TJ: Octopus Surprise
I’m lost. But my buddy Hector buzzes through the calles like a kid heading for the toy store. We’re in his li’l red Hyundai, a model I’ve never seen before. Back plate says “Atos, by Dodge.” He says it’s a …
McP's: Naughty Lunch Where the Seals Eat
Carla and I jes’ went wicked today. Her hair day on the Island Republic of Coronado. I was showing her where Prince Harry had sat... http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/jun/26/26860/ ...on his naughty nite of boozing when he was doing his helicopter training in …
New Kid on the (Market) Block
Wow. Brand new on Market. This used to be some sort of donut place. But this week I go past, see someone has written on the chalk sandwich board. “The District. Now open! Specialty sandwiches, salads, soups. Made fresh daily.” …
'Q'ing in Kansas City, Downtown
“My dear chap, this must be the cleanest city in the world.” These words from my English buddy Robin who came out from London to visit us colonials a couple of years ago. Thinking of him as I head towards …
New Wine Bar: Paris, California?
Still in the East Village (see Buddhist Sandwiches, below), I spot this guy unlocking a door on Tenth Avenue, near Island. http://instagr.am/p/MHbLLLoMpy/ It's one of the new collection of concrete condos surrounding the ballpark. When I look at the windows, …
Buddhist Sandwiches At the New Library?
East Village dead? Not if you walk around the ballpark. I'm on 11th, Right beside the new library. On my left, a new sign. "Jing Si Books & Cafe." And "Ecoverse." And "Opening 2012." Then some Chinese script. http://instagr.am/p/MHVsVyIMmN/ Huh. …
Patty's Fruitland: So Good, So Good For You
I’ve always remembered the story José Montez told me first time I popped in here, how he had come up from Durango in Mexico and worked for a catering company, cooking like 20,000 pieces of chicken and 1,000 pounds of …
In the Barrio: Breakfast Bagel at Ellie’s Deli
Passing El-Vis in the Barrio. Honest. He’s there with Marilyn. And a bunch of cows… http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/jun/16/26370/ So okay, they’re full-size, lightweight models, waiting for, like, shops to put them outside their front door to bring in business. But at the …
First Taste at Fabrison’s II
Reporting live from the Republic of Coronado… Had to stop at Fabrison’s, on Day Two of their opening week, see what they’re actually offering. "Fabrison's," the name, is a combo of Fabrice - he's French, from Marseilles - and Alison. …
Another Opening: French Invade Coronado!
Fabrison’s, the French café-crepery (1425 India) that actually gives you lessons in how to speak French, has another grand opening. This time in Coronado. They’re taking over the space Bino’s Crepe place occupied at 1120 Adella. Promise: Fab crepes! They …
Napizza: First Taste...
OK. Have made it into Napizza (1702 India Street, Little Italy, 619-696-0802). And the first thing is, they do have pizzas from $3, though most are $5.75. But this place is certainly rockin', even though they don't have their outside …
Pizza Revolution Starts Today!
The slow-rise pizza revolution is at hand! Today (Tuesday) Napizza Al Taglio flings its doors open (1702 India Street, at the corner of India and Date, 619-696-0802), and we’ll all be able to see if, well, happy yeast makes better …
Elephant and Castle: Beat This View!
Gotta say. This time of a Friday evening, you can't beat the waterfront. Sitting here at sunset waiting for the lovely Carla, at the Elephant and Castle (1355 North Harbor Drive, 619-234-9977). Sun's setting through the clouds over Point Loma. …
Ogawashi’s Coming!
The signs are up, the rolled architects’ plans are on the work tables, the “Hiring” signs are plastered over the front windows… a new sushi joint is about to hit the streets. We’re talking about the Ross store’s corner spot …
Starbucks Coronado: No Whine, No Wine
Starbucks Coronado is taking a hit. Make that two hits. In one month. The outlet (it’s at 960 Orange Avenue, 619-437-8306) was supposed to be the first Starbucks in California to serve wine, beer and an expanded menu. But when …
French Revolution Chez Loma!
The smell of primer is what hits you first when you walk into Chez Loma, Coronado’s longtime French eatery (1132 Loma Avenue, 619-435-0661). I’d heard it was closing. Wrong. It has been sold, and the new owners, chef Alex Martínez …
Swiener: Fondue on a Stick?
The red tent draws me across the Petco Park parking lot. Then the smell of sausages cooking hauls my schnozzle even closer. Bunch of people cluster around it, right outside the old (1894) Wonderbread building, the one that Mission Brewery …
The Queen’s Jubilee: Banger Celebration!
This being Jubilee Week for the Brits, I just had to pop in to The Princess pub on India Street in Little Italy... http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/jun/05/25601/ Yes, Carla – I swear, she loves everything British - had me watching the Thames River …
Sagmani’s: 99-Cent Garden of Eatin’
I had forgotten about the wonderful Mr. Sagmani till right now, seven in the evening, humping down into El Cajon from the trolley. I'm hollow-gut, short on the ready, and long way to walk. I cross East Main right where …
Hoangie’s: French Wiches, Vietnamese Wizards
Always liked the French, always liked the Vietnamese. So when I spot this food truck “Hoangie’s, Banh Mi on Wheels,” I have to stop. Because I see they really want us to try their kinda French-Vietnamese-fusion baguette sandwiches. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/may/31/25409/ What …