tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18905552903593203152012-01-26T19:48:23.462-08:00my answer to the question, "What's your favorite food?"Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.comBlogger631100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-10573268580348143512011-10-12T16:44:00.000-07:002011-10-12T22:56:20.941-07:00

Hey folks! Oh, wow... guess it has been over three months since I have written a blog post.  I have been missing in action for a while since baby was born at the end of June.  I hope to be getting back on the saddle to blog about the restaurants that I have still yet to cover. As far as updates go.... Food quest #2 is still on my to-do list for the year, so let's hope that I have time to

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-52663715615491637122011-06-23T10:00:00.000-07:002011-06-23T10:00:02.272-07:00

La Fonda Del Sol is my hubby's father's FAVORITE restaurant in Phoenix/Scottsdale area.  They are 'regulars' at the Sonoran Mexican restaurant and the owners know them by name.   La Fonda is tucked away in a shopping center and is a very small establishment.  It feels 'homey' and cozy once you walk in because it is like walking into someone's home when they invited you to dinner.  We have been

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-62797273963904369632011-06-21T15:45:00.000-07:002011-06-21T21:28:50.023-07:00

Smashburger.  The answer is YES... I have been a grateful guest to many of the San Diego Smashburger VIP events, to include the pre-grand opening shindigs in Del Mar (thanks to Junvi) and in the East Village, new menu item tastings in Mission Valley [Smashchicken entrees] and was invited to lunch by the fabulous Dara B. from Elle Communications to try Smashburger's 'non-meat item', the savory

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-26086332893323107062011-06-19T08:00:00.000-07:002011-06-19T08:00:02.154-07:00

Being Disneyland Resort annual passholders since the hubby and I started dating, we both have always wanted to visit the famous Club 33 in Disneyland.  Every time we stepped out of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, we walked by the mysterious 33 door and have wondered what it was like dining inside the very exclusive club. Five years ago, my cousin, out of the blue, asked us if we wanted to

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-24585237109171935052011-06-17T20:30:00.000-07:002011-06-17T20:35:27.754-07:00

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is where the hubby and I stayed for our wedding night.  Upon arrival at the beautiful hotel at 10:30 PM in our getaway car, not only were we so excited to finally be married, but we were also famished.  We wanted food - immediately.  The front desk clerk recommended room service since all the restaurants were closed and told us that we had to order the Drugstore Style

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-24436890133364767502011-06-15T18:56:00.000-07:002012-01-22T17:20:18.720-08:00

[edited: 01.22.12 with updated daily menu specials] That's right, another burger post.  Ever since the I've hosted the Burger Quest and because of my pregnancy, I have been craving a lot of burgers lately.  I absolutely love red meat.  Since I had to omit steaks from my diet (my meat needs to be cooked medium well to well done), the closest easy thing to satisfying my red meat fix is a really

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-67936853879938500292011-05-27T00:07:00.000-07:002011-05-27T00:15:29.674-07:00

When the hubby and I drove out to Point Loma for lunch at Phil's BBQ only to find that it was closed on a holiday, we came here... to Bull's Smokin' BBQ in Linda Vista.  We were both craving really good BBQ this day so after driving into an empty Phil's parking lot on an early Sunday afternoon, I had remembered that Frankie the Bull from Bravo's 'Top Chef' had a BBQ joint in town. 

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-51043407205760722852011-05-19T20:07:00.000-07:002011-05-19T20:07:56.102-07:00

I have always heard fabulous things about The Mission - how they are one of the BEST breakfast places in town.  Browsing through the yummy items on the online menu, it looked to me that they specialized in savory (and sweet) breakfast entrees and, what they call, 'Chino-Latino' cuisine for lunch.  The Mission also has an small array of Latino breakfast entrees to include chilaquiles and soy

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-13932182769410900822011-05-17T21:11:00.000-07:002011-05-17T21:12:08.701-07:00

[big sack o' potatoes] The first time I have heard of Five Guys was during an NBC news special with President Barack Obama, 'Inside the Obama White House: Brian Williams Reports'.  The special aired in June 2009.  President Obama ordered a cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, jalapeno peppers, and mustard.  He also ordered burgers for his staff, including one for Brian Williams. After Five Guys

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-13690670066757150612011-05-07T14:20:00.000-07:002011-05-07T14:21:20.763-07:00

