Who's In For San Diego Restaurant Week 2009?

All of San Diego is gearing up for San Diego Restaurant Week. After participating in, (and being quite pleased with), the Taste of Gaslamp, I am sure Restaurant Week will be amazing. For those of you who do not know, San Diego Restaurant Week features 180 local restaurants offering 3-course meals for only $20, $30, or $40 per person (price depends on the restaurant). Unlike the Taste of Gaslamp, this is not just a food sampling event, but rather a sit down meal at the restaurant of your choice. San Diego Restaurant Week is going on it's 5th year in hopes of continuing to display San Diego as a "premier dining destination." There is no need for tickets for the Week however, reservations are highly recommended.


So you must be thinking to yourself, is $40 really worth it? If you know some of the restaurants participating, you would think otherwise. Getting a 3-course meal at the best restaurants for that price is beyond reasonable. So now is your time to try that restaurant you have been curious about.


Other than my experience with Taste of Gaslamp or dinners out, I have not explored all these restaurants as much as I would have liked. But that is what Restaurant Week is for, right? Based on past experiences and what I have been hearing, these are the places to try:

• One of my favorites in downtown, Dakota Grill, have yet to be disappointed. Love their Roasted Garlic Flat Bread for an appetizer. Their fish and steaks are excellent. I am more of a fish lover but when I tried their steak I was very happy with it. Creme Brulee is a great choice for dessert.
• NINE-TEN. Now I have only eaten here for breakfast but they had phenomenal eggs benedict, (which I might add, I am extremely picky about). I have heard they have great dinner menus as well so this would be a great place to try out
• Trattoria Acqua was a recommendation when I was staying at the Grand Colonial Hotel in La Jolla and I could not have been more pleased with their suggestion. I had an amazing dish of ravioli here and am looking forward to what they crank out during Restaurant Week.
• George's at the Cove definitely a well known restaurant in San Diego and another place I dont think you could go wrong.
• The Prado I have only gotten the chance to eat here for dinner once (several times for business mixer breakfasts), but it was fabulous. Their menu for Restaurant Week looks great and diverse. Another great thing about the Prado is its location in gorgeous Balboa Park.
• Ruth's Chris Steakhouse always a delicious choice. Has been a favorite of mine for a while now. $40 bucks is a steal to have 3 courses here.

My list is short, I know, but all these places would be a fabulous choice for a 3-course meal. If you are in San Diego September 13-18, now you know where you need to be--San Diego Restaurant Week.




Links

• San Diego Restaurant Week Website
• List of Restaurants Participating
• Make Reservations

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Barkers & Burgers: Ocean Beach Date

There is nothing better than having some of your favorite things combine to make the perfect day, or date, in this case. Dogs, the beach, and great food all work together to form another one of my Go-To Girl Designed Date Nights.

Ocean Beach itself is a spectacular place to visit. I feel like it has a little bit of a different personality than the other popular beaches in San Diego. It doesn't have the party scene like Pacific Beach or the upscale beauty of La Jolla, but it sure has character. Unique shops, such as The Black feature Rastafarian knick-knacks, candles and incense, clothes, posters and unique books. The streets are usually filled with locals or visitors from the hostel nearby. The beaches are nice as most San Diego beaches are. But the one that we are going to visit today is Dog Beach.

Dog Beach is one of my favorite places because it just so happens--dogs and the beach rate pretty high on my favorite things. This beach not only has the beauty of San Diego and the character of Ocean Beach, but also the sight of miles of dogs frolicking to and from the ocean with their owners. The reason I think Dog Beach would be a perfect place for a date, (whether you have a pooch of your own or not,) is because it is a such a great sight to see. Being a dog-lover, there is nothing better than watching so many dogs playing and enjoying the sun just like their owners. Families and their dogs roam the beach, playing ball and exploring the water. Dog Beach provides a comfortable setting and plenty of things to talk about. (see below for directions)

After you fill your dog quota, it is time for dinner. Get ready for the best burger of your life. Hodad's. I guarantee that there will be a line outside. Once you finally get inside, take your big yellow menus and seat yourself where you can. License plates fill up the walls and loud music is always on. The servers are to the point and when they are busy (which they usually are) don't expect any special treatment. Hodad's has the best and biggest burgers, amazing onion rings, and delicious vanilla shakes. I am not one to order a burger at a restaurant but Hodad's is simply amazing.

Dog Beach and Hodad's is perfect for a comfortable and casual date. Both places are unique and fun settings that you or your date will not be disappointed with.

Directions to Dog Beach:

8 West to the end. Turn left and follow the signs for Sunset Cliffs. Turn right at W Point Loma Blvd. and follow it as it curves around until you can turn right at the second stop sign into the beach parking lot

Directions to Hodad's from the Dog Beach parking lot:

Head southeast on Brighton Ave toward Abbott St. Turn right at Abbott St. Continue on Newport Ave.

Links

• Hodads http://www.hodadies.com/

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Tastes of College Area

With SDSU one week away from starting up again, I thought it would be appropriate to make a post about some of the students' favorite spots to eat.

1.) 4.0 Deli

Location: Corner of College and Montezuma

This is an amazing sandwich place. Usually crowded, inside you will find college students inside sharing pitchers of beers and munching on their favorite sandwich. The place is decorated with college apparel and shirts from organizations 4.0 has sponsored. They include two seasonal items-- strawberries and cream, and when strawberries are not in season, rice pudding. Both so delicious. Their strawberries are always fresh and tasty which is a perfect blend with the cream sauce which has a hint of cinnamon. The rice pudding is served with rum raisins is absolutely mouthwatering.

My favorite sandwich here is the Vegetarian Heaven on sourdough with no pesto. I am not a vegetarian and rarely order vegetarian meals but this sandwich has the perfect blend of veggies-- sprouts, avocado, onions, red peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese. Another favorite, if you are more the type of person who wants meat on their sandwich, is the Godfather--turkey, provolone cheese, pesto, and some veggies. They have great cheap drink specials and beer on tap, which makes it a favorite during happy hour for college students.

All in all, if you are in College Area and need a sub this is your place. I have never heard a complaint about anything ordered here, so you cant go wrong.

2.) Trujillo's

Location: Corner of College and Montezuma

Definitely an important part of your SDSU experience. Open until after 2am on weekends, Trujillo's becomes the favorite food of the drunk college kids who roam the streets. But when your drunk is not the only time Trujillo's is good. They have on of the best California burritos I have had and the Carne Asada fries are also delicious. The staff is friendly and the crowd is usually a great show! For $8, you can get a burrito and drink. A definite must if you enjoy Mexican food.

3.) Fattes Pizza

Location: El Cajon Blvd

So here comes another white sauce pizza recommendation. Fattes Pizza has amazing pizza crust, incredible toppings, and of course my favorite, great white sauce. They have great deals, such as two pizzas for the price of one. They deliver and their owner Travis is a chill, young guy that is great to work with if you want pizza for a lot of people for a meeting or student organization.

4.) Milo's

Location: Montezuma Rd

Milo's is also a pizza joint but I go here when I am craving a toasty salami sub. Cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and salami on a toasted sub makes for a great sandwich. They have a great pizza deal for a slice and a drink but I don't usually get the pizza there. This place became a fave of mine because I lived so close by. They are a great place to stop by for lunch and grab a bite. They only have two tables inside but they deliver and do pick up.

5.) Pita Pit

Location: College Ave

Typical college food, but can be a healthier choice. Basically limitless options of combinations of ingredients to make your perfect pita, Pita Pit offers a great break from usually unhealthy and greasy college food.

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If You Are in the Mood For Raw Fish for a Great Price...

San Diego has billions of delicious sushi places but the reason this one stands out is its amazing happy hour. Rolls are half price Monday through Friday 3pm-7pm. If you are craving sushi but live on a college student budget like me, this place is absolutely perfect. From the outside, and well even on the inside, the place looks a little sketchy at first. However, I promise you will not be disappointed with their food for the price. This little restaurant offers a great service but is cash only during happy hour, (there is an ATM inside). Every time I go I get hot edamame beans and the Crunchy Roll. Nothing tops their Crunchy Roll. There is some kind of sauce on it that just makes it divine. This is a perfect spot for some good sushi on a cheap budget.

