San Diego is Next on the List

After my business meeting in Phoenix, I'm taking the Chow Poodle on a short vacation to San Diego. What should I not miss?

Tijuana. But seriously, not a great food town, San Diego. I had quite a difficult time eating there a couple of years back. Infamously tough to find decent Mexican, owing to the squeaky-clean, whitebread profile of this otherwise delightful place, and also obviously because the border is right there. That said, people seem to love the fish tacos, which I can't get that excited about. At best, they are very, very similar to a Long John Silver's wrap (which aren't half bad, I'll admit).

In the Gaslamp area downtown I did enjoy a pretty traditional Spanish restaurant, Cafe Sevilla. Good date spot, for sure. Maybe I'm just nostalgic, but this restaurant reminds me of what Tampa's Columbia and Valencia Gardens were like when they were good. Similar also to the Spanish-from-Spain restaurants one finds around Latin America including at chains like Museo de Jamon (but less so in Spain). Fun spot. Also, the style of cooking lends itself to some of the fresh seafood that's locally available. Paella and zarzuella were pretty good.

I'll keep Cafe Sevilla in mind. It sounds good, and right up the Chow Poodle's ally. In terms of TJ, does anyone have any specific recommendations (or places to avoid)?

My favorite restaurant in SD is Pokez. Mexican food, cheap and fantastic. Not squeaky clean or whitebread, but clean enough. It's downtown, not so far from the Gaslight district.

And if it is fish (or shrimp, my favorite) tacos you seek, get thee to Mexico. Open air places along the coast of Baja California serve the best. There is a place in Playas that is so so good, but I couldn't even begin to give an address for that.

http://www.radioactivefuture.com/pokeez.htm

Pokez Mexican Restaurant
947 E Steet
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 702-7160

Is this the place with tofu-burritos and other vegan stuff? I stayed away because I assumed, with that on the menu, it would have to be bad. I'll have to try it next time.

A couple of ideas for you...

The Mexican Restaurants in Old Town are pretty good. May be a tourist trap but the food is authentic. Large place at the N end where they make homemade tortilla's is my favorite, also heard good about El Agave.

Not too far away in Hillcrest is Phil's BBQ. Only made one visit but I'll go back.

SOme decent steak options...Rainwater's on Kettner and DOnovan's Chop House are both excellent.

At the S end of the Gaslamp Quarter, right next to the trolley stop is an interesting place called Tin Fish. Huge portions, good (generally fried) seafood items and great clam chowder.

If you want to go touristy you can go to the Kansas City BBQ right at the Seaport Village trolley stop. Restaurant/bar where bar scenes from "Top Gun" was filmed. Adequate food.

If you really want to do it up, go down about an hour south into Mexico to Puerto Nuevo and experience lobster at its finest (and reltively reasonable). I'll link some info. If you go, please drive safely, stay on the main roads and get Mexican insurance.

http://www.bajalife.com/bordercrossing/dininglobster.html

Yes, Pokez has tofu burritos. But they have lots of non vegetarian stuff, from very traditional to very "california mexican." Their menu is huge and they do it all well (imho). So very different from any place that I've ever seen in Chicago, but so very tasty anyway.

If you want to go a little on the higher scale end, the Marine Room in La Jolla is very nice. Its all about location right on the beach with waves breaking up against the building at high tide.

The menu is what your grandparents ate at the country club back in the 70s, but is extremely well executed. For example, a surf and turf features a huge freshly broiled lobster tail and a ginger marinated filet. Hardly mind boggling. But good none the less.

A couple of years ago, there was an upscale latin fusion place located in Balboa Park that was excellent. I believe the name is Prado.

I really enjoyed the Sunday Brunch at the Fountainblue Room at the Westgate Hotel downtown. A bit pricey by my standardss but I must admit that I thought the meal was a steal afterwards. Great preparation and great presentation.