Hodad's Downtown San Diego

I dig your post, spot on!

On the one hand, it is totally respectable and should be emulated, practicing locavorism, and the other isms...but on the other hand....

If you enjoy a Hodad's burger, no one can tell you not to enjoy it, or that you should have higher standards.

Grassfed beef is ok, but I LIKE Hodad's and am looking forward to a downtown location for a situation like jury duty or an errand that has me in the area.....would make a kickin' lunch/early dinner....the beef is juicy and flavorful, cooked right, the bacon puck is something that I have never experienced before or after(it's GOOOD)...and the personnel there always treat me right.

Started going in 1998, and there was usually a line there ESPECIALLY on weekends.

BTW, processed yellow cheese tastes good, and makes the BEST grilled cheese sandwich imo.....those of you beating on the poor slice need to lighten up and enjoy a little...put some bacon on it.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

-----
Hodads Restaurant
5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107

STevenGarsson in San Diego

Burger Lounge in Kensington (SD)

I have eaten a reasonable amount of grass fed beef in steak form, filet, sirloin and strip steaks....as you know, each cut has a different flavor, and I found the meat different, yet still quite enjoyable. It could be the cuts that BL uses, or how long it is or is not aged, be that as it may...feel free to enjoy yours.

I worked in a slaughterhouse my sophomore year in high school, and know up close and personal what my food looks like when it is alive...and like you, try to be very conscientious when purchasing my beef.

I get Buffalo from Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and Iowa Meats, chuck and sirloin, and grind my own, and find NO similarity between Buffalo meat and the Burger Lounge burger I had today.

Best Regards,

Steven Garsson

STevenGarsson in San Diego

Burger Lounge in Kensington (SD)

Funny comment on the purported ModMove.

Went to the LJ location today.....had Hodad's yesterday, comparatively, Hodad's was way better, burgers to burgers. Plain cheeseburger, ketchup, bun and a cola.

Specifically, Hodad's burger tasted more like beef, compared to BL which tasted like nothing really. $8.00 @ Hodad's vs $12.00 for BL. Price is not the issue, just using it for comparison. I WANTED to like BL, as I like the concept of a "better burger" and it may be healthier, but was not better.

I did prefer BL's bun....slight chewiness would hold up better to a mound of toppings imo, than Hodad's traditional white bread bun.

Best Regards,

Steven Garsson

STevenGarsson in San Diego

Happy Sushi vs. Sushi Hut

I work in Mission Valley. There is a chain sushi restaurant at Mission Center Road called Sushi Hut that I occasionally have lunch at. Had their deep fried shrimp roll once, and it was acceptable, but their teriyaki chicken bowl is awesome. I get the large for $4.89, delicious flame broiled chicken pieces over a mix of steamed vegetables, and rice with a faintly buttery texture and flavor. The sauce is so good I want to drink it.

Last night, I had to do some laundry in Mira Mesa(my washer is busted) and went next door to Happy Sushi for a 1/2 order of the Mexicali roll($6.00) as an appetizer and the Chicken Teriyaki dinner($9.99). This comes with miso soup, 3 meat gyoza, salad with miso dressing, rice and teriyaki chicken. Oddly, the chicken was mixed with zucchini, carrot, and peppers IN the sauce. The roll never showed up, so when I was finished with the meal, I requested it be cancelled. The chicken was grilled without any char, and was acceptable, the sauce sucked, spicy and bland at the same time.

The service was the worst I have ever had, and oddly enough the place had about 1/2 occupancy with a fair amount of Japanese patrons.

Anyway, my rec is very much against Happy Sushi, I should have known better.

Best Regards,

Steven Garsson

STevenGarsson in San Diego

Savory Casual Fare in Encinitas...Brunch

Went here with the Mrs. for Sunday Brunch about a month ago.

Here is the brunch menu.

http://savorycasualfare.com/pdf/brunch.pdf

We liked it, a lot. Herself had the quiche of the day, I had the filet with poached eggs.

Nicely appointed inside, attractive decor, quiet ambiance....well behaved children are welcome.

They have a cold buffet set up in the bar. It is small, but has very tasty grub featured, and reminded us of a bed and breakfast in Europe. The roasted beet salad was very balanced with good earthy and sweet roasted beets and tangy bleu cheese. There were some pastries, both sweet and savory that were buttery and flavorful. The savory pastry was a pleasant surprise

The Bloody Mary I had was not very tasty, but made up for it with a Maker's and Soda.

The steak was a bit chewy, but certainly acceptable, the hollandaise was foamy, tart, buttery and not at all heavy.

