Trying to work on my backlog, time to write about Sicilian Thing in North Park.
Have mentioned it before: BEST PIZZA IN SD ALONG WITH BONGIORNO'S. Honestly, I can't pick a winner, because they both are super-authentic and delicious, just different recipes. Paul, the owner-pizzamaker, who is from Philly, is awesome. He opened the place so he could make Sicilian pies (do I need to explain that they're square?), but he also does round pies too. Awesome Sicilian, so many choices (I like corner cheese, of course, but also love his fresh mushroom). But the round pies are nothing to sneer at, and definitely rival Mike Bongiorno's pies. I like the Barack-oli ricotta (shout out to the POTUS); last summer's seasonal eggplant pie was great; and the cheese pie is yummy too. Cheap, great views of city buses out the window for Toddler, close enough to Trolley Barn park for a combo outing. Parking can sometimes be tricky but is usually fine. It's not around the corner from us, but every once in a while, we drive down for our fix!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
NY Giant Pizza (RB)
Well, this place also will never beat Bongiorno's in a taste test. But in case it's helpful for someone, just wanted to say that the pizza was definitely decent. Went to a birthday party in RB, and this was a welcome change from the Domino's that is so often served at toddler parties. MuseumGirl says they are related to the NY Giant Pizza on India St., and that that place is perfectly passable too (she said good, I think, but I do have pizza standards to uphold - plus I don't think I'll choose it over Saffron or El Indio when I'm in those parts :)). The giant pizza came out to 30 slices when cut in squares.
Anyway, this wasn't a foodie treat, but a better-than-lots-of-others Toddler birthday option....
No babysitting set up for a while....we need to make some plans to hit some other places on my list. I think Kitchen 1540 is probably next in the queue to try, esp. because of Dr. T's praise for it!
Anyway, this wasn't a foodie treat, but a better-than-lots-of-others Toddler birthday option....
No babysitting set up for a while....we need to make some plans to hit some other places on my list. I think Kitchen 1540 is probably next in the queue to try, esp. because of Dr. T's praise for it!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Another catchup post: Gaslamp/EV restaurants
Ok, here are my thoughts on some downtown spots:
NEIGHBORHOOD: Oh, how I love thee! Neighborhood is awesome. Very inexpensive, farm-to-table sandwiches and salads, awesome yummy beer, hip and casual, great happy hour too (local SD beers 2-1). Am always happy to have an excuse to go!
TIN FISH: Tried it once, lived up to the Yelp reviews. Yummy fish and chips, very nice location with trolley views.
SULTAN SHWARMA: SabraGirl told me about this place, said it's the best felafel in SD. She is so totally right. Very small and unpretentious - outrageously yummy. Would totally go again. Liked it better than Kebab Shop (though I only tried their Mira Mesa location. It was tasty but nowhere near as good as Sultan Shwarma). Would be very happy to go again when in the neighborhood! They also have nice (but limited sidewalk seating).
CURRANT BRASSERIE: I have only been twice: once when it first opened with the previous chef/French concept, and once recently now that it's an American brasserie. Love the room, love the happy hour, everything I've had there has been scrumptious. Dr. T. went and didn't love it, but he said his friends did, and I just sent a large party and they loved it too. (So maybe try again, Dr. T.!)
Ok, I'm more caught up now!
NEIGHBORHOOD: Oh, how I love thee! Neighborhood is awesome. Very inexpensive, farm-to-table sandwiches and salads, awesome yummy beer, hip and casual, great happy hour too (local SD beers 2-1). Am always happy to have an excuse to go!
TIN FISH: Tried it once, lived up to the Yelp reviews. Yummy fish and chips, very nice location with trolley views.
SULTAN SHWARMA: SabraGirl told me about this place, said it's the best felafel in SD. She is so totally right. Very small and unpretentious - outrageously yummy. Would totally go again. Liked it better than Kebab Shop (though I only tried their Mira Mesa location. It was tasty but nowhere near as good as Sultan Shwarma). Would be very happy to go again when in the neighborhood! They also have nice (but limited sidewalk seating).
CURRANT BRASSERIE: I have only been twice: once when it first opened with the previous chef/French concept, and once recently now that it's an American brasserie. Love the room, love the happy hour, everything I've had there has been scrumptious. Dr. T. went and didn't love it, but he said his friends did, and I just sent a large party and they loved it too. (So maybe try again, Dr. T.!)
Ok, I'm more caught up now!
Quick catchup post on some old visits: Bice, Alchemy
Going to clean up the backlog by doing a double post.
Bice: DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE! Everyone is treating it like the second coming. (well, it was here once before and did return). It was good, not worth a second visit. Of course, we didn't try the notorious cheese bar. The atmosphere was ok but nothing special (maybe it's less disco than the rest of the Gaslamp which is why people are going crazy?). My pappardelle was pretty yummy. The rest of the meal was just good. Certainly not better than Piatti, the recently defunct Venice, or other places in town. DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE!
