sandiegofoodstuff's Profile
Best crabcakes in San Diego?
Hands down, The Oceanaire. If they use any filler, it's undetectable for the big crab flavor and texture. But, don't try to compare it with Legal or anything from Maryland. You're just not going to find the same thing.Enjoy this for what it is -- big gorgeous tasting crab.
Costa Brava PB Quick Report
Yes, it is the Iberico. And, Fernando, the manager, is hugely helpful when it comes to what is sold in the store and different ways of preparing it. He's also a huge flirt, ladies. I went in with a friend and while I was stocking up on groceries, he was getting her phone number.
New Butcher Shop in La Jolla
Hi, that would be my blog. Thanks for the mention. In fact, I met Captain Jack there on opening day. I think what they're doing is promising. The beef is pricey, though. I bought a rib eye for $22/pound and gently grilled it on medium heat, which you have to do (the "gentle" part) because if you treat grass-fed beef like corn-fed and overdo the heat, you wind up with leathery steaks. I was told by one of the owners that one reason for the high price is that they only send one or two of the cattle to slaughter up in LA at a time (as opposed to the usual 20 minimum) and pay extra to have the place completely cleaned before their animals are prepared. And, of course, getting a grass-fed animal to the right weight takes far longer than corn-fed. I do like Brandt, but I also dig that we have local grass-fed beef now available in San Diego.
Costa Brava PB Quick Report
Wonderful place. I was there Friday night after seeing Mamma Mia! and my friend and I had a wonderful array of tapas with a pitcher of sangria. Be sure to visit their little market two doors away, Pata Negra. You can pick up Spanish wines, the homemade rolls (partially baked), Jamon Iberico, some delicious olive oil, sofrito, etc. And paella pans. They're going to do some construction soon and install a patio so that customers can try wines and some of the products they sell in a cafe setting.
Kosher in San Diego
I just drove by Aaron's yesterday and -- they're gone! The space is going to be a liquor store. Anyone have any idea where they went?
gefilte fish - san diego?
I agree. I'm from LA and miss really good Jewish deli food. The real deal. Fromans (the old Encino Deli of my childhood), Art's, Langer's, Nate 'N Al's, even sad old Canter's. Plus, the Diamond Bakery on Fairfax, where I'd get my rye bread, challah and -- the best -- these onion cheese rolls made from challah dough that were divine toasted to sop up sunnyside up fried eggs. And chocolate chip Danish. Oh, those were the days ;)
If you can't make it to Bread & Cie for the rye bread, try the corn rye at Trader Joe's. It's surprisingly good.
gefilte fish - san diego?
Oh, dear. This is where we suffer in SD. No great Jewish delis. I agree with the recommendation to try Aaron's at the corner of Balboa and Convoy in Kearny Mesa. They'll have a full line up of stuff for Passover, which is, of course, coming up. Bread and Cie makes a good challah and you can find them not just at the Hillcrest store but in places like Ralphs in La Jolla or Hillcrest where Bread and Cie is sold. You might also try Bristol Farms on Nobel in the UTC area. D.Z. Akins will have hamantashen and other pastries. For bagels, avoid Einstein Bros. (they only bake them, they don't boil first) and seek out Bruegger's. They carry a decent biali as well. Also, Trader Joe's and Ralph's in La Jolla (probably other stores, but definitely these) carry kosher chickens and Ralph's has a decent-sized section of kosher foods as well as kosher meats. Good place to go locally for holiday products, like kosher wine, matzoh, farfel, etc. for Pesach.
Jade theatre.. has anyone been? what else like that?
Alice is right. I had a very good experience there with the food. Alice says "sterile;" I'd say modernist. Very sleek, white decor. The chef does some wonderful Asian fusion dishes. I loved the seared scallop, which is served on a crispy scallion cake and augmented with caviar sauce. The tandoori lollipop lamb chops were very sweet and I enjoyed the curry raita and apricot-pear chutney that were served with it. They also have this amazing version of a surf and turf -- a wok-fried lobster and black bean ribeye medalion that comes with lo mein and a nice Thai chili sauce. That being said, I don't see this as a place to warm up to with teenagers. And, it's very pricey. I hear that Bondi has improved and it would probably be more fun for the kids than Jade Kitchen. Of course, it's not Asian, but Australian.
rotisserie chicken san diego
It was in Tierrasanta for about five minutes a few years ago. Now, the spot is a Japanese place called Edamame. Not bad either, especially for Tierrasanta.
Indian food in San Diego
One of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon is to go shopping at Ker & Little India on Black Mountain Road off of Miramar and then have lunch at Ashoka. In fact, there are several good places in that little strip mall area. And, even the buffet, which I usually don't care for, is very good at Ashoka.
I want some tongue.
Oh, and for no bonus points, check out Sausage King for deli-style tongue. Don't buy the "rye" bread there -- pretty bland stuff. The closest I can get to good corn rye is the package sold by Trader Joe's. Add some good deli mustard, pickled tomatoes or kosher-style pickles by Batampte and it's a meal that comes close to my daily lunch run back in NY.
I want some tongue.
I just had what I thought were seriously good lengua tacos at the stall outside of Mercado International 2000 in Chula Vista on Third St.
Guatemalan restaurants in San Diego?
Again, Berta's is a good start. Also try Tropical Star on Balboa in Clairemont. It's not Guatemalan specific, but has a variety of Latin American dishes and food products for sale.
Marukai to open in San Diego!
I'll be writing about this shortly, but I've been to Marukai three times, each time hoping that they would a) stock their shelves, b) turn down the frosty air conditioning and c) have something special to show that makes them a stand out from neighbors Mitsuwa and Nijiya, not to mention Zion across Balboa. Unfortunately, I find the market a complete disappointment as did my friend Mineko Moreno, who teaches Japanese cooking at Great News and other places and who I brought along on one of my expeditions.
The rice shelves are seriously understocked as is the produce. Most of the fish is frozen. They have a small section of prepared sushi that is underwhelming. Other shelves in the store have gaping holes where product should be and it's not because people are flocking in and wiping them out. I don't think more than half a dozen people have been inside shopping at any of the times I've been there.
I don't understand why the company would bother to open a market so close to several very good markets and make so little effort. I don't think there's anything there you can't get at Nijiya or Mitsuwa and then get so much else besides at the latter two.
Corned Beef and Cabbage in San Diego
The Field it is, then. Thanks -- now I'll go try it and judge for myself!
Caron
Best Sandwich you ever had?
The French sandwich at the takeout counter at Lucky Seafood, a Vietnamese market in Mira Mesa (San Diego). I’m not exactly sure just what was inside, but between the crispy toasted slices of French roll were delicate slices of meat and pate, sweet vinegared vegetables—shredded carrots, cucumbers, maybe jicama), sprigs of cilantro and slices of jalapeño. In one bite, you get cool and hot, sweet and tangy, and a quick punch of fire from the pepper slices. Quite simply, it’s one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever eaten.
Corned Beef and Cabbage in San Diego
Oh, I can make it myself, but I'm trying to find some places to talk about on The Gourmet Club. I'm wondering how The Field in the Gaslamp is. Kare Raisu mentioned it -- have you been there? Obviously, the dish is not really authentic Irish, but let's face it, it's been adopted as "the meal" on St. Paddy's Day.
Corned Beef and Cabbage in San Diego
With St. Patrick's Day coming up in a couple of weeks, I'm hoping to find a great place for traditional corned beef and cabbage. Care to offer some suggestions?
Caron
Ethnic Markets in San Diego
Re Jewish delis -- there's a lot of room to grow here, but you can also try Aaron's at Balboa and Convoy. They've just redone the market to emphasize their tiny dining in area. Kosher/kosher style so closed on Saturdays, of course. Good for kosher products, Israeli products and traditional Jewish foods.
One place I had been looking forward to for months but am hugely disappointed with is Marukai. This is the third entry in the Japanese market niche in Kearny Mesa and is competing with two marvelous stores nearby, Matsuwa Market and Nijiya. The new store is small, many shelves are bare and it's freezing cold inside. I don't see why the company is being so lax in stocking the store and can't see how it's going to compete with the other two (and Zion market across Balboa).
By the way, I trust you saw the news that Northgate Gonzalez has bought the El Tigre chain of Mexican/Latin markets. I've recently been to the El Tigre in Escondido, which is kind of old and tired, and the new El Tigre in Chula Vista, which is just too antiseptic. I'm looking forward to seeing what the Gonzalez family does with the chain since their store on 43rd St. is so marvelous (try their various ceviches -- really fine).
Restaurant Service in San Diego
I have found that my best restaurant experience in recent times has been at Oceanaire. I certainly enjoy the food (love the crab cakes!) but what I really appreciate is the attention to detail and enthusiasm the staff brings to the dining experience. They seem to love what they do and want to make being with them memorable. I hate constantly being interrupted by a server as I'm chatting with my companions but the staff at Oceanaire seems to have figured out how to check in with guests without disturbing them. They often offer little extra treats, maybe an extra pour of wine when just a glass was ordered. I can get delicious meals at lots of places in town, but this is where I turn when I want a happy restaurant experience.
Poptla fishing village in baja?
I was just there on Wednesday. It is just south of the Fox Studios. Go through the arch and past the lady with the wonderful tamales and you'll end up on a very rough road filled with little food stalls/restaurants (I use that word loosely). I enjoy Mariscos "Espana." It overlooks the little cove that the fishermen use to launch their boats. On the weekends, they sell their fish to the locals. As for sea urchin, good luck. There's a lot found there, but I'm told it's swooped up by Japanese businesspeople to send back to Japan for their restaurants. However, you can get marvelous fresh fish and crabs at the restaurants. Bring your own drinks (we always lug a full cooler). And be prepared for very basic digs. Great fun!
