast service. It's also walking distance from my apartment, so when I need a quick, warm bowl of rice and something, I head …

One of the 99 reviews of Swami’s on Yelp begins, “This place is simply an amazing organic food restaurant.” Though this, for some, may be a big draw, it makes me want to run. But S swears by the place, …

My friend S wanted to meet for lunch in La Mesa. But that wouldn’t be ‘til noon, and I needed a place to get some work done in the meantime. S sent me to Cosmos Coffee Café. I expected something …

As we've all trudged our way through the economic downturn, the word "staycation" has become extremely popular. As a native San Diegan, I've always thought our community to be one of the few that could really qualify as a place …

Of late, a number of local bars and their associated tenders have been warding off the alcohol world's most transparent spirit. The same can not be said for Scripps Ranch-based craft distillery Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits. They're all set …

This is a highly personal tale for me. Several years ago, I had a gyro burrito at the Greek Sombrero in Jamul. I still haven' t forgotten how delicious that burrito was. Unsure whether or not I would ever return …

I have a fondness for diners. They remind me of the cigarettes, coffee, and grilled-cheese sandwiches (if I could afford it) of my poetry days, when all I ever wanted was to be alone with my notebook and my deep …

A couple weeks ago, Mary Beth Abate filled you in on breakfast at Hillcrest’s newest “AM eatery,” Snooze. Boasting natural free-range meats and cage-free eggs from the Bay Area Niman Ranch, Snooze offers an innovative menu specializing in benedicts, pancakes, …

I won't claim that Los Panchos is the best taco shop in town, not by a long shot. The most accurate assessment I have is that the food there is totally hit or miss. I've been both delighted and disgusted …

Just a stone's throw from a freeway on-ramp, Counterpoint seems a little out of place on its otherwise unassuming block of 25th Street in Golden Hill. The little, urban tavern is a small space, on the darker side when the …

This is the end of the road. End of Harbor Drive. Here in National City it turns into Civic Center Drive. End of the week, too. But the start of my first true, real Mexican breakfast beer, along with a …

Zumbar Coffee is tucked away in a tiny strip off Sorrento Valley Road in the Golden Triangle, right near the train station. Despite the obscure setting, it's a favorite spot of students and workers in the many surrounding technology parks. …

The New Vision Christian Church in University Heights is hosting a food truck rally today from 3:30 to 7 p.m. to raise money for the neighboring Alice Birney Elementary School which was heavily damaged by an arsonist last month. Investigators …

I was all set to get some errands done when I noticed that Empire House Urban Palate, on University Avenue in Hillcrest, had $.50 wings all day. I didn't want to do errands anyway. EHUP is in a location that …

Part V Looking back on this week chronicling each stop of my tour of Vista's breweries, it's hard to believe it all happened in one day (one afternoon, to be exact). It really goes to show just how fortunate any …

Open! Been waiting for this. Last time I was here, early January, they were frantically trying to turn a hardware store into a proper Italian-style caffe. We're talking about Cremalose (840 Fifth Avenue, between E and F). It's an Italian …

Pinkberry cofounder Young Lee has been in the news recently following his arrest for suspicion of assault and battery against a homeless person in LA. Questions of the man's guilt or innocence aside, Lee's newsmaking actions prompt a more interesting …

Last night we attended the soft opening at Casa De Luz, a new vegan restaurant on University Avenue in North Park. I spoke to owner Wayo Longoria III and Executive Chef Denise Girard a few weeks ago - you can …

Part IV When an industry experiences such immense success, people who shouldn’t be brewing on a professional level see others who are jumping into the ring and succeeding. They figure they can too, but unfortunately, they aren’t ready for prime …

I’ve been going to Kiki Sushi for years. I believe that narrow dining patio in Hillcrest was the first place I ate sushi in San Diego. On nights when I want to be alone, I sometimes go to Kiki with …

Table 926 in Pacific Beach is a very pretty, romantic place. The soothing colors, dark seafoam green against warm honey-colored wood, exposed brick, mood lighting, and soft soundtrack are relaxing and inviting. Owner and executive chef Matt Richman, a San …

Part III My third stop was at Mother Earth Brew Co., a combination brewery, tasting room and homebrew supply store. When I first visited Mother Earth in June of 2010, their equipment setup looked more like a soup kitchen—several large …

It’s 9:30 a.m. My next meeting’s not until 10:00, and it’s only a quick five-minute drive from here, which means I have 25 minutes to spare. I wander into Urban Grind and spy an almond croissant piled high with powdered …

When I mention I’m looking for a $10 lunch, a girlfriend of mine who lives in Del Mar says, “I’ve got a $10 lunch for you,” and takes me to Urban Plates. This is before I know Mary Beth has …