Big Changes at Westfield UTC: Corner Bakery Cafe
Westfield UTC, the mall formerly known as University Towne Centre, is undergoing major changes. The recession delayed a much-publicized renovation for three years, but the first phase of construction is underway. The addition of a 14-screen ArcLight premium cinema and …
Latin America Revisited: Tropical Star
A recent, fabulous couple of weeks in Colombia introduced me to another side of Latin American cuisine, and left me craving that wicked, evil, heart-attack-on-a-plate delight, chicharrón. Never mind that I had ordered it practically every day while I was …
Eat Around the World at Hanna's Gourmet
Hanna’s Gourmet, on Adams Avenue in North Park, is one of those little gems that’s just wonderful to find. It’s cozy and delightfully feminine, featuring icy mint walls, curvy wrought iron fixtures and polished copper accents. So pretty and relaxing. …
Tacos and Opera: Los Pueblos
Finding a good place to stop for lunch between errands can be challenging, especially when your errands take you to places that aren’t exactly known for tasty nibbles. So I was delighted to find Los Pueblos in the shopping center …
Two New Shrimp Tacos at Rubio's
Yesterday I attended a tasting event at Rubio’s in Torrey Highlands, where two new menu items were introduced to food bloggers/writers from the San Diego area. Founder Ralph Rubio was on hand to demo and answer questions. The first was …
Le Dîner à San Diego: Evening in White
Le Dîner à San Diego will debut in San Diego this May. Inspired by Dîner en Blanc, the refined flash mob pop-up picnic held annually in Paris since 1988, Le Dîner à San Diego will be held on May 25, …
Mobile Cuisine: Tabe BBQ
I've never eaten at a food truck before. Correction, I've never eaten at a food truck that had a name other than "the roach coach." It was a long time ago, when I spent a dismal summer temping between real …
d Bar Desserts is Coming to Hillcrest
d Bar Desserts, the Denver-based pastry shop/casual bistro, is coming to San Diego. Chef Keegan Gerhard's second venture will be in Hillcrest, right next to Snooze. Gerhard, who began his culinary career in San Diego, was named one of the …
Off the Beaten Path: Mystic Mocha
The most mysterious thing about Mystic Mocha in University Heights is where in the heck it's located. Tucked into a tiny spot on Mission Blvd. between Alabama and Mississippi Streets, it's easy to pass up two or three times. Especially …
Rainy Day Lunch at Edo Sushi
Edo Sushi in University City is a busy place, popular with students and neighborhood residents, with friendly, fast service. It's also walking distance from my apartment, so when I need a quick, warm bowl of rice and something, I head …
Buzzed in Sorrento Valley: Zumbar Coffee
Zumbar Coffee is tucked away in a tiny strip off Sorrento Valley Road in the Golden Triangle, right near the train station. Despite the obscure setting, it's a favorite spot of students and workers in the many surrounding technology parks. …
A Winged Detour: Empire House Urban Palate
I was all set to get some errands done when I noticed that Empire House Urban Palate, on University Avenue in Hillcrest, had $.50 wings all day. I didn't want to do errands anyway. EHUP is in a location that …
Soft Opening at Casa de Luz
Last night we attended the soft opening at Casa De Luz, a new vegan restaurant on University Avenue in North Park. I spoke to owner Wayo Longoria III and Executive Chef Denise Girard a few weeks ago - you can …
Getting Cheeky at Table 926
Table 926 in Pacific Beach is a very pretty, romantic place. The soothing colors, dark seafoam green against warm honey-colored wood, exposed brick, mood lighting, and soft soundtrack are relaxing and inviting. Owner and executive chef Matt Richman, a San …
An Education in Ottoman Pastry: La Cafe
I love finding a food that I haven't seen before. I wandered into La Cafe on Regents Road in University City looking for a sandwich and ended up getting educated about burekas, also known as boreka, burek, byoreka, and many …
The Smoking Goat is Expanding Its Pasture
The Smoking Goat, the casual, busy French/American bistro on 30th just north of Upas in North Park, is expanding. Owner and chef Fred Piehl has taken over the space next door, previously occupied by the North Park Fish Market, and …
On the Roundabout: Beaumont's Eatery
Chef Scott Cathcart of Beaumont's Eatery in Bird Rock recently unveiled some new items for their winter menu, including a slew of new drinks. New libations include: 40 Love, Cinnamon Girl, Scarlett Begonia, Rosemary Collins, and Sicilian Smash, ranging from …
San Diego Chef Awarded Top French Title
Chef Patrick Ponsaty, chef de cuisine at the Loew's Coronado Bay restaurant Mistral, has been awarded the title of Maître Cuisinier de France. The prestigious organization has only 200 or so members, including Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin, Michel Richard …
Hip to Be Square: Harry's Coffee Shop
Harry's Coffee Shop in La Jolla opened in 1960, and judging from the wall of fame in the back of the place, has sponsored every sports league in the city since. That's how it is at Harry's. It's family owned, …
Robden of Solway Firth: Rabbie Burns Supper Today at The Linkery and El Take It Easy
My love may be like a red, red rose, but my appetite runs in more carnivorous directions. To that end, The Linkery and El Take It Easy in North Park are celebrating the 253rd birthday of Robert Burns with a …