When I used to work in Kensington for a real estate company back in the late 1990's, my broker used to rave about Ponce's Mexican Restaurant.  Next to DiMille's Italian, Ponce's was his go-to spot for lunch.  So, yeah.... basically it took me about 11 years to actually visit the restaurant that has been there since 1969. When a former student leader and friend, Edward, visited us from

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-86261687342397071972011-04-23T21:28:00.000-07:002011-04-23T22:00:56.158-07:00

After ten months of burger (and fries) eating at twenty San Diego restaurants.... the results are finally in for what we [the judges] consider the best burger in San Diego.  The judging criteria for each burger were as followed (1-5 point rating): Presentation Temperature Cooked to your liking Bread rating Freshness of toppings Overall taste Overall impression ...and so, after mathematically

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-23472676037394941152011-04-02T22:09:00.000-07:002011-04-02T22:34:39.748-07:00

 [counter top where you order at Western Steakburger] If you are in the mood to be a little bad and want to treat yourself to a little grease, what the heck... grab a burger from Western Steakburger in North Park.  That's what the hubby and I did, but we decided to split a burger because we knew that that we were about to embark on an unforgivable and massive caloric intake. Western

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-35379306748940427042011-03-29T19:51:00.000-07:002011-04-23T21:35:22.014-07:00

[this pic fails] Hello TJ Oyster Bar.  The restaurant is located in a small strip mall in Bonita.  Yes, I know... this isn't the best picture of the joint, but this is what I get for forgetting to take one and this is what I captured as we drove away.  Do you see how close the TJ Oyster Bar sign is to the barber shop sign?  Draw an imaginary line between the signs and this tells you what a small

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-10988811542156282162011-03-28T11:30:00.000-07:002011-03-28T11:30:01.376-07:00

Booo.... Pizza Fusion on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest closed, but I must say.... I wish that it was still open now that I am pregnant.  Ever since we found out that we were having a baby, I had stopped eating foods that contain sodium nitrites, like bacon, sausage, pastrami, and... pepperoni, my favorite ingredient on pizza. Pizza Fusion serves 100% certified organic tomato sauce, fresh vegetables

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-17924801805523037902011-03-27T14:43:00.000-07:002011-03-27T14:47:04.456-07:00

Ahhhh, World Famous by the surf and sand in Pacific Beach.  It is a favorite breakfast spot for when out-of-town guests visit San Diego.  The restaurant is known for the their fabulous Taco Tuesdays, where you can get crispy battered shrimp tacos for a $1.25 each and on Wednesdays, lobster tacos for $1.50 each.  However, I will always come back for their South Beach Benedict and creamy hot

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-38902818691851471702011-02-13T09:00:00.000-08:002011-02-21T21:43:21.643-08:00

There is one item at Szechuan Mandarin that calls my name.  This appetizer is what I will always order when I visit this Chinese restaurant.  Szechuan, what I call the restaurant, seems like it has been at the same location off of Mission Gorge Road for a long time.  It has an 80's feel to it.  You'll see when you drive by and once you take a step inside.   Back to the golden item:  Egg rolls.

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-91254856095811892652011-02-12T17:20:00.000-08:002011-02-12T17:24:25.567-08:00

Junvi, CEO/founder of DiegoOnADime.com, had asked me to write a guest blog post on my favorite cheap eats in San Diego.  My goal was to stay under $10 a person and NOT be lunch specials (you can find lunch specials almost everywhere nowadays).  So, yup, this means that you can get these deals for lunch and dinner!  There were a number to choose from, but these are some of my favorite tastes. 

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-59283476925732999562011-01-29T19:02:00.000-08:002011-01-29T19:03:02.429-08:00

Cupcakes.  Cupcakes have been the 'in' thing for a while now since the opening of Sprinkles in Los Angeles and more recently here in San Diego (La Jolla).  I am generally not a 'sweets' person as I would rather have a bite of a rib eye steak than a piece of chocolate, however... some times my taste buds wants just that, a taste of sweetness, after a savory meal. Coronado Cupcakery was our

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-59099191782414956682011-01-17T16:51:00.000-08:002011-01-29T17:24:01.231-08:00

