Groupon today for El Nopalito (Encinitas)

El Nopalito is a place we've gone with ST twice (I've reviewed before). I think it's really delicious, plus a nice authentic atmosphere (families, guys watching mexican soccer on TV). Delicious salsa and chips and a great veggie burrito. Worth trying it with the groupon if you haven't been there before!

Quick takes: Orange County

ST headed off to grandma's last weekend, and CH and I headed up for a southern OC mini-vacation.

Food:
--Still love WATERMARC in Laguna. CH not so much. We even saw some mover-and-shaker San Diegans up there; they were visiting for the first time. I've reviewed the restaurant in greater detail when we went last time, but it's not like any place I know in SD. It's kind of like Searsucker in concept (it's older) but much more intimate and less warehousey. The food and cocktails are amazing.

--Tried RAYA in Laguna Niguel for the first time (in Ritz Carlton). They gave us outstanding service, and we were so impressed with the food. TV-quality molecular type presentations, but wonderful wonderful flavors. Amazing bread basket; CH said his sweet corn soup was the best soup he ever had; my watermelon/tomato geometric pyramid of a dish was delicious. CH liked his chicken dish (though it wasn't in the same category as his soup). I decided to get a "plain ol' vegetable plate," because I guessed that the chef would do something interesting with it. It was absolutely scrumptious, flavorful, interesting, not boring - but also healthy. Dessert was less interesting. But we would definitely return next time we can sneak away to the OC (it ain't Hawaii, but it's as far as we get on our own these days!).

Lots of Quick Takes: San Diego

--Delicious meal today at OFF THE HOOK SEAFOOD GRILL in Encinitas. It is conveniently located near one of the best oil change places around (the place next to the AM/PM at Leucadia Blvd. just east of Garden View). Had been planning to eat while I got the oil change at KC Tandoor (which I don't give enough love to on this blog, but is very respectable Indian food for Encinitas, and fast). It was closed, so I wandered over to Off the Hook. OUTSTANDING! A great food concept, and very kid-friendly. Any grilled fish you choose, either in salad, sandwich, bowl or plate form, with the flavor/sauce of your choice. I chose garlic olive oil. For about $11, I got a massive slab of grilled cod, over a bed of brown rice and very delicious sauteed vegetables. Very healthy, delicious and fast (order at the counter, then they bring your food).

--Recent repeat visit to EL CALLEJON, which is a perennial favorite of super-toddler and us. I got the pescado zarandeado. Didn't enjoy as much as the other fish dishes I've ordered but it was good. It's in the regular rotation.

--Took a coworker to CHARISMA. Still among my fave restaurants. It's too much of a secret in Hillcrest, though - lots of neighborhood folks still haven't heard of it. I hope it stays in business!

--Went to Champagne bakery in CV with Super-Toddler when all the other restaurants in the DM heights shopping center were too crowded. It was not as bad as I thought (I've always thought it was fake French and not as exciting as it should be considering how beautiful the pastries look). They had a very decent kids' menu, I got to have a glass of wine and some decent food, and ST had plenty to look at (however, the brand-new escalator in the mall was too confusing for him). We can't wait til Mia Francesca and Davanti Enoteca open - we're hoping they'll be good options in that area.

--And yes regular readers, CH and I will be heading soon to Burlap! We were waiting for the kinks to be worked out.

Sleeping Beauty Wakes + Barolo

Food first: Barolo. It's ok. Have been before. Charisma makes all random Italian restaurants in SD boring (just like we can't eat at any random Chinese places since we found Dumpling Inn, except Rendez-vous as a substitute). Decent, healthy minestrone. Eggplant parm fine. Paso Robles Peachy Canyon - eh. Even for $7.50, don't like getting cheap, unripe wines. Dessert (choc/coconut cake), ok. Served its purpose - not cravable though. Still on the hunt for good pretheater dining for the LJP.

Play: Sleeping Beauty Wakes at the La Jolla Playhouse. Absolutely stunning - a thing of beauty. CH liked it less than me, but conceded after Act 2 that it "has potential." If you are a parent, especially, and/or a romantic and/or someone who has lost someone you love and/or love modern music in musicals (Groovelily is awesome), it is an absolute must-see.

Well worth the sitter this evening!

Burlap Preview (Carmel Valley)

Haven't been to Burlap yet (I went to Searsucker on opening night instead!), but have been checking Yelp to see what people think. Opinions are divided between:

Delicious and aweseome and hip in the suburbs....

and

Who they hell do they think they are sticking a bouncer at the door in the strip mall?

Am determined to try - and maybe even bring the ever-well-behaved Super-Toddler, since it claims to be kid-friendly (plus they have edamame and koi ponds, so he should be perfectly happy). But we're waiting for the kinks to get worked out. We might as well go when they are able to execute as quickly as the badasses at Searsucker.

If you go, please let me know how it is!