Calling John Montagu: Mama's Grill
It's a good thing that John Montagu liked to play cards and talk. At least, so the legend goes. As a result, I can eat good things stuffed into bread every day for the rest of my life and never …
Urge Gastropub Black Out
Urge Gastropub in Rancho Bernardo will host their First Annual Black Out and San Diego Top Brewers Book Signing on Wednesday, January 25th, beginning at 5:00 pm. The event will celebrate the darkest of brews, including: BrewDog Tokio Barrel Aged …
Don't Sleep In: Snooze
Snooze, the latest addition to the block of Fifth Avenue between University and Washington in Hillcrest, calls itself "an AM eatery". And yes, they are open at the ungodly hour of 6:30 am on weekdays, which I rarely see willingly. …
Brooklyn Girl Eatery Slated for February Opening
I saw the open doors at Brooklyn Girl Eatery, the new Michael and Victoria McGeath restaurant, so I stopped to see what was happening. The McGeaths, who previously owned Trattoria Acqua in La Jolla, signed their lease on Goldfinch Avenue …
Deciphering Wine Labels at The Loft
Reading and correctly interpreting wine labels, particularly non-USA wine labels, can be challenging. Add a pretentious shop owner or a snooty sommelier, and you can end up paying too much for a wine you may not enjoy, or that you …
Free Movies at 98 Bottles Tonight!
Time to get your nerd on. Tonight 98 Bottles on Kettner Boulevard in Little Italy is hosting Free Epic Movie Night, beginning at 6:00 pm. The double bill includes Better Off Dead starring John Cusack, David Ogden Stiers and Kim …
More Than Just Salads: Casa de Luz
"I don't like using the word 'macrobiotic' to describe our food", says Eduardo (Wayo) Longoria III, "it sounds too science-y. Macrobiotic actually means 'great life' and that includes food, but it's so much more. It means to live every part …
Grazie e arrivederci: Caffe Vergnano 1882
Sadly, Caffe Vergnano 1882, the Italian coffee shop on Fifth Avenue, just off University, is no more. I'd been there a few times, and had excellent coffee for a reasonable price. It was one of the few places in San …
Sunday Supper: Osteria Romantica
Osteria Romantica, on Avenida del Playa in La Jolla, could be straight out of a movie set, from it's pretty patio and checkered tablecloths to it's handsome, accented waiters and sunny, cheerful dining room. It's a lovely place for a …
Back to Basics: Canada Steak Burger
I've been eating a lot of fancy pants food lately. There's nothing wrong with that, but by Friday, all I wanted was a burger. Not a froufrou burger either, just a plain old decent patty. Enter Canada Steak Burger, on …
BLAH 2.0: Tiger! Tiger!
I've been to Blind Lady Ale House a few times, though not recently, and I've had good beer and pizza. Their new venture, Tiger! Tiger!, is just over the 805 from BLAH, on El Cajon near 30th. T!T! (yes, I'm …
Rice Is Nice: Sipz Fusion Cafe
I'm not a vegetarian, but I do like vegetarian food. Well, for the most part. I tasted a Tofurkey once, and didn't care for it. Anyway, I was walking past Sipz Fusion Cafe in North Park when I was enticed …
Davanti Enoteca in Del Mar
The enormously successful Francesca Restaurant Group is expanding their Southern California locations. A second Davanti Enoteca will open in the Del Mar Highlands Town Center soon. Next door to Davanti Enoteca in Del Mar will be their sister restaurant, Mia …
Veganized at El Take It Easy
El Take It Easy will be hosting it's second Veganized evening on Wednesday, January 11th. The three-course prix fixe menu will feature vegan offerings using produce from Suzie's Farm, for $20. The featured artist is Ensenada native and North Park …
Uninspired in Clairemont: Kitchen 4140
Kitchen 4140 is in an unlikely location on Morena Boulevard better known for design studios, carpet stores, and Costco. Chef Kurt Metzger describes his culinary style as "ingredient-inspired and ingredient-driven". I'm not sure what that means. I saw a rotisserie …
Grindhouse: Cafe Moto
When John and I were having breakfast at the Fig Tree Cafe recently, we noticed this hanging on the wall. While I wouldn't say we're coffee snobs, we do love a good cup. We'll go so far as to roast …
Forbidden Love: Sprinkles Cupcakes
I have a confession to make...I love cupcakes. There, I've said it. I've loved them ever since my mother sent me to kindergarten with a box, homemade and decorated like miniature Easter baskets, with tinted coconut "grass" and jelly bean …
Breakfast on the Patio: The Fig Tree Cafe
John and I were strolling around Pacific Beach a while back when we noticed a crowd of people waiting to get into the Fig Tree Cafe on Cass Street. It was pretty inside, and the menu looked good, but we'd …
Catching UP: Urban Plates
The Del Mar Highlands Town Center is undergoing a major facelift, with a newly renovated movie theatre, new shops, and new restaurants. Urban Plates is one of the latest eateries to open there. According to their website, the owners of …
A Room with a View and Cocktails, Too: Candelas Coronado
It's the last official day of the holiday season, and what better way to show it out than with cocktails and a view. It seems that everyone feels more generous this time of year. Candelas Coronado, at 1201 First Street, …