Links

• Google Maps of Ichiban http://bit.ly/OpzhR

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A Little Slice of New York in San Diego

I think by now my passion for eating and dining out is quite clear. So I think it is time to give you a little insight into the food I crave on a regular basis.

First up, Bronx Pizza (Show map of 111 Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103). Now I have to start by saying I am not a huge pizza fan. For some reason, it never really settled well with me, nothing spectacular. I know it may sound weird, but it is true. So why do I crave Bronx Pizza you ask? Once you try it, you will to. Their Whitestone pizza is so yummy it is near impossible to not crave it. The thin crust pizza right out of the oven made with mozzarella, ricotta, garlic and parmesan, makes the Whitestone is near perfection. You can order by the slice (only $2.50!) or a whole pie. The menu includes many toppings and different speciality pizzas, so the combinations are basically limitless.

But that is not all that is great about Bronx Pizza. The little restaurant located in Hillcrest is like stepping into a pizza place in New York, (the men that work behind the counter even greet you with "New York attitudes"). The place is covered with New York decor like maps, pictures of famous New Yorkers, and their is even a room dedicated to the Yankees.

My dad is originally from the Bronx and that is actually how I found this place. Trying to make his Father's Day special I wanted to find a place he would love. When I stumbled upon an authentic New York, hole-in-the-wall pizza place with great reviews, I knew we had to try. The whole family was so pleased and my dad still talks about this place! The pages of great reviews do not lie!

So when you are wanting a slice of pizza, don't just settle, try a piece of authentic New York pizza from Bronx pizza.

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A Dessert Fiend's Dream

Before I write any new posts, I have to make a shout out to one of my ultimate favorite places in San Diego. Extraordinary Desserts. A place where a dessert lover goes and can never be satisfied anywhere else. There are actually two locations in San Diego--both are very different, but equally delicious. The quaint coffee house-like location is in Banker's Hill, while the large, industrial location finds it home in Little Italy.

I was first introduced to the Extraordinary Desserts in Little Italy. When I walked through the giant door into what looks to be a decorated warehouse straight into a display case of decadent desserts, I knew my experience there was going to be a good one. Usually busy, you have to push through the crowd of eager people to make it to the hostess. Once you finally do make it there, expect a wait. But when “about 45 minutes to an hour” escapes the hostess’ mouth do not be disheartened, because what you are about to experience is definitely worth the wait. Spend this time carefully examining each piece of heavenly goodness in the display case so you can make the best decision.

Now before I go on, I need to admit my bias. Although the atmosphere and the beautifully decorated desserts caught my eye, I have to say it was the Warm Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding that stole my heart and created my addiction. I am sure Extraordinary Desserts has so many other amazing things to eat, but I will always be a loyal fan of the bread pudding. I do have to say, sometimes they like to mix it up and offer a Blackberry Croissant Bread Pudding or even a Lemon Meringue Croissant Bread Pudding, which are both delicious, but nothing can top my favorite. Warning: they do run out of the bread pudding early in the night—do not come here at 9:45pm expecting to try it. So in these instances (had to suffer a couple times before learning my lesson to come earlier) I have tried several other desserts. All delicious, all filling, all gorgeous. But they are no Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding. This location is perfect to celebrate your best friend’s birthday, have a girl night, or go out with a group of friends. Keep in mind that it is a little of the expensive side—expect around $10 a dessert.

The other location (Banker’s Hill) is much smaller but offers the same desserts and a more intimate setting. You have to wait in line to make it in the door to even see the display case of desserts. And on busy nights, there is even a bouncer (yes, a bouncer at a dessert place!) But I would say this spot would be perfect for a date.

Oh and I almost forgot… the white hot chocolate! Extraordinary Desserts is famous for their wide variety of tasty teas. They also have coffee and hot chocolate. Me, being a huge fan of white chocolate, (in case you haven’t noticed all ready,) had to try it. The creamy, rich white hot chocolate with a touch of lemon definitely hits the spot and makes it top of my list of scrumptious cups of cocoa.

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