Alchemy: Hype, hype, hype! This place won best new restaurant for 2008 in SD Mag. Oh, and did I see why! We went on one of the walkabout nights in South Park so it was even a better deal. But it is both hip and cazh (that's how we said casual back in the day); outrageously yummy food; very reasonable. The only thing was that the wines by the glass are more than I think they should be for the rest of the concept ($8-10). But I'd be thrilled to go there again. Was fun, lots of veggie options, very cute. (They don't take reservations, though, and the night we went it turned out to be more mobbed than they expected).
Ok, two down!
Bice: DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE! Everyone is treating it like the second coming. (well, it was here once before and did return). It was good, not worth a second visit. Of course, we didn't try the notorious cheese bar. The atmosphere was ok but nothing special (maybe it's less disco than the rest of the Gaslamp which is why people are going crazy?). My pappardelle was pretty yummy. The rest of the meal was just good. Certainly not better than Piatti, the recently defunct Venice, or other places in town. DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE!
Alchemy: Hype, hype, hype! This place won best new restaurant for 2008 in SD Mag. Oh, and did I see why! We went on one of the walkabout nights in South Park so it was even a better deal. But it is both hip and cazh (that's how we said casual back in the day); outrageously yummy food; very reasonable. The only thing was that the wines by the glass are more than I think they should be for the rest of the concept ($8-10). But I'd be thrilled to go there again. Was fun, lots of veggie options, very cute. (They don't take reservations, though, and the night we went it turned out to be more mobbed than they expected).
Ok, two down!
Alborz (Del Mar)
So it's about time to blog about Alborz. I'm not a Persian food expert, but friends tell me it's the best Persian in SD. It's a longtime takeout favorite of ours.
The boys both like the chicken-lemon-lentil soup. Dad loves the chicken barg kebab. Boy loves the rice, Greek salad (cukes, tomatoes, lettuce, feta and a yummy dressing), and bread. Mom usually gets veget. gheimeh bademjan (lentils/eggplant) or the regular eggplant stew; I also like the veggie dolmeh, the crispy rice and the eggplant/yogurt appetizer. Portions are huge, the owners are friendly, and the food is yummy.
Eat in is probably fine too, but we've never ventured a try with Boy (not sure how fast the food would come and whether he could wander as much as he likes).
Definitely worth a visit/takeout if you haven't been!
The boys both like the chicken-lemon-lentil soup. Dad loves the chicken barg kebab. Boy loves the rice, Greek salad (cukes, tomatoes, lettuce, feta and a yummy dressing), and bread. Mom usually gets veget. gheimeh bademjan (lentils/eggplant) or the regular eggplant stew; I also like the veggie dolmeh, the crispy rice and the eggplant/yogurt appetizer. Portions are huge, the owners are friendly, and the food is yummy.
Eat in is probably fine too, but we've never ventured a try with Boy (not sure how fast the food would come and whether he could wander as much as he likes).
Definitely worth a visit/takeout if you haven't been!
Opera Patisserie (SV)
Finally took Toddler here after a year of thinking about it. He's gotten a little better about staying put....Esp. here there is so much to see - trucks and cars on Carroll Canyon, mirrors in the restaurant to watch his face as he's chewing, etc.
Ok, onto the food....Opera is a real French cafe. I like it a lot - great sandwiches and patisseries. My only gripe is that they are totally inflexible about customizing, because they ship the sandwiches up premade from their industrial kitchen in the morning (so I can get a yummy seared salmon sandwich, but they will not put it on whole wheat, because only the grilled cheese sandwiches are premade that way). And they have a bit of an attitude. But love the soups, pastries, truffle fries, etc....and it's quick-serve and pleasant. You don't feel like you're in an office park.
The food was not awesome for Toddler: after a few bites he decided he didn't like his quiche (spinach is not one of his favorite vegetables, and it is the only veg. one they have). Usually he loves salad but declared this yukky. However, once he got an order of fries he was very content (they are very good, esp. if you get them with truffles). He would have liked a dessert but we tried to steer him away. The Dad liked his chicken sandwich. We'd probably all come back again soon if Toddler liked his food more, but it's definitely worth returning in a few months so that we can have a decent meal ourselves and he can still have fun. Very refreshing not to have Bongiorno's on a Sat....Not quite a trip to France but we'll take it!
Oh - and this is of course at the magical corner of Mira Mesa and Scranton/Carroll Canyon, next to Sher E Punjab....On weekends it's only open for Sat. breakfast and lunch.
