http://www.chow.com/boards/3 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:35:22 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/665409#5164542 Beequeen, please tell us more about where you'll be driving. I 80 goes from San Francisco to New York City, which are both great cities to dine in, but they're rather far apart. And please ignore the advice to eat at IHOP. It was, I hope, a joke. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:48:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665409#5164542 http://www.chow.com/topics/665052#5164526 It was open in the day today (Sat), I did not see the hours posted, but that is by far the best pizza I have had in San Diego, the crust is real light and toppings are top notch, it was packed at 8:00, hopefully they will be open in the day. If anybody finds out please let me know. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:10:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665052#5164526 http://www.chow.com/topics/661639#5164499 Another great showing for the Cowboy Star. Finally tried the Buffalo Rib Eye. Have to say that I prefer the cow. But very, very good. I would also highly recommend the Hess 19 acre red blend, it is a very good wine. And all of their cocktails are great, my favorite is the Cowboy Mohito, previously known as the strawberry mohito. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:29:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661639#5164499 http://www.chow.com/topics/663077#5164434 Sounds like the George Foreman burgers I make at home Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:19:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663077#5164434 http://www.chow.com/topics/662552#5164399 Dear Hungryann, On behalf of SD Chowhounders, may I be the first, but, I am certain that I will not be the last