There’s an elegance and thoughtfulness about Chef Isabel Cruz that flows seamlessly into her food. In her latest cookbook, you’ll experience what she experienced, cooking at home, enjoying food with family, the simplest pleasures. You’ll get the sense that the restaurant business was simply a way to have more people eat at her table… The…
Restaurant Review
Chef Tae Dickey, Bridging continents through Biga
The only reason I hadn’t gotten to Biga in downtown San Diego sooner is that I thought it was about the pizza. And, pizza, as a sole purpose, is not enough reason for me to head downtown. Then, I met Chef Tae Dickey, owner and executive chef at Biga. Chatting a couple of minutes with…
Garden Kitchen – Neighborhood Dining at its Best
Once you’ve been to Garden Kitchen, it’s easy to imagine yourself spending more time in the Rolando area. Frankly, I’ve never seen Rolando by daylight and don’t know what else it has to offer besides Garden Kitchen. But, if you’ve got a favorite neighborhood joint, you’ll find Garden Kitchen is reminiscent of THAT place. You know…that…
Bull and Grain. In Need. In Deed.
I happened to catch a glimpse of Chef Daniel Barron through the kitchen door at Bull and Grain, one of Hillcrest’s newest casual dining spots. That’s all there was to see. How two to four cooks sling food for a dining room and patio full of guests in a space smaller than the armoire I and my wardrobe have…
Campfire Serves Up Smoke and Sizzle
A write up about a place called Campfire should be a perfect fit for the 241st birthday of the United States Marine Corps (Happy Birthday, Marines!). Except, I can’t remember even once in the Marine Corps eating a meal cooked over open flames, unless you count trying to cook a Meal-Ready-to-Eat (MRE) over a heat tab. That effort…
Bar by Red Door – A Transformative Experience
If you live anywhere outside of walking distance from the three mile long by three block wide swath of all that is hip and happening through Mission Hills, Hillcrest and North Park, you’re probably used to leaving extra time, coming and going, for parking and other delays. Every trip to the area is a potential journey of…
Crudo by Pascal Lorange – Thin Food, Thinner Flavor
Walking up to beautifully lighted Crudo by Pascal Lorange in the early evening and looking in the front door is almost awe-inspiring. You’re enthralled by the light, white, airy, grand space with 18′ ceilings and the simple, tasteful, modern decor. A touch of flowy classicism causes you to scan longingly around the dining room, nurturing the not unrealistic expectation that…
Huge Happenings at Oceanside’s Local Tap House!
I thought I’d be cruising in under the radar on a Wednesday night to grab a quick bite of the newest Chef Daniel Pundik creation at Local Tap House & Kitchen, one of Oceanside’s dining mainstays the last few years and huge local favorite. Instead, I got waitlisted, ate enough to feed a family of four…
What a West Coast Foodie Learned in New York City…
I thought I was ready. I had picked the brains of good friends and clients that had lived extended periods in NYC or were born and bred New Yorkers. I researched the history, studied the maps, prepared my lists, made my reservations and, most importantly, conserved my energy and laid low for weeks before heading out to…
Decoy Dockside – Reviving Lake San Marcos
After almost a week of pre and soft opening events and meals, Decoy Dockside Dining in Lake San Marcos is set to officially open tomorrow, Tuesday, August 30th. A sneak peek at some of Decoy Dockside Dining’s Executive Chef DJ Tangalin’s new menu reveals upscale offerings and recognizable ingredients with unique preparations and impressive flavors that haven’t been available on…