Ok, onto the food....Opera is a real French cafe. I like it a lot - great sandwiches and patisseries. My only gripe is that they are totally inflexible about customizing, because they ship the sandwiches up premade from their industrial kitchen in the morning (so I can get a yummy seared salmon sandwich, but they will not put it on whole wheat, because only the grilled cheese sandwiches are premade that way). And they have a bit of an attitude. But love the soups, pastries, truffle fries, etc....and it's quick-serve and pleasant. You don't feel like you're in an office park.
The food was not awesome for Toddler: after a few bites he decided he didn't like his quiche (spinach is not one of his favorite vegetables, and it is the only veg. one they have). Usually he loves salad but declared this yukky. However, once he got an order of fries he was very content (they are very good, esp. if you get them with truffles). He would have liked a dessert but we tried to steer him away. The Dad liked his chicken sandwich. We'd probably all come back again soon if Toddler liked his food more, but it's definitely worth returning in a few months so that we can have a decent meal ourselves and he can still have fun. Very refreshing not to have Bongiorno's on a Sat....Not quite a trip to France but we'll take it!
Oh - and this is of course at the magical corner of Mira Mesa and Scranton/Carroll Canyon, next to Sher E Punjab....On weekends it's only open for Sat. breakfast and lunch.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Naomi reviews Ba Ren and Dede's (Kearny/Clairemont Mesa)
I was wild about Ba Ren the first time I went with colleagues (hi, Dr. T.!), and have sent people there who were very happy, though when I took the Dad with me it wasn't as yummy as the first time. But it still should get its due. Here's Naomi Wise's new review of it and Dede's (which I have liked when I've gone, but is not nearly as friendly as Dumpling Inn, my Convoy fave).
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2010/apr/21/restaurant-review-pecks-pickled-peppers/
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2010/apr/21/restaurant-review-pecks-pickled-peppers/
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Tender Greens! (Liberty Station/Point Loma)
How is it possible that I have not yet blogged about Tender Greens? Tender Greens is the holy grail of toddler-friendly, foodie-friendly places. We've been at least 10 times in the last year...and we don't even live close by. Oh Tender Greens, why do we love you so??
--Farm-to-table grilled veggies - if they were any fresher you'd be crawling in the rows at the farm...and these are deliciously seasoned
--Farm-to-table salads....which Toddler loves too
--Brilliantly simple menu: grilled tuna, chicken, or steak....or veggies....with your choice of the greatest mashed potatoes ever, plus a great salad....or on a sandwich with out-of-this-world bread from Con Pane Rustic, with grilled veggies and a salad-->or a "composed salad" with a protein
--Delicious wine by the glass (Toddler was being relatively calm, so I permitted myself to have a Loire Valley white)
--Stupendous soups (the tomato soup and chicken soup, which they have all the time, are wonderful...but the soup of the day has never disappointed....once I had cream of asparagus with blood orange oil; today a plain 'ol potato leek with chives that was awesome)
--Inexpensive concept: $5.50 for a salad alone, or $10.50 for a plate with everything.
--Kid's menu with quesadilla or grilled cheese, or a grilled protein, plus mashed potato and veggies....it's slightly too gourmet for Toddler, but he is crazy for their salads and bread and tomato soup, and will nibble at the gourmet quesadilla
--Have I mentioned the cupcakes?
I also have left out all the wonderful park space nearby (the regular open space near the restaurant, plus the Liberty Station playground 2 blocks away); the fountains where someone can walk with Toddler if he's particularly antsy, while the other person is enjoying their gourmet meal and remembering what it's like to have a delicious meal out.
Oh - and it's quick casual. You order at the counter and your food comes a few minutes later.
And if Toddler is very good, Cold Stone Creamery is only a few stores down.
Did I mention the airplanes you can watch from the patio?
Thus ends my ode to Tender Greens....Fairouz, you're another of our unblogged-about favorites....we're probably due for a visit in the next month...stay tuned!
--Farm-to-table grilled veggies - if they were any fresher you'd be crawling in the rows at the farm...and these are deliciously seasoned
--Farm-to-table salads....which Toddler loves too
--Brilliantly simple menu: grilled tuna, chicken, or steak....or veggies....with your choice of the greatest mashed potatoes ever, plus a great salad....or on a sandwich with out-of-this-world bread from Con Pane Rustic, with grilled veggies and a salad-->or a "composed salad" with a protein
--Delicious wine by the glass (Toddler was being relatively calm, so I permitted myself to have a Loire Valley white)
--Stupendous soups (the tomato soup and chicken soup, which they have all the time, are wonderful...but the soup of the day has never disappointed....once I had cream of asparagus with blood orange oil; today a plain 'ol potato leek with chives that was awesome)
--Inexpensive concept: $5.50 for a salad alone, or $10.50 for a plate with everything.
