I know they have mussels at the supermarkets like Ralphs, but 6.99/lb is a bit expensive. Last time I bought from Whole foods ($$) half were dead. I returned them and the manager gave my money back plus a huge batch of carefully checked live mussels. Still, I would rather not have to deal with that again.

I know most people here don't seem to cook mussels at home, but being from the east coast, it was a great easy home cooked meal.

Does anyone have a decent place in town they go to buy live mussels?

really. LA doesn't have one decent pizza place for 10x the size of SD. At least SD has two or three (depending on whether you agree that bronx and Lefty's are in league).

Does anyone have suggestions on where to buy live oysters - not at a bar but a place I can take home and shuck myself. I see them at Ranch 99 but would like some confirmation that they are good first.

Thanks

I should have read this board before I made the trip to vine ripe (RIP) last week. I'm at a lack of where to get fresh breads, cheap veggies, lamb, olives(!) and all of those other specialties that Vine Ripe sold.

So does anyone have substitute places to go? I'd rather not pay $$ at whole foods for tahini and pita :)

Did you try looking in just about any supermarket in the city? Whole foods and Trader Joes also have them. I'm not sure why you would specifically want them from italy. Unless you just like to pay more for the label. The same goes for rice and polenta (grits work fine).

The only thing I think is best specifically from Italy (other than the specific cheese and balsamics) is D.O.P. Marzano tomatoes.

Anyone have a favorite place to get that white broth korean soup?

I agree. Hodads, Rocky's and the Waterfront (don't flame, I know there are more) are far better so-cal style burgers. I've only had the regular burger at Tiolis, because I wanted to do a "benchmark" test. I wasn't impressed and even like Nunu's charred balls better. But the beer is great and I am now inspired to try a different meat choice.

Its really super easy to make. Ever wonder why there are huge dinosaur looking bones at tip top? no, not for a giant dog. They will cut them into chunks for making marrow. Its as simple as putting some kosher salt on and letting roast (just google for degrees and time). I like them with a caper anchovy parsley salsa verde. Just make sure the person puts some effort into cutting them evenly. Its not as pretty when some are giant and some are small.

Just had some Pan De Siosa from the bakery next to the seafood market in Mira Mesa and so great. Like a yeasty donut, not too sweet and tender.

Where is that from? no address or even city given...

I'll try for Northgate and Pancho villa which is a bit closer to me, but I was hoping for some confirmed sightings.

I'm on a mission to make head cheese. Before you gag at my desires, has anyone seen a place in San Diego (I'm guessing mexican market somewhere) that sells whole hog heads?

I may settle for veal head from Vine Ripe if all else fails...

...and be prepared to pay $8 for crappy wine and no mixed drinks.

I think the idea is similar to the Peruvian dish where meat and a rustic french fry are stir fried together. The fries aren't that crispy, but they are great to dilute the meat and are much better than a scoop of rice IMO.

I love Eilat Bakery!

Cafe Eilat is an Israeli (?) bakery and has some exceptional wheat bread and hummos. They have a great selection of pastries too like chocolate napoleans and opera cake plus more traditional jewish cookies and cakes.

In Oregon they have something called an Oregon burrito. Its Guac, Carne Asada and potato home fries. When I moved to san diego I was shocked to find out it was a really a california burrito! They have them at every burrito stand in san diego, so its strange that its not so much up here.

Its good, but prepare to pass out immediately after eating it in a carne food coma.

The problem I find with Crest is the quality is very inconsistent and often really bad. While the novelty of HH is the portion size, the quality is usually pretty good. Though I can't imagine wanting to wait in that line for weekend breakfast.

Is sushi deli downtown like the one in hillcrest/mission hills? because the mission hills one is cheap! but not exactly top notch... If I want sushi for $10, I'lll go there, but its almost all rice and dry fish.

Do any of the hot pot places have options for those who are vegetarian or seafood only? I think the broth is usually the problem cause there are plenty of vegies to swish...

I live in North Hollywood and have been to the Thai places in my area and thai town as well. I have not been to thailand, but I worked in an excellent thai restaurant when younger and know it fairly well.

So I am a bit surprised that LOS is said to be *better* than the LA places - even by Jonathan Gold. I mean LOS was great. We had the Yum Woo Sen (clear noodle salad with pork and seafood). The noodles were a great texture, and good amount of seafood and flavor - could use a bit more lime and Nam Pla (fish sauce) but that's my personal taste. We asked for it 10 stars and there was not a speck of red, but then the heat was intense from a generous amount of green fresh chilies. We had fish cakes, which were good, but its not a dish that can really soar. The salmon panang was sophisticated by flavorful and great (from previous comments on the board, thanks!). I was going ot get the bass fillet with chili sauce but opted for the whole catfish fried and smothered in a sweet spicey sauce. It was excellent - well cooked so crispy and not muddy at all. The last item was Pad See Ewe - spicy wide noodles. They were OK, but the others I was with loved it - one who had spent time in thailand said it was as good as anything she had there.

So... despite this, I think the LA places taste better - and of course are dirt cheap. Anyone else make the comparison?

that's inspirational.... I now want a manual.

Not at Ranch 99 (yet). They did have these green oranges though...

Has anyone seen blood oranges around san diego yet? I bet whole foods has them, but I am hoping not to pay $10/lb for them. Preferably an asian or mexican market (for the better price)...

Aaron

My quotation makes me sound quite the snob... sorry! but each region has their specialties that don't translate over. When I am on the east coast, I am amazed at how bad the burritos are... and I bet I'd be hard pressed to find a decent surf board.

Not only will you not find a good bagel in this town, people around here typically have no idea what makes a good bagel. Places like Einsteins sell bagels that are way too soft and have none of that good chew, yeasty flavor, and boiled crust.

I'll side with Big City as the "best" in town, though I haven't tried that one in Solana. I really miss Bialies from NYC. Kinda like a flatter bagel without the hole and not boiled, with some well cooked onion in the middle. Just try and get those in SD!

Does anyone know of a store that sells hanger steak - onglet? I know I could probably order it from a specialty butcher somewhere if I was really stuck.

Are they worth the price?

I would like to find an alternative to the supermarket bird this thanksgiving and had heard a lot of good things about heirloom or heritage breeds. Does anyone know a farm or butcher that sells these? Any suggestions on what breeds?

The lamb shank one was not huge - a single shank which was perfect for one person.