This thread might help:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/873738

Avocados would be great if you can do it. Maybe some of our fine microbrews, as well.

To Ingrid Croce:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/a...

Other options: Adams Avenue Grill, Antique Row Cafe, and Cafe 21.

I didn't think any CSA's had delivery to your door, but it appears there are a couple on this list:

http://www.ecovian.com/s/sandiego/csa

If those don't suit you, find one with a convenient pick-up spot for him.

There are local dairies - most are in east or north county - and your best bet is to search for stores that carry their products. Also, there are plenty of local cheese shops. As far as meat, you could try Iowa Meats or Siesel's.

Good luck, and I think it's really sweet of you to do this for your friends.

Via email from the Urban Kitchen Group, they'll be closing at the end of service next Saturday, 3/30. New venture to open in its place called heart + soul.

I'm partial to the one at El Portal in Mission Valley, and I do like their salsa bar. Service isn't always stellar - most of them seem less than thrilled to be there - but their food is pretty good.

Mine, too, and not highly traveled, as it's off the beaten path. It's just up the hill from where I work, making it convenient to pop in for a bite.

Good call on Perry's. Another suggestion: Mystic Mocha on Mission Avenue west of El Cajon Blvd. They open at 6am, and put out a decent breakfast.

Then there's always Rudford's on ECB. Truly diner food. Open 24 hours, but I only order omelettes or eggs so I can use their house-made salsa. Darn good stuff.

Another Mixon fan! I used to go there all the time when I worked downtown, and still do when I get over there during the week. Great sandwiches!

Taj Farms was at the San Diego Public Market on Sundays. They may be there tomorrow. Maybe call and ask. They're located in Valley Center.

You're absolutely right. I was thinking of Taco Express on State. Close, but no cigar. ;)

I haven't worked downtown in a few years, but when did Mexican Fiesta get rid of their little adjunct outdoor dining area?

If you haven't been lately, go check out their plans for expansion. They're leasing 3/4 of the block on National and about 2/3 of the block on Newton, with plans for a plaza, permanent vendor spaces with demos, moving the farmers market outside, commercial kitchen, and so much more. They're patterning it off other cities' public markets, with Minneapolis as posted examples. ETA for completion is this summer, and it looks pretty exciting.

I stayed at La Valencia at the end of January, and they were doing construction inside. It may be done, but worth calling to make sure. That said, the view was beautiful, bed VERY comfortable, and the food was delicious. We walked to Roppongi one night for tapas, which are half-price during happy hour from 3-6 p.m. The duck quesadilla was the win out of all we tried.

Ponce's for Mexican and Burger Lounge are pretty quick and good eats.

Bleu Boheme and Kensington Grill are good, but I wouldn't classify them as "quick".

In my neck of the woods - Coffee Corner. It's like the local Cheers - good coffee, great people, kitschy decor, and they know us there!

For espresso - Nicole's pull at Zumbar.

For espresso con panna and coffee close to work - Caffe Calabria.

And for more ethnic and budget-friendly in the vicinity, try these two places:

http://www.elsalvadorenosd.com/home.html

http://www.antojitoscolombianos.com/

Try Oishii in Santee. A little farther to drive but really very good.

I should have listened to you, Cathy. Stopped by tonight and purchased two tortas and a small pico.

The DH will be having torta #2 for lunch tomorrow. :)

Good to know, DD. Thanks! If there's one thing that will give me an 'ew' moment, it's the use of too much condensed milk. I'll give them a try later this week.

Geez, I work up the street and didn't know about this place. Thanks!

Thanks, Kirk. I hope it has re-energized him because my first couple of outings to Kazumi were pretty darned good.

Appreciate the feedback and happy new year to you!

First off, someone gave me a Groupon for this fish market. It's both a restaurant and a market, so I'm curious about both but the coupon is for dining. Any feedback is appreciated.

I also noticed Kazumi is associated with this restaurant and will soon be offering sushi classes. I know some of you were loyal followers of his venture in Hillcrest, and thought you'd like to know.

Really? That's so odd, since they're owned by the same company as Einstein Bagels. How are they different at Noah's?

Count me in.

Definitely Stardust for those cinnamon rolls!

Sab E Lee (Thai) is good, as is Oishii (Japanese/Thai) on Mast. Another choice would be Roots Kitchen on Mission Gorge. They source locally, the food is good, and have a decent selection of brews.

Another vote for Mary's.

The Diestel turkey, already brined and seasoned, that we bought from Costco was AMAZING! 17-lb. bird and it was juicy, and made the best gravy ever. It was done in conjunction with Fra'mani (seasonings, I believe), so if you see one, get it!

Well, as a food city, San Diego has a long way to go. However, I don't put stock in what San Diego Magazine readers/staff rate their restaurants any more than I do the U-T.