Thanks, I'll check them out.

Thanks. I picked up regular Mexican Coke at the PL Bevmo, but they didn't have diet.

Huh, you're search skills are superior to mine - nothing about Sam's Club comes up for me. Thanks!

Anyone seen it around? I've tried BevMo, Costco, and grocery stores in Hillcrest. Thanks.

Second Jayne's. I don't think it's loud at all, and I think the back patio (if it's a nice evening) would be particularly nice for a date.

Thanks, appreciate it! Definitely looking into this.

Anyone have any ideas for unique or creative catering options for my daughter's first birthday party? (And I'll be the first to admit that the party is more for my husband and me than for her!) We're looking for something fun and different that will satisfy the adults but still be appropriate for a child's party - nothing over the top. We'd like to avoid the ubiquitous "taco man," as we've done that for a couple of our previous parties. We'll have around 30-40 people and would like to keep our food cost under $800. We're open to all types of food, and the party will be at our house. Would love to hear your ideas!

Thanks for the recs and recipe inspiration DD and others. Looks like I'm making burritos for dinner! Happy to have some more spots to try. I'll have to give El Cuervo another try. I've had one bean 'n cheezer there, but couldn't tell you much about it. Will have to try Mi Rancho too. I don't eat pork, but I give myself a hall pass for beans cooked in lard. Definitely my weakness! I do have a certain affinity for the b 'n c at the original Santana's (or MXN) on Rosecrans. The best I'm sure it's not, but a sentimental favorite - Santana's was the taco shop of my youth.

Totally agree, DD. I'm always looking to the best version of the bean 'n cheezer, as they're called in my house. Other than making it yourself, where do you find your favorite version?

+ 1 on Chuao. The Firecracker bar is fun and something different. I took an assortment of bars to some chocolate addict friends in Chicago and they loved them. I believe Chuao has some new flavors launching for its 10th anniversary this fall, but not sure when that is.

I'll also suggest Jackie's Jams. Tasty stuff.

Can anyone report on the pumpkin cheesecake? Just saw it today in the Fearless Flyer. Thanks.

Got it, thanks!

I agree. I liked the flavor, but the texture was lacking. I missed the little shatter you get when you first bite in and the following chew. Refrigerating the macarons marginally improved the chewiness. The larger chocolate versions provide a little more chew and can satisfy my macaron craving until I can get the real deal. I refrigerate those too - keeps them a little chewier, which is how I like them (though I let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating to take the chill off).

Just curious, what's the prejudice against Silver Oak?

If food isn't the point try either Harney Sushi or Ponce's on a weekend night. Unbearably loud, and I'm relatively young.

I saw it this past weekend at Ralph's in Hillcrest. Both diet and regular. Top shelf.

I know that George's holds a large number of its tables for phone-in reservations. You might try calling them. I have gotten same day reservations for a Saturday night at least twice before., even when OpenTable said it was booked. It might not work tonight considering it is the holiday season, but I think it's worth a try.

Second the pies and butterscotch pot de creme at Banker's Hill. And Eddie V's - had a great berry cobbler and a one of those ubiquitous chocolate molten cakes. Both were totally tasty and satisfying. Cafe Chloe has, in my opinion, one of the best chocolate pot de cremes in town.

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Cafe Chloe
721 9th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Bread & Cie does a lemon Pugliese style bread, I believe. I've used it for French toast when the challah wasn't available. It worked for French toast, but I don't recall much more about it.

Avenue 5, Jayne's Gastropub, Red Door and Hane (for cold, cold beer!).

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Avenue 5
2760 5th Ave Ste 100, San Diego, CA 92103

The Brick & Bell on Silverado has great scones.

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Brick & Bell Cafe
928 Silverado St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Pho Fifth Avenue does a good Pho Ga with all white meat. I'm picky about my meat too and it certainly satisfies. They also do a nice job of packing up each item separately - noodles, broth, protein, veg - so you can compose at home. Perfect for a day like today!

You are not alone - I've been to private parties with the In-n-Out truck in SD too.

Try the Ultimate Skybox at Diamond View Towers. Great space that overlooks Petco Park and has great views of the bay and the city skyline. Have been to plenty of parties there, including a rehearsal dinner, and it is a great spot. They have a full catering kitchen. You might also try Scripps Seaside Forum in La Jolla, though I know it can book up to a year out. Good luck, and congrats!

What do you like at Sessions Public? I went once and was very underwhelmed. I want to like the place - perhaps I'm missing the star dishes.

As for the OP, I'd also add to the list Olive Tree Market in Ocean Beach for great sandwiches.

Actually, Neighborhood is a restaurant. Though it is not my favorite, I believe quite a few people on this board enjoy the food.

Craving key lime pie. Who has the best? (Though I think key limes just went out of season - I hope I'm wrong!)

Jayne's Gastropub is one of my faves.

I haven't had her petit fours, but the desserts I have had from Michele Coulon have been excellent. A bit expensive, but excellent.

This is a bummer. I wonder how much the menu will change under a new chef. I really enjoy the turkey meatloaf there, which I think was the chef's family recipe. And, even though I think mac and cheese is a bit over played, Red Door's version is killer.