We are very lucky to be living in San Diego, California, especially with this great view of downtown from the Coronado Ferry Landing. I took a week off of work during the summer and called my short stay-cation break "The Summer of Janice" as a homage to one of my favorite comedy TV shows, Seinfeld ("The Summer of George").  Mike and I decided to hang out at the Ferry Landing to relax by the San

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-47525585327626363792010-12-21T10:00:00.000-08:002010-12-21T10:53:59.766-08:00

The food photography on the Jimmy's Famous American Tavern (JFAT) website is phenomenal.   Before I visited this restaurant for the first time, I already knew I was going to enjoy my experience based on the food pictures and by reading the menu and food descriptions.  Some of the menu items that made me drool are the jalapeno deviled eggs, warm homemade potato chips with blue cheese sauce, short

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-87319306033341412572010-12-20T16:54:00.000-08:002011-01-14T11:36:31.218-08:00

I am very excited to let you all know that I wrote my first published food article in my community magazine, called "My Hometown Eastlake", December issue. I invite you all to check it out on their website:  Clicky Please click on the "Digital Archive" drop down menu and located the 'December 2010' issue.  "Sharing Holiday Eats Often the Best Gift", is on page 21. Thank you for all the support

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-51943389481120724802010-12-04T17:55:00.000-08:002010-12-04T17:58:04.348-08:00

When the opening of Smashburger in La Jolla resulted in a whole bunch of Twitter peeps to tweet about it, the hype prompted me to try and find the best burger in San Diego -- therefore, the existence of the Burger Quest 2010. [08.23.10 Smashburger Del Mar VIP Opening] Smashburger is clearly on my burger quest list, so when Junvi, DiegoOnaDime.com, invited me to be her date at the Del Mar VIP

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-7926216755615824362010-10-12T18:00:00.000-07:002010-11-01T08:08:19.542-07:00

  I heart Jaynes Gastropub.  There is something comforting about this place that makes me want to keep visiting.  The restaurant is cute, quaint and located in one of the best foodie neighborhoods there is, North Park.  I love the fact that I actually see Jayne herself running the restaurant, ensuring that everyone is taken care of.  I love that they promote their specials via their website blog

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-74836255785814323932010-10-11T22:41:00.000-07:002010-10-11T22:46:41.896-07:00

*SNIFF* ...that's how I felt when the Basil Thai Diner left and something called "Bangkok Poco" arose in its place.  I never got to say goodbye to their uber-delicious pad see ew.  Geez, I wrote "uber"... who writes that?  *sigh* The delicious pad see ew of Basil Thai made me write it.  Oh, well... Despite how sad I was (not really), I have been to Bangkok Poco three times now and I have to say

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-23322191087666905462010-10-10T13:58:00.000-07:002010-10-10T13:58:30.823-07:00

When I think of crepes, I think about my cousin, Grace, who loves crepes as much as she loves her family and Kurt Warner.  The next time that her family visits us in San Diego, we will definitely take them here... that is, to Melt - a gelato and crepe cafe.  Oh, unless my sis, Lani, is in town.  She makes really yummy crepes too! Every time Mike and I visit the Otay Ranch Town Center, the sweet

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-4428581037985376152010-08-29T13:11:00.000-07:002010-08-29T13:12:53.062-07:00

 [Old Town Irvine - Historic Blacksmith Shop] I met my friend, Rod, for the first time at the 2001 San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF), when I assisted with the marketing and promotion when the festival was only in its 2nd year.  Rod's movie was the first Filipino-American film to be accepted into the Sundance Film Festival and it screened on the opening night of SDAFF.  Since we've met, Rod

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-4462898869031664102010-08-17T23:54:00.000-07:002010-08-17T23:55:21.454-07:00

Eddie's Philadelphia Steaks and Hoagies... Mike and I visited this North Park establishment as an homage to my sister, Lani, who moved to Philadelphia, PA, a few years ago.  We miss her dearly and every time the word "Philadelphia" or "Philly" comes up, we immediately think of her. We drive towards Eddie's on 30th -- a very cute house!  We visited on a weekday at 5:00 PM in the afternoon and

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-12201574964542355982010-08-16T13:51:00.000-07:002010-08-16T13:51:58.767-07:00

 [photo credit: JP using Pam/Louis' camera] Alright, I am going to admit a few things about the Studio Diner.  I admit that I was aware that the Studio Diner existed in Kearny Mesa and never visited when I lived in Serra Mesa after graduating college.  I admit that my work colleagues and I went to breakfast here a few years ago and my dish was just okay.  I also admit that seeing the diner on "

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-31079723151643654132010-07-12T11:39:00.000-07:002010-07-12T11:39:57.342-07:00

[view from our table on the 34th floor of Symphony Towers]When Dan sent us an electronic meeting proposal and an email stating he was inviting us to the University Club atop Symphony Towers... you do not know how excited we were. Just think, we are adults over the age of thirty who actually counted down the days to our visit. We felt like kids going to Disneyland for the first time.Speaking of

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-72408718778972393992010-06-29T21:55:00.000-07:002010-06-29T21:59:28.165-07:00

Golden Chopsticks Chinese Restaurant in National City is located right off of Plaza Boulevard (west) in the Seafood City/Big Lots shopping center across from Jollybee. I have been getting take out here for YEARS and it is, by far, my favorite Chinese restaurant in San Diego. Yeah, I'm probably one of the very few people who actually nominate this joint when it comes to recommending the best

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-13983047254499352622010-06-25T18:03:00.000-07:002010-06-26T17:38:40.949-07:00

We look forward to the San Diego County Fair every year because of the fair food. Truthfully, I am not the type to indulge on items like the Krispy Kreme chicken sandwich, deep fried butter (yuck), or any deep fried whatnots that Charlie's Chicken offers annually. However, I did tell myself that I wanted to try one "deep fried somewhat reasonable thing" at Charlie's Chicken. I mean they are the

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-37495609917875334692010-06-24T21:56:00.000-07:002010-06-24T21:58:20.416-07:00

CUCINA urbana defines the word "cool". I feel so cool walking inside Tracy Borkum's fine establishment that was once called Laurel. Why? I would say the atmosphere, positive energy, eclectic decor, and how the Chef Magnanelli puts a creative twist on Italian cuisine, making it, well, cool.[main dining room w/ cool wine room for large parties in the back]I dined here twice in a matter of weeks

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-33123884815276317262010-06-13T16:42:00.000-07:002010-06-13T22:48:34.991-07:00

[acai birthday cheesecake]Thirty minutes after we arrived in San Diego from our Las Vegas road trip, my best friend, Donna, and her hubby picked me and our other bestie, Shells, up for my birthday celebration dinner. They asked me if I wanted to know where they were taking me, but for once, I welcomed the surprise and did not prepare what I was going to order by browsing the online menu. I was

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-33680496888560345542010-06-01T22:23:00.000-07:002010-06-08T16:51:34.958-07:00

[Fremont Street - Old Vegas]Ah, Viva Las Vegas!Vegas will always be one of our favorite getaways. In my opinion, Las Vegas has outgrown the label of "cheap buffets and slot machines" and has transformed itself to be a great culinary city full of fabulous chefs/restaurateurs like Thomas Keller (Bouchon), Rick Moonen (RM Seafood), Hubert Keller (Fleur de Lys & Burger Bar), Joël Robuchon, and

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-8112450748061042422010-05-28T16:51:00.000-07:002010-05-28T16:52:36.196-07:00

[famous blue cheese burger from stripburger, Las Vegas, NV]Edited: 05.28.10Alright fellow foodies, I've added a few more burger joints since my first update. NOW, it's burgers burgers burgers for the next, what, three plus months? If you missed my little blurbs about the other candidates in my quest to find the best burger in San Diego, click here before reading on.NEW contender to make the list

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-721439274201027022010-05-08T13:22:00.000-07:002010-05-08T13:24:45.338-07:00

Thinking back to the good ol' college days at San Diego State University (SDSU) in the mid-90's, what comes to mind is hanging out (*ahem* loitering) in front of the bookstore steps, chili cheese fries at the Courtyard Cafe for lunch, checking out guys in Kappa Alpha, long study days in the old library, and my usual morning cup of hazelnut coffee from Creative Juices.My fondest memories include

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-65493902759246417892010-04-26T23:04:00.000-07:002010-04-28T16:46:34.801-07:00

I was very fortunate to experience Bistro Monday at The Restaurant at The Pearl -- all thanks to the generosity of Greg S., the owner of the hip boutique hotel in Point Loma. After reading about my New Year's Day experience at the restaurant [clicky], Greg invited a guest and I to enjoy a hearty comfort meal on their popular Bistro Mondays.I invited my good friend, 2010 InfluenceSD's Blog of the

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-12044961832804384812010-04-06T23:41:00.000-07:002010-04-26T23:27:50.821-07:00

When my family and I found out at Lucas' (my second cousin) 2nd "Yo Gabba Gabba" birthday party that they were going to have BOTH the street taco lady AND a shrimp truck, we were so darn excited. You don't even know! I mean, who does that? My cousins do and it was freakin' awesome.It was certainly a happy day for my tummy.theshrimpguys truck was started by my cousins' friend, and models those

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-35831899622376492442010-03-30T20:16:00.000-07:002010-03-30T21:59:14.962-07:00

It was a HOT 100+ degrees out in Phoenix, Arizona (I think it hit 113 degrees that day), and because I'm spoiled and lived in San Diego all my life, I was dying in the dry heat in the middle of July.However... the weather does not stop me from experiencing a new restaurant for my food blog. I love that Phoenix has SO many mom n' pop restaurants so you can imagine how excited I get to try

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-10498848165596488242010-03-26T17:03:00.000-07:002010-03-27T18:25:36.878-07:00

I LOVE a simple burger & crispy, fresh french fries with Heinz ketchup (gotta be Heinz). Throw in a fountain Coca-Cola over crushed ice, and I'm happy as a clam.My hubby, Mike, and I talked recently about how I should start a quest to find the best burger in San Diego -- of course, in my opinion. I guess you can say that my taste for a good burger equals simple goodness. Meat has to be juicy,

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-8115485295886130352010-03-19T22:02:00.000-07:002010-04-26T23:28:29.935-07:00

Raquel and I met through BridalInsider.com a few years ago when she asked me a question about my wedding venue. After getting to know each other via BI and Facebook, it turns out that our husbands have the same name, we both love Disney, and have many mutual friends in this small world of ours.I had the opportunity to meet Raquel's talented mother-in-law, Joy, who owns the cutest tea shop in

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-1585175371089278782010-03-07T23:00:00.000-08:002010-04-26T23:28:47.622-07:00

Oh. Em. Gee. Seriously, I cannot believe that Phil's BBQ has not made the food blog yet. I have labeled it my favorite restaurant in San Diego for the following reasons:Excellent and super friendly staff, especially Mr. Phil Pace himself being thereVERY popular amongst the San Diego community - always a long line, which is a sign of a thriving business with delicious eatsFun, atmosphere -

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-57838635118435915102010-02-28T19:19:00.000-08:002010-04-26T23:29:02.013-07:00

The new year of 2010 brought close friends together at the Restaurant at The Pearl Hotel for an evening of great conversation, laughter, and a new restaurant experience. Our good friends, Pam and Louis, won a free night stay at The Pearl Hotel at Louis' company holiday party and decided to gather their dearest friends to celebrate 2010.The Pearl Hotel is a vintage, boutique hotel located right

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-62364386595646228462010-02-14T16:36:00.000-08:002010-03-07T21:41:10.696-08:00

Before the 2009 holidays started, I managed to go to Urban Solace twice... and you know what, I ordered the SAME dish. Yes, it comes down to the fact that it's downright delicious. The funny thing is that even though the flavors were close, the both dishes looked slightly different. How? Read on!Dinner #1 - November 2009Arlene "Shady" and I had postponed meeting up for dinner for a while now,

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-19696981109168334722010-02-13T18:22:00.000-08:002010-03-07T21:44:32.460-08:00

SAN ANTONIO, TEXASNikki and Mike are friends and co-workers of Mike when he worked for the San Antonio Spurs. They were married on a beautiful warm Saturday evening at The Dominion Country Club in San Antonio, Texas in September 2009. Kira and Matt are friends of ours who traveled with us to attend the wedding.We arrived in San Antonio on a Thursday afternoon hungry and ready to start off our

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-68230660099659807982010-01-01T15:12:00.000-08:002010-03-07T21:45:57.138-08:00

Happy New Year!The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays certainly prevented me from updating my blog, but now that 2010 has arrived and things have been slowing down (so far), I bring you a new entry - enjoy!* * * *Thai food has never been my favorite. When it comes to Asian flavors, Japanese or Chinese food is what I would have in a heart beat. I cannot stand the taste of curry and I'm not a fan

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-11309740854902965202009-10-28T19:03:00.000-07:002009-10-28T20:29:59.220-07:00

Hands down, by far, the best hot pastrami sandwich I have ever had is here at Miracle Mile Delicatessen. Move over D.Z. Akins, 4.0 Deli, Gus's Subs & Pizza, BMH Italian, The Hat... although, don't get me wrong, they all make a pretty delicious hot pastrami sandwich, Miracle Mile clearly will win a pastrami battle against those restaurants.Sadly, San Diego used to have one Miracle Mile Deli

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-83149922956178569402009-10-18T17:46:00.001-07:002009-10-18T18:10:28.226-07:00

I freakin' LOVE Texaz Grill in Phoenix, Arizona. First, they are known for their deep fried crunchy chicken fried steak that comes with your choice of salad, bread & butter, choice of potatoes - all for $12. Second, it looks like this little hole-in-the-wall restaurant on the corner of 16th and Bethany Home, but it's so much more inside. Wall-to-wall decor of Texas stuff, and license plates

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-53511154308698353722009-10-15T18:29:00.000-07:002009-10-15T18:30:03.577-07:00

Island Prime/C-Level has the best view of downtown and the San Diego Bay, by far! I love going here for lunch on a beautiful sunny SD day and sitting in the outside patio over the water. Technically, it's C-Level when open for lunch at 11:30 AM, but then dinner time is 5:30 PM, "Island Prime time". My first trip here was with the ED of our company and my fellow colleagues in the office. Man,

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-47389258095953805562009-09-13T18:21:00.000-07:002009-10-06T19:04:06.292-07:00

When you think of Indian casino dining, you may think of buffets, food courts, $1 hot dogs, free soda & coffee, and that one 24-hour cafe/restaurant that serves meals all day, every day.The Sage Cafe is given the label of that "24-hour restaurant" located at the Barona Valley Ranch Casino in Lakeside, CA. However, the dining experience here is much more than just a diner type eatery where you

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-45944114787933056442009-09-07T16:47:00.000-07:002009-09-07T18:29:43.332-07:00

This has been driving me crazy. I know for a FACT that Ichiro has a website because to plan our office end-of-the-year dinner a few years ago, I copied and pasted the menu on MS Word. Now, I cannot, for the life of me, find it. Oh, well. Boo, guess a Yelp link will do.Ichiro Japanese restaurant off of Convoy Street, in the shopping center with Yoshinoya and Boot World, is my FAVORITE Japanese

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-48949274981635032142009-08-27T21:00:00.001-07:002009-08-27T22:28:36.296-07:00

Every time we visit Phoenix, Mike's hometown, when we drive on Camelback Road, he asks himself, "Is Duck and Decanter still there?" Then he'll glance over as we drive past it and say "Yep, still in the same spot." He'll then rave about one the best turkey sandwiches he's ever had (next to "The Dough Boy" he used to order at Markraff Pharmacy). He has been going to D&D since he was about five

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-52168736550524784212009-08-22T17:00:00.000-07:002009-08-23T17:07:17.764-07:00

YAY for A!Abel, our dear friend who moved from San Diego to Denver, Colorado, flew in for the weekend to attend a wedding. He asked Jen, Jason, and I, to meet him at the Lei Lounge in University Heights, just down the street from the Parkhouse Eatery.This was my first time at Lei - and I was excited to try a new restaurant. We arrived just before the clock hit 11:00 AM, the start time for

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-44252564570356125842009-08-21T22:16:00.000-07:002009-08-27T22:36:11.416-07:00

It is always a special treat when Doyle, Mama Linda, and Isabella (their cute, well behaved, smart Portuguese Water Dog) come to visit San Diego to stay with us for a few days. It is a time of family bonding, relaxation, and good eats! They are from Phoenix, a city we frequently visit also, but this time it was their turn to visit.On a beautiful Saturday evening in San Diego, Doyle's friend

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-16471557221585945502009-07-30T17:58:00.000-07:002009-08-27T22:37:59.756-07:00

I'm always up for delicious Chinese food, but it's got to be authentic! My favorite Chinese restaurants in town are Golden Chopsticks in National City, Emerald Chinese Seafood off of Convoy for dim sum, Sam Woo BBQ located in the 99 Ranch in Clairemont Mesa, and Yenchim Garden in PQ.When Mike and I lived in Rancho Penasquitos, or what San Diego peeps would call it "PQ", we ate at Yenchim Garden

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-11333935413182106412009-07-18T19:10:00.000-07:002010-03-15T22:19:44.348-07:00

Comfort food, anyone?A few years ago, my former co-worker/friend, Kim, introduced me to Parkhouse Eatery when she selected this cute, quaint location for her farewell lunch. I am VERY thankful to her for introducing us to the Parkhouse because it is truly a place of comfort, flavorful, delicious food.Parkhouse Eatery is located in North Park/University Heights, very close to Hillcrest and even

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-53718807714416269692009-06-17T20:02:00.000-07:002009-08-27T23:09:12.927-07:00

Top: View from the our 23rd floor ocean view room of the ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel (Mike's eating a malasada from Leonard's)Bottom: View on top of Diamond Head State Monument* * * *Oh, Hawaii... how much we miss you, you don't even know! This was my third time visiting Oahu, and the first time with Mike. In October 2008, my family and I celebrated my sister's beautiful wedding on Waialae

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-35863605097798538722009-05-17T15:11:00.000-07:002009-08-27T23:05:25.525-07:00

(Top to Bottom) Colorado State Capitol Building with the gold plated dome to commemorate the Colorado Gold Rush, sunset over the Rocky Mountains, gates outside the US Denver Mint (if you see a "D" on your US coins, it was produced here - oh yeah!), and a shot of Downtown Denver from the cool Peaks Lounge in the Hyatt Denver Regency)* * * *Oh, Denver... our NFL nemesis city (go Bolts). We visited

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-30651983443087984182009-05-15T21:29:00.000-07:002009-08-27T23:13:07.323-07:00

L to R: Flowers at Jackson Square (see the Andrew Jackson statue in the background?), New Orleans' famous Cafe Du Monde, Byron Scott and I (my favorite NBA player of all time), and end of mass at St. Louis Cathedral* * * *New Orleans, Louisiana, is such a culinary place to be. I was excited to try home style Cajun & Creole cookin' and traditional french cuisine, and at the same time indulge in

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-85789160369739835762009-05-14T19:24:00.000-07:002010-03-07T21:47:09.170-08:00

Disneyland....the happiest place on earth. I guarantee you that this won't be the only post about a restaurant inside the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA, including the exclusive Club 33 (it'll be a long one - still working on it). We have annual passports, and we will never get tired of visiting at least four times a year. We love to visit during the holiday season to see all the decorations.I

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-70218993443297635512009-05-12T20:43:00.000-07:002009-08-10T16:51:23.178-07:00

L to R: Casa Del Mar Bed & Breakfast (our room had our wedding theme colors, chocolate brown & light blue), Stearn's Wharf, sunset on over beach near Harbor Drive, and Santa Barbara Mission built in 1786)* * * *For our first anniversary in 2007, the hub and I took the Amtrak from San Diego to Santa Barbara, about a 5-6 hours train ride. We supported the "Santa Barbara Car-Free" campaign, and

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-12011666504588918382009-05-07T08:36:00.000-07:002009-08-22T16:46:51.956-07:00

Now, who doesn't love a good hot dog? OK, I know... not a lot of people do because of "what's in it", but hey... eat in moderation, kosher all-beef is delicious and what's a ball game without a red hot? C'mon now!Summer 2006, the hub and I took a road trip to L.A. and did the sight-seeing touristy thing. As long as I have lived in California (um, all my life), I've never had the chance to see L.A

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1890555290359320315.post-24806494426182418762009-05-06T23:42:00.000-07:002010-03-11T22:07:25.359-08:00

Before actually going to Shakespeare Pub & Grille for the first time, I've heard about their amazing, authentic fish n' chips served with peas. Yum!However, three years ago, my fiance (at the time) and I went here on an EARLY Sunday morning to watch the Chelsea F.C. v. Manchester United F.C. We met our friends here, Pam and Louis. Louis is from the U.K. and a huge Chelsea fan. The pub was

Janice D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09663665055473525321noreply@blogger.com0