--Kid's menu with quesadilla or grilled cheese, or a grilled protein, plus mashed potato and veggies....it's slightly too gourmet for Toddler, but he is crazy for their salads and bread and tomato soup, and will nibble at the gourmet quesadilla
--Have I mentioned the cupcakes?
I also have left out all the wonderful park space nearby (the regular open space near the restaurant, plus the Liberty Station playground 2 blocks away); the fountains where someone can walk with Toddler if he's particularly antsy, while the other person is enjoying their gourmet meal and remembering what it's like to have a delicious meal out.
Oh - and it's quick casual. You order at the counter and your food comes a few minutes later.
And if Toddler is very good, Cold Stone Creamery is only a few stores down.
Did I mention the airplanes you can watch from the patio?
Thus ends my ode to Tender Greens....Fairouz, you're another of our unblogged-about favorites....we're probably due for a visit in the next month...stay tuned!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Regent's Pizza (UTC)
Thanks for the idea, NYUGirl! I can't say it will ever beat Bongiorno's in a taste test. But it was a nice change of pace (the NY style is not super-authentic, but it was tasty)....and open on Sundays, which Bongiorno's MM is not. Great for a post-mall outing. The Dad got a chicken parm sandwich, which he can't get at Bongiorno's, plus a nice salad. Boy was being the welcoming committee for all the UCSD students - some were amused, some not into a 2yo. But we had fun. Nice to know about! (they also have Chicago-style but we didn't try it).
East Village Asian Diner (Encinitas)
Either my boy is getting more well-behaved, I'm becoming a better disciplinarian, or something is in the water. Lately he sits for 80% of a meal. Pretty exciting!
Last night: East Village Asia Diner. Brand-new in Encinitas. French culinary inst. grad, I think, doing a quick-casual concept (the Pantry in RSF is their other restaurant).
In short: hip, casual, fast, artisanal, flavorful, fun...and toddler-friendly! Boy announced that it smelled like poop when we arrived and that he didn't want to stay (he had the same reaction to Solana Beach Fish House) but I just bent down and told him we were staying or he wouldn't get his books before bedtime....That was the end of that. He gradually decided he was having a great time: tons of red chopsticks on the table (toys!); TVs everywhere; nice view of highway 101 (=city buses and other cool vehicles). Very friendly service. Inexpensive and creative/flavorful Asian dishes (I got the monk's dish; the Dad liked his chicken teriyaki; and boy loved his lime-yuzu salad dressing and the really cool side salad they brought him, plus his tofu teriyaki bowl.
Of course in the car, he said he hadn't liked it at all and that it smelled like poop. But today he said he wanted to go there again instead of to Bongiorno's. So I'm thinking that means he really did like it....
Last night: East Village Asia Diner. Brand-new in Encinitas. French culinary inst. grad, I think, doing a quick-casual concept (the Pantry in RSF is their other restaurant).
In short: hip, casual, fast, artisanal, flavorful, fun...and toddler-friendly! Boy announced that it smelled like poop when we arrived and that he didn't want to stay (he had the same reaction to Solana Beach Fish House) but I just bent down and told him we were staying or he wouldn't get his books before bedtime....That was the end of that. He gradually decided he was having a great time: tons of red chopsticks on the table (toys!); TVs everywhere; nice view of highway 101 (=city buses and other cool vehicles). Very friendly service. Inexpensive and creative/flavorful Asian dishes (I got the monk's dish; the Dad liked his chicken teriyaki; and boy loved his lime-yuzu salad dressing and the really cool side salad they brought him, plus his tofu teriyaki bowl.
Of course in the car, he said he hadn't liked it at all and that it smelled like poop. But today he said he wanted to go there again instead of to Bongiorno's. So I'm thinking that means he really did like it....
Friday, April 16, 2010
Alive again! Some recent food excursions: Kabul West (SV)
Toddlerhood, work, and getting sick have kept me out of commission for a while. But I'm back! Here's the first one while I have a minute...
Back to Scranton Food Court....This time I went to Kabul West, another one of my favorites. Delicious Afghan food. Sometimes I get the veg combo. This time got grilled fish kebabs, delicious rice, and asked for spinach instead of salad (is much better). Also comes with bread and delicious homemade chutneylike things.
Worth passing up Sitar sometimes!!
More on other excursions when I have time! East Village Asian Diner was tonight with the boys, brand-spanking new, very yummy! (Encinitas)
Back to Scranton Food Court....This time I went to Kabul West, another one of my favorites. Delicious Afghan food. Sometimes I get the veg combo. This time got grilled fish kebabs, delicious rice, and asked for spinach instead of salad (is much better). Also comes with bread and delicious homemade chutneylike things.
Worth passing up Sitar sometimes!!
More on other excursions when I have time! East Village Asian Diner was tonight with the boys, brand-spanking new, very yummy! (Encinitas)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)