Santos, Lost and Found
Found it! You know how I'd come across The Most Ideal Café Patio Nobody’s Using, in South Park the other day? Beech and 30th? People said it had been Santos? Well now I’m just a little bit east, a little …
John Butterfly's Landed in South Park
Man. When it comes to South Park you've got to keep your eyes skinned. Three weeks ago, here on Juniper, I'm seeing El Camino brimming with people, chowing away, Mexican gastro-style. Today I go past (heading for Rebecca's, natch), see …
We’ll Come to You
After Nicky Rottens, I meet up with the beautiful Carla. She has been doing her hair with Diane, and before that, having lunch at her friend Janice’s place on Coronado. "How was lunch?" I ask. “Extra special. We had goat …
It's Raining (Vodka) at Nicky Rottens
Shawn Burkholder sure knows how to pour a drink. A bunch of drinks, actually. At the same time. Sitting in the brand-new Nicky Rottens (104 Orange Avenue, on the corner of First in Coronado, 619.537-0280). Rottens owner Nicky Tomasello has …
It's Free! So Why Are There No Takers?
My friend Adrienne had a problem last night. She’s a barista and was closing up the coffee cart. I was her last customer. “Want a danish?” she says. “It’s free.” “What’s wrong with it?” I ask. “Day-old? Fell on the …
Peachy Lunch at Madeleine's
Delish crêpe special today at Café Madeleine (2248 30th Street, South Park, at Juniper, 619-544-1735). It’s the peach vanilla, filled with jam imported from France. Special's on till they run out, for $6. Cafe Madeleine I like this place, because, …
The Greatest Franchise You've Never Heard Of
Johnny’s a spatula juggler. He has them up in the air, floating like space junk around Earth. “I’m from Shanghai,” he says. “Me too,” says Jackie. He’s offering chicken samples to draw customers in. “I’m from Canton,” says Li Jing …
It's a Chain, But Hey: It's Gastro
Is there a wide selection of gastropubs in South Bay? Uh, no. I'm desperate. This is Friday night. I’m in Chula Vista, lookin’, walkin', searching… Aha! In the big shopping mall at 3rd and H, a sign: “BJ’s.” It’s an …
Dosas to Die For: Southern Comfort, Indian-Style
South Indian food? There's a difference? Just like in the States, they say southern Indian food is tastier than their northern fare. That’s why Allen Sem is a San Diego treasure. He’s Tamil, from Hyderabad. And they also say Hyderabad …
Not Panicking, But Pannikin! Say It’s Not So!
The rumors are true. Pannikin downtown (675 G, 619-239-7891), the place where you can choose between a cup of fresh-roasted coffee and an African mask or a Tarahumara drum or a Mexican skeleton, is gonna close. Today. After 34 years. …
The Frank Riviera
Frank Sinatra is everywhere. When you walk in the swing band’s howling “Luck Be a Lady Tonight!” Pork pie hats bob at the bar. Clusters of guys act out their Rat Pack routines in front of their girlfriends. And, talking …
A Pizza New Zealand
Is pizza going up-market? It sure looks it here. Jes’ popped in around nine at night. Place looked so danged enticing, what with its little white portico and red barn paint job. This is Park Blvd Wine & Pizza (4615 …
Pssst! Wanna Start a Café?
Hmm…Opportunity knocks? Walking down Beech between 30th and, uh 30th (don’t ask. It’s that dogleg thing). Alchemy’s on the other corner. Here…a nice wide sidewalk, semi-enclosed by wrought iron... ...and a little low building with little churchy-looking stained-glass windows showing …
African Breakfast on 30th
Breakfast Wheaties? How about a bowl of mushed collard greens, black-eyed peas and millet? “It’s a delicious breakfast,” says Thomas Muya. “It’s vegan, it’s good for diabetes, it’s $5, and it fills you with good nutrients, and not too much …
Something New: Thai on Park
It’s nine, ten at night. You can hear the clanging of work behind closed doors. In University Heights, the really cute small-shop cluster of eateries on Park Boulevard, where it ends at Adams. Curiosity gets the better of me. I …
Something Old: North Park's Old Mill Cafe
Just had the fillingest breakfast for $3.99 — at 8.30 at night. But that's Harry Kim. He's one of the two cooks you can see back there in the kitchen. Harry Kim I thought he was just one of the …
Pass the Pastrami
Everybody says get the pastrami. “It’s so hot, it’s so rich,” says Tammy, the gal ahead of me. “If I hadn’t ordered the Californian, that’s what I’d be getting.” “And these are pretty picky people we get in here,” says …
Fika Time! Culture Class at City College
File this in the "Learn something every day" category. Up near City College yesterday. Waiting for the lights at Park and C, where the trolley slices through those two new gray high-rises (Housing Commission on one side, condos on the …
Growing, Peace Pie Piece…
JP’s surrounded. By yoga studios. “I love it,” he says. “And I think the locals love having us up here.” “Here” is Leucadia. JP’s vegan, raw, locovore kitchen has just opened in Encinitas (Peace Pies, 133 Daphne Street, behind Mozy’s …
Downtown Eagle's Aerie: Safe!
Is there a better place to watch the passing parade downtown? I don’t think so. And even though Nathan Hiedo has taken over this joint, he promises this won’t change. Here on the ramp overlooking K Street and Fifth Avenue, …