If you need a nice place in the area for a bit of a splurge, this is highly recommended.

Best Regards,

Steven Garsson

STevenGarsson in San Diego

Frankie the Bull BBQ

A bunch of us went for lunch on 5/22/09....they are supposed to open at 11:00 am, due to computer problems, they wouldn't let us in until 11:15 am....Tony opened up and gave some samples of the andouille sausage, which was pretty tasty, actually.

We had old menus, I wanted a sampler and andouille sausage link extra...but now it is only available as a sandwich.

I have a Big Green Egg smoker at home, and know what goes into good barbecue....Frankie's doesn't have it.

The chicken was good, flavorful and moist, beans were tasty enough, the cornbread was decent...that was it for glowing compliments.

The sauce was thin, weak and there was not enough of it. The pork ribs were moist, meaty and that is it on the positive side...they were also excessively greasy and didn't taste very good.

The beef ribs were barely edible, and tasted bad.

The salmon was inedible, simply tasted like bad fish.

GOOD barbecue costs a fair chunk of change, and is worth it. Bad barbecue is expensive, and unfortunately, most of what is is San Diego is bad or not good.

I won't go back to Frankie's. The two Real Texas joints are reasonable, and Phil's is barely adequate...no need for BAD.

Best Regards,

Steven Garsson

STevenGarsson in San Diego

Oceanaire review

Feel free to disagree, foodiechick....the Mrs. developed a passion for the perfect crabcake long ago, and it originated in a fine crabhouse in B-more....Oceanaire is good, just not authentic to this view of what a fine crabCAKE is, as LisaSD said below, Oceanaire's rendition should be called CrabMound-tm.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in Chains

Oceanaire review

In celebration of the Mrs's birthday, and love of a good crabcake, armed with the positive responses/reviews of fellow CH'rs we ventured forth this fine eve.

Reservations were a snap, hostess on the phone asked if there were any special requests, and when I asked for a quiet table, was assured this was doable.

We self-parked next door in the garage, but valet was an option. Be forewarned on the weekends, post 6:00 pm it is a cool deuce, before that, it is market rate, which is less..much less.

Beautiful entryway. There is a cat on the L.A. Boards, KevinH....he does the best reviews, blogs, photos...the whole bit. If I did that when I was with my wife...she would kill me..(took notes and photos)...so bear with the verbals, and substitute your own visuals.

Waiter was a nice young fella from OB named Michael...Very helpful...we got seated quite promptly in a good quiet spot, with a great view of the main, and service bars....excellent retro feel with teak/walnut colored wood and chrome accents. The menu said "Happy Birthday", which was a superb, and much appreciated touch.

We ordered a Harvey Wallbanger for her, and the OtterPop martini for me. Healthy jolt of citric acid in the drink, but nicely balanced berry flavor. The table bites included a well crusted, excellently yeilding sourdough w/butter, and a crudite plate with radish, celery, carrot, pickled cherry pepper, and a small ramekin of wine cured herring and onion, which is a personal first for a freebie taste, and much welcomed.

I requested 2 Malpeque oysters from Washington, the clams casino, and a cup of NE clam chowder. My better half wished for the afformentioned crabcake. Oysters were fresh and briny, served with a mignonette, and a cocktail sauce, which I prefer...I ordered two more....all were fine, though on one, the shucker missed the adducter muscle. The clams casino were a riff on the classic, cherrystone shells(or littlenecks, hard to tell), with garlic butter, clam and a healthy chunk of bacon, but no breadcrumbs....it was very tasty, but I would order something else next time...this was TOO light in density. Clam chowder was supple, hint of bacon, red potatoe cubes done just about perfect, sizeable clam CHUNKS with a creamy, buttery base....very tasty.

The crab cake was, well, guys, it is more a mound of composed crabmeat than a cake. SOME binding would be nice, this is very yummy mind you, but not the crabCAKE I was expecting. For my money, and $2.50 less at that, the crabcake at Donovan's blows Oceanaire's version OUT of the water. They have a light binding/flash frying at Donovan's that can only be described as ethereal.

We shared the Iceberg wedge with blue cheese. The wedge size was generous, and the bleu cheese dressing was the perfect flavor and consistency...it ran between the lettuce leaves, depositing good sized bits of bleu cheese on the layers...really nicely done.

I selected the Scottish pan cooked salmon, and she requested the stuffed sole. The sole looked nice, but I didn't try it...the report was that it was good enough to order again. The salmon was wonderfully seasoned and apportioned with sides, but for my taste, and this is PURELY subjective, I thought the fish was underdone...not badly, send-it-back, just slightly...but it kept me from finishing it. The al-dente green beans almondine came in a portion size guaranteeing leftovers.

Desert was a complimentary baked Alaska, which I had with a 10 year Taylor Fladgate port. Great presentation, nice meringue, which is pretty easy to screw up, caramel ribbon in the ice cream....great meal, out for around 2 bills, and would go back in a heartbeat...they took good care of us, and have an early bird special(5-7) for a 3 course+$30.00.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in Chains

Best crabcakes in San Diego?

I'll be tryin' out Oceanaire this weekend, but the crabcakes at Donovan's, are kick butt!

Very similar in description to the Oceanaire descriptions.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in California

Looking for seafood buffet in San Diego area

http://www.balihairestaurant.com/sundayBrunchMenu

Not sure exactly what you have in mind, but the Bali Hai has a very nice Sunday brunch with salmon, shrimp, crab, sushi rolls, and other seafood treats AS well as prime rib, which is pretty good.

Todai is popular 'round here, as is VIP Oriental buffet. WAY too bad you don't want to travel to the casinos, Valley View has an all-you-can-eat Maine lobster buffet.

As far as "Surely some restaurant must still have an old fashioned seafood buffet?"...short answer for what you are looking for in San Diego, AFAIK.....no, unfortunately...."old fashioned" being the key, and sadly operative, word.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

Good Luck!

STevenGarsson in California

Mastro's Costa Mesa?

Thanks for the responses, everyone!

DU, how'd you figure I'm from NY(I am, but the ethernet doesn't have much info on me)...it is not over-testosterone....just have a hair trigger wrt bad service.....I'm in sales and help my customers any way possible...so an expectation of professional service is reasonable.

Have been on the Left Coast for almost 20 years...."be nice, and they'll be nice back" doesn't always do the trick...gotta server at my favorite neighborhood bistro who has been shooting me crap for 3 years, regardless of how nice I am or how big I tip....she is just a miserable person...why she is still working there is a mystery...because NO ONE likes her.

Anyway, there is no way that I can do a job on a review like Kevin H....but will go and report in with my unique take.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in Los Angeles Area

Sushi Zo -- Only if you'll pay $150/person to be insulted by the rude and arrogant Keizo

I'm sorry that fellow CH'rs are misinterpreting this as some sort of personally directed anger.....that is not the case at all......everyone has a right to eat where and what they want, and hopefully get it prepared and served by the person they want it from...if that makes any sense.

The OP came on with some very good observations, and there have been equally well worded counterpoints....I am simply voicing support for the OP's premise that life is too short to pay big money for rudeness and arrogance wrt to FOOD.

If someone disagrees with that....also perfectly free to do so....it is just probably someone that I would not want to share a meal with.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in Los Angeles Area

Sushi Zo -- Only if you'll pay $150/person to be insulted by the rude and arrogant Keizo

Like the OP, I have been to some top quality sushi restaurants all over the world...and some pretty bad ones, as well(including Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukuoka).

I am by no means denigrating the Itame....it is a very demanding job, and I respect it thoroughly...and may very well have "limited understanding of what sushi is"...and don't give it much concern, either.

I know what a good experience is with a restaurant, and when I have it, and am willing to pay for it....otherwise, I can go to Zion Market, and get a nice piece of sashimi grade sake and have a pleasant meal at home, without the hassle, expense or attitude.

Knock your socks off.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in Los Angeles Area

Sushi Zo -- Only if you'll pay $150/person to be insulted by the rude and arrogant Keizo

This is soooo lame.

Look....if you want super fresh sushi/sashimi...you can take your seasoned rice on a fishing trip, and have ahi/yellowtail/sand bass and barracuda, right off the coast...so don't give me any crap about this or that fish being fresher.

NO...any CH'r KNOWS that a restaurant experience is the sum of all parts, and if the OP was not happy with his sushi experience, so be it.

Keizo-san can keep his attitude and his super-duper sushi for those fooling themselves into thinking that they are somehow superior for taking his attitude with vigor!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in Los Angeles Area

Mastro's Costa Mesa?

Thanks...appreciate the responses!

Can a private room be got, like at Donovans, or is it more like private rooms for meetings and large parties?

Great review, Kevin H!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in Los Angeles Area

Mastro's Costa Mesa?

I have done the searches....and the reviews are mixed.

Tastes are subjective, so in that I am willing to find out myself....have a business meeting in Costa Mesa the first weekend of October, and my business partner is coming down from Seattle for it. We have been on a steakhouse kick since last October.

Requirements:

I need some place that is worth the monies....even if they are costly.

Waiter-tude(snooty servers) will not be tolerated...that could wind someone up in the hospital if they bring it.

Quiet is good...not like in a library, but like in the private rooms at Donovan's, which is my current standard for steakhouse service, although Tasha of the Fleming's at the Hyatt was a TOTAL winner so far this year

GREAT ambiance...the room needs to look like a million old money bucks, if it is trendy....not interested.

Please let me know what you all think, before I make the reservations.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in Los Angeles Area

Mezcal at El Agave SD

DD,

It was $71.99.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in California

Dive Bars..San Diego

CAN'T believe no one mentioned O'Connell's right across the street from the Morena Club, the Offshore down the road or the Aero Club on India Street.....that is pretty much a straight line for a night of dive drinking!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in California

Mezcal at El Agave SD

"BTW, none of my mezcal has a worm in the bottom of the bottle ;-). and BevMo in Mission Valley often has at least 1 or 2 bottles of Del Maguey product as does Holiday Liquors in Escondido."

I have been on the quest for the perfect tequila Bloody Mary for about 5 years now, and recently was informed that Azul La Jolla uses Kelly y Gonzalez Bloody Mary mix for their spectacular Azul Marys. Wanting a smoky flavored tequila to kick it up a notch, I decided to go with mezcal, BUT....Mission Valley BevMo has only been carrying the ones with scorpions/Gusano....until I was able to request some Del Maguey Chichicapa, which they have another 5 bottles of WITH the basket.....so I am bringing this up for you Del Maguey fanciers.....I am picking up another bottle tomorrow, so that will leave 4 bottles up for grabs.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in California

Review of SD Trip

Great report, thanks for taking the time, hope you had a good time in San Diego, overall!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in San Diego

Surati Farsan Mart (San Diego)

Thank you very much, Josh!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in San Diego

Does good artisan bread exist in San Diego?

Ever since moving to San Diego, the french batard at Bread & Cie has been right up there, amongst just about any, IMO.....

That is however based upon comparison to left coast breadstuffs, San Francisco included.

I have always considered Manhattan to have the best bread in the world.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in San Diego

Surati Farsan Mart (San Diego)

Any rec's for great San Diego Indian that serve MEAT(ie. lamb or chicken)?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in San Diego

Good-enough fish tacos SD?

Josh,

You didn't offend me......I just wasn't sure from DiningDiva's post if she was referencing SouthBeach or not, and wanted to make sure she knew about it. I had the marinated mahi-mahi(like I said)....which was pretty danged good on corn tortillas, and you obviously didn't hate it, otherwise you wouldn't have gone back.

It's all good.....and thanks for your thoughtful response

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in San Diego

Good-enough fish tacos SD?

As a response, Josh, it sure seemed like more of a garlic mayo/buttermilk housemade dressing than out of a jar for the "commodity ranch dressing" to me, but you might know something/someone that I do not.

The cheese they use tastes like cheese, and cheddar at that, for $3.00+/- for a fish taco, I am not expecting Beecher's Flagship....

Corn tortillas are available upon request.

My advice to DiningDiva was/is....try South Beach.

If you are down on Newport for some reason, and hungry, you might like it.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in San Diego

Good-enough fish tacos SD?

South Beach Bar & Grill
5059 Newport Ave.
Ocean Beach, CA
(619) 226-4577

I had the marinated mahi mahi, but the whole taco was KILLER!!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in San Diego

Clay's La Jolla

Thank you very much, foodiechick. My expectations were fairly low, based upon "loud bar" combined with "fine dining"....that was not the case....since you are real local, maybe just go to the bar first, and order the scallops(1/2 off on happy hour menu) and a nice glass of white...let me/us(chowhounds) know what you think.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in California

Where can I find pure lard?

http://www.localharvest.org/store/item.jsp?id=8350

That was about the only one I could find.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in General Chowhounding Topics

Clay's La Jolla

Thanks for the welcome, DiningDiva!

Could not find a review of Clay's on Chowhound, so I made a promise to myself to review it here, either way.

I spoke with Clay (I don't know him, just e-mailed him after the meal) and he said they have been open about 1 1/2 years, and it took the first year to disabuse new diners that they were AT Elario's, which I know nothing about.

This board has been very helpful to me....as am sure many others....always looking for new and exciting dining possibilities...so the opportunity to present a nice restaurant in good light for discussion/debate/feedback is pretty cool.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

STevenGarsson in California