La Vida Vegan: Now That’s a Wrap
Spicy salsa balances the sweet corn in a hearty, but meatless, tamale
First Look: Inland Tavern
With Brothers Provisions, Bellamy’s, and now Inland Tavern in the area, culinary options in inland North County are looking up. The new project in San Marcos takes over the space vacated by beloved British pub Penny Lane. At the helm are two San Diego vets, chef Rob Conaway and managing partner Peter Zakarias. Inland Tavern […]
Very Important Taco: Azul Taco
Haggo’s Tacos
10 Hot Plates
San Diego restaurant rumors, openings, & coming-soons in March
Sweet Spot: Chocolate Stout Whoopie Pie
Not much could distract us from the jaw-dropping bay views at Tidal, the recently remodeled restaurant at Paradise Point Resort & Spa. That is, until dessert comes. The chocolate stout whoopie pie is stacked with Nutella marshmallow filling between chocolate devil’s food cakes, then rolled in hazelnuts. It comes perfectly paired with a Hess Umbrix […]
New Restaurant: Oceana Coastal Kitchen
It wasn’t cheap, but it was about time. Evans Hotels built a world-class food reputation at the Lodge at Torrey Pines under chef Jeff Jackson. But their Mission Bay property, The Catamaran, was best known for grassy wedding brunches and tropical 90-oz cocktails. Now they’ve spent $2.1 million to create Oceana Coastal Kitchen, their first […]
Trend: Having a Meatball
In true second-tier fashion, just about two years after the front-runners of the food world were really into meatballs (remember the $20 meatball in Vegas?), San Diego seems to be catching on to the trend, if in a more downscale form. We skipped the fancy meatballs that were a thing in New York and Las […]
Time to Tax Liquid Smokes
Every American city should follow Berkeley and tax soda
Dear Soda
Berkeley is the first U.S. city to tax soda. America’s soda love affair is over.
The Best Food & Drink Events This Month: February-March 2015
Wine & Dine at La Valencia, Dinner at Deckman’s, Kitchen Collaborations at Jsix
Best Things I Ate This Month: February 2015
Baby Kale Caesar at Comun, Maine Diver Scallop at Marine Room, A Burger at Hodad’s
R.I.P.: Mike “Bossman” Hardin
The San Diego restaurant scene lost a legend last week when Mike “Bossman” Hardin—known to everyone in Ocean Beach as the owner/patron saint punk of Hodad’s—passed away. He had tattoos everywhere. A businessman encountering Bossman on the street might pick up his pace. But as soon as he opened his mouth, it was pure grace. […]
Dear Kale
A breakup letter to America’s favorite salad green.
FIRST LOOK: Oceana Coastal Kitchen
Catamaran Resort unveils its new $2.1 million restaurant
You’re Sitting on Pearl Jam’s Flannel
Restaurants’ mismatched chairs are exactly like grunge fashion
Restaurant Review: Común
The East Village’s newest hot spot offers the equivalent of a Mexican food unicorn—light fare
La Vida Vegan: V is for Banh Mi
North Park brewpub offers more than pizza and beer
Very Important Taco: Juan’s Breakfast Tacos
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
New Restaurant: Double Standard
This amply windowed corner spot was once a chain burger restaurant. A nice chain, but that’s like saying “nice minivan.” When that failed, David Mainiero created Double Standard. He left the design to his mother, Lynn. Normally a bad, good-hearted idea. But this place is a looker, with meat-hook chandeliers and perimeter patio seating on […]
Sweet Spot: Chocolate Cup
Turning up the volume on the same ol’ lava cake, Kettner Exchange’s Chocolate Cup combines a molten hot chocolate cake with Nutella powder, vanilla ice cream, and banana foam. Crack through the chocolate disk topper (sprinkled with 24-carat gold leaf) and devour quickly, as the hot-cold combo melts together almost instantly. 2001 Kettner Boulevard, Little […]
10 Hot Plates
Rumors, openings, & coming-soons in February
Winter Brew Fest
Ever wonder how many beer festivals one city can sustain? In San Diego, it seems the thirst is unquenchable, as a new one crops up just about every month. This month’s big gathering is the Winter Brew Fest at Balboa Park’s Hall of Champions. It’s been expanded to two days (the organizers also run the […]
Is Foie Gras a Faux Pas?
Poll: 59% More than half of sandiegomagazine.com readers say it is NOT a faux pas, and they will absolutely order the delicacy again once it hits local menus. A ban on serving the fatty duck or goose liver was overturned in California last month. Is Foie Gras a Faux Pas?
FIRST LOOK: Inland Tavern
Casual gourmet spot with chef Rob Conaway takes over Penny Lane spot
The Best Food & Drink Events This Month: January 2015
Welcome Back Foie Gras Dinner, Campari Cocktail Classic, Wine Wednesdays With Joshua Orr
Best Things I Ate This Month: January 2015
Loup Du Mer at Bijou, Spicy Pappardelle Bolognese at Double Standard, Cronut at Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe
