As I understand it, those other restaurants were "Best of San Diego," Hanis's was "Best of California." My point is, organizations, regardless of donations, don't tend to award people for creating food nobody likes. Having said that, wow, Waterfront got best burger? I'll have to start a "best burger thread." One of my favorite burgers is at Kensington Grill, coincidentally enough. The other, at Starlite.

-----
Kensington Grill
4055 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116

Starlite
3175 India Street, San Diego, CA 92103

Cucina Urbana or Tre Porcellini (this just opened a few weeks ago on University Ave. by Baja Betty's, I had a wonderful experience there the other night). I'm dying to try out that new one in the Atlas building mentioned above, I hear it's also very good.

-----
Baja Betty's
1421 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Fair enough. I have to get back to you on the name of the mag, it was not San Diego based, I believe it was a national food industry magazine. Anyone else following here know the names of magazines Hanis was featured in outside of San Diego? Food Arts comes to mind, but like I said, I need to verify that.

Point taken, SD. You hate the place. Don't go back. I love it, as does everyone I've ever met in person who's been there (and everyone to whom I recommend it), and I will go back again and again. Not only is it in my top 5 on my Chowhound profile, in my opinion, it's one of the better restaurants in San Diego. I too have high standards. This chef won California Chef of the Year, and is featured in many industry magazines for a reason. There seems to be much rancor in the tone of your post and comments. It's one thing to say you don't think a dish lives up to its potential or your noteworthy standards, another to belittle and name call and make reference to dog food. It's all a bit... emotional. That sounds like "bad juju" to me.

I'd noticed a new restaurant had been opened where Bite used to be on University Avenue, but (perhaps because of my last few not-so-great experiences at Bite), I was hesitant to give it a try. I'm so happy I did.

It's owned by three Italians (hence "Three Piggies"), one of whom is Chef Roberto Gerbino, who specializes in Sicilian fare, and used to chef at Il Fornaio. So many Italian restaurants have been opening lately, it's tough to stand out above the rest. For example, I was not wowed, and have not returned to, Buonissimo 2, which is just a few blocks further down on the same street. But I will definitely be going back to Tre Porcellini, because after last night's nibbles, I feel I must try everything this chef has to offer.

It was just me and David. Our water, Piero (Sicilian), obliged when I requested a few tastes of red wine. He asked what I was in the mood for, I pointed out a few, and he said he'd bring another one I might like. Turned out, Piero's recommendation was the best of the three -- meritage from the Central Coast. The bread basket featured three kinds of bread from Bread & Cie, and was accompanied by a small dish containing a mixture of roasted tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil that was so flavorful and well balanced, David sopped up every last bit with his bread. We began with the polenta board, Polenta al Cinghiale, which contained wild boar ragu (with juniper berries, carrots, mushrooms, and shaved Parmigiano). The polenta was not creamy as it is in other places, but it was not gummy, either. It was light and fluffy, which we could only imagine was achieved by not using cheese or cream. But all very delicious, we cleaned the board.

We both preferred my entree to David's. I got one of the house specialties, the Ravioli con l'Osso -- homemade ravioli (ALL pasta is made in house, and servers present diners with a plate of all the types of pasta for them to select from in advance). The ravioli was filled, generously, with braised veal and ossobuco, and was drenched in a wine reduction and mushroom sauce. Like, stupid yum. At the end of my plate was a slice of bone with marrow intact, and a little fork to eat the marrow with. It was recommended I eat the marrow with the sauce (supposed to complement very well), but I have texture issues with marrow, so I left that bit to David.

David got the Trio Porcellini, pork three ways -- slowly roasted pork shoulder, glazed pork belly, and pork chop milanese, served with roasted potatoes. David loved the belly, he said it was well executed -- crisped on the outside, ideal. The fried pork chop was very thin, a quarter-of-an-inch thick, perhaps too thin, because by the time the outside browned (very nicely browned and perfectly crisp), the inside was overdone, left a little tough and less juicy than it could have been if it had been thicker. The shoulder was not to his taste. David said, "It seems bland for what should arguably be one of the most flavorful cuts." He agreed that my ravioli was ridonculous.

For dessert, we shared what was essentially crushed amaretto cookies soaked in amaretto, layered with chocolate shavings and a light marscapone of the type that would be used in tiramisu. We thought we'd be too full for even a bite, but it was so light and flavorful, we ended up scraping the glass with our spoons.

Everyone there, from the busser who refilled our glasses, to Piero -- a friendly, knowledgeable server, to two of the owners (Chef Roberto came out to greet his diners and ask how everything was), was warm, smiling, and clearly aiming to please. The best part about this restaurant? We can walk there.

I'm surprised you had such a bad experience with the service. I'm also surprised you were shocked at the total of the bill, considering the large variety of dishes you sampled. Ken Grill is a great neighborhood restaurant with countless return customers, attracted back time and again (as I was when I lived in the neighborhood, and still am now, a few neighborhoods away) by the cozy atmosphere, friendly, helpful service, and more hit-than-miss dishes. I was there just a week or so ago and ordered the pork meatball and black pepper fettuccini (with caramelized pearl onion, cabbage, and cranberry pinot jus). I often get the bruschetta board. The bass used to be my favorite dish (then more wonderful stuff was added, and I had to expand). The leeks are crunchy/salty and go very well with the bass, but you have a good point -- it was huge, one of the reasons I downsized to taste a variety of small plates once the new menu was introduced. Maybe the server was laughing out of nervousness because you were obviously irritated. Some people have a defense mechanism kick in when they're vibing off someone's bad juju.

-----
Kensington Grill
4055 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116

I've been there on different evenings, most recent was a Wednesday.

Pictured here are the Hacienda Margaritas (one blended, one on the rocks) and the four tasty salsas served with the crispy corn chips that arrive on the table when you are seated. As with all restaurants in California now, you must request your water.

Because I just visited the place (again), and happened to snap some shots of a few of my favorite dishes, thought I'd share with you foodies some choice picks from my favorite Mexican restaurant. Unfortunately, it's a long haul if, like me, you live in Hillcrest. But the drive is worth it, and the restaurant (more like a villa) is tucked away right off the Centre City Parkway exit off the 15. Now let me tell you why I love the place.

The Hacienda Margarita. I'm not a usual margarita drinker (they all seem to be too sweet or sour), but this gem is perfectly balanced, and is flavored using tamarindo. The glass is rimmed with chili powder and salt, and a skewered slice of lime and jicama, which has also been dipped in the chili powder. I get mine blended, David prefers his on the rocks, but both are delectable.

The Relaxation. The outdoor seating area surrounds a waterfall that flows from the roof of the building (see photos) into a pond, framed by colorful bougainvillea. It truly is an oasis, and when I am sitting out there, margarita in hand, I feel the rest of the world and my worries slip away.

The FOOD. Traditional Mexican fare unlike what you'd find anywhere else in town. My favorite appetizer is the tacos de lechuga (forgive my spelling if I got that wrong, don't seem to be any editors on here), which is braised pork, raisin, sliced almonds, and mandarin oranges, all mixed together and set in the center of a crisp leaf of iceberg lettuce. Cold and crispy-sweet on the outside, hot and sweet-spicy on the inside, and this comes with a very sweet and very spicy hot sauce that you can pour over for taste (pictured). David loves the sopes (pictured), and we recently tried their ajillo shrimp (pictured), which is cooked in garlic butter with red peppers and served with toasted bread. No pictured here, but definitely a must-order if you go, is the house specialty, Sabana Invierno. This is a thin slice of grilled beef, on which is layered refried beans, red or green sauce, and the piece de resistance, manchego cheese, which I had never before had melted in such a fashion. Actually, a few dishes come with this melted manchego, and if you're into cheese, there is a great cheese appetizer. Also fabulous are the tostadas. A waitress recently told us not to order the quesadilla, and I don't blame her. With all of the unique and exotic flavors on the menu, this is a fun place to try something new. I never seem to make it to dessert.

I'll add a pic of the margaritas in a comment.

David and I have been a few times, and I absolutely love the ambiance. Wine is sold retail, so you can feel good about ordering a bottle (or 2) without breaking the bank, though selection is esoteric. I'm attaching photos so you can see what we got the first time around. I enjoyed our appetizers (ricotta gnocchi and stuffed squash blossoms, the latter of which was a bit too "herby" for me), and our entrees (I had the rigatoni bolognese, David got some wild boar ragu -- I really enjoyed mine, great pork/veal flavor, a well-balanced and savory bolognese, but I found David's too heavy, slathered in a thick sauce when you expect a dish like that to be on the dry side). The dishes are huge, enough for a few meals. We shared a strawberry tart thing, the flavor of which reminded David of a pop tart (in a GOOD way), a fresh, warm, delicious and nostalgic pop tart.

The second time we went, it was all about the pizza, and now I see why the place is so pizza centric (wood fire oven and everything). Started with a salad (the caprese, nummy), and got the chicken/corn/avocado/onion pizza. FANTASTIC. I also like the little white side dish with red pepper flakes, oregano, and salt to add to individual taste.

The place is abuzz with energy, which is something I seek when I go out. First time we sat at the pizza bar, which was fun, the second time in the atrium. The tall tables are great, though the rails are placed too low, leaving one nothing to set one's feet upon, so we ended up turning sideways in the booth for comfort. But I loved the atrium because of the front-row view of everyone coming in and out -- David called it "shoe vision," because we are set at foot level of entrance. We had a lot of fun ogling shoes and beholding the faces of those entering and exiting. Another reason I leave the house -- people watching. I'm already looking forward to going back to try other pizzas.

When I called to make a reservation for three at this hotel restaurant (the hotel is Tower 23 in Pacific Beach), I was asked if I was celebrating a special occasion. I responded that yes, in fact I was, and I explained why, after which she said she'd "make a note." I was surprised to find, at the end of our meal, that nothing had been done -- no special dessert or discount -- to mark the special occasion, which made me wonder: Why even ask? But that's just an irritating side issue. The real disappointment was in the food.

First of all, the bill came to about $100 per head (3 cocktails, 1 bottle of wine ($50), 3 apps, 3 entrees, 1 dessert). The cocktails were not special. Watermelon margarita was nearly tasteless, and the 2 mango cocktails were mostly mango juice.

The amuse bouche was duck confit and greens on a spoon, which tasted exactly like tuna salad. Salty and boring. The lobster bisque, a dark, brownish color, tasted mostly of thickeners and salt, and despite the nice chunks of lobster within the thick goo, the flavor of lobster was undetectable. A scallop app (one scallop atop a citrus kumquat spread with a small pile of greens and hearts of palm) was okay, the scallop was tasty enough, but the greens were incredibly bitter. The third app, gnocchi with English peas and prosciutto, was overly salty (more canned ham than aged prosciutto), and the gnocchi fell apart on the fork, more the texture of clumped cheese than pasta. The flavors were not distinct, it was just one greasy, salty bowl of picnic level casserole. On to the entrees:

David (my beloved foodie man) ordered the lobster poached in butter, over butternut squash ravioli in a vanilla sauce. Overall, the combination was too sweet, more like dessert than dinner. The lobster itself ($38 and only half a lobster) could have used a bit of salt. To their credit, it was not overcooked, but it wasn't very flavorful either. The only flavor on the plate was the cloying, heavily sauced ravioli. I ordered the halibut (as did the third diner), which was served with some kind of mush stuffed into squash blossoms and deep fried. The server had said rice was in the blossoms, the menu said sun chokes, but it was more like mashed potatoes. The fish was dry and mealy (one reason I usually avoid ordering seafood on Mondays). The beurre blanc was broken and greasy, and the blossoms were too heavy for the dish.

Our dessert -- a golf-ball sized scoop of blueberry ice cream, a lemon pudding (free-standing, about the size of a compact mirror) covered in blueberries (canned), all of it beneath messy and greasy deep-fried phyllo flakes. David found the lemon pudding part too grainy and not very lemony. I enjoyed the flavors, but thought the presentation was terrible.

Overall, though the view of the ocean is gorgeous, and it's fun to watch the lively hustle and bustle of the boardwalk, this was typical tourist food. Overpriced, and underwhelming.

I'd like to add two things regarding the food: the clam dish came with fennel sausage that all agreed was too salty, especially for the delicate surroundings of pasta and clams. And though I very much enjoyed the scallop dish, it too was on the salty side. Regarding the acoustics, I'm under 60, and had a difficult time hearing others at my table due to the loud reverberation of other people's conversations. The artichoke app was tiny (not a sharing dish), but DELICIOUS. Bummed I ate it too fast for David to snap a pic. ;)