My favorite restaurant in San Diego: Searsucker, review #2

Yes, dear readers, after several unsuccessful attempts this summer, I can now fill the title of "my favorite restaurant in San Diego" (left vacant since Jai's decline): the delightful Searsucker. After two visits, it is clear that nothing holds a candle to it, in combining:

--exciting, vibrant, urban atmosphere
--great people-watching
--delicious, inspired cocktails
--friendly/casual but efficient service
--delectable creative menu, with lots of choices for meat-eaters and veggies
--reasonable prices
--efficient kitchen

Brian Malarkey was not even in view this time, and it was still delightful.

What I had this time:
--watermelon/beet/goat cheese salad: delicious, and have you ever seen a yellow watermelon?
--salmon dish: delectable and light. At first arrival, it was not quite hot enough. But then quickly made me a brand-new one; it came out very quickly. (Even after I had eaten all the original beets and a little of the salmon). Perfectly cooked, delectable sauce.

CH loved his:
--lettuce and lemon (perfectly light)
--lemon chicken (yes, he had a lemon theme)
--corn with bacon

We also loved, once again, the complimentary cheddar poppers.

I would love to try dessert but we were happily full - plus we were on our way to see the adorable Sutton Foster in concert. (They got us in and out in 45 min., even including redoing my entree - and we didn't feel rushed. Very impressive).

For a "fine dining" occasion, I would probably still choose somewhere calmer and more elegant. This is also why I am not terming it "the best restaurant in San Diego" but more modestly "my favorite" (it is subjective, after all). But for a combo of exciting atmosphere/creative food/reasonable prices this is the place.

Alchemy, you retain your #2 spot. There Ricardo Heredia's food is even more creative and outside-the-box than Brian Malarkey, with a nice relaxed atmosphere. (but Searsucker is more exciting/glamorous, and not every dish at Alchemy attains its mark).

Our next visit will likely be the restaurant currently holding my #3 spot: Avenue 5. The food is more classic, but it is wonderfully flavored, well-executed California-French food, and happy hour at the bar is so lovely and reasonable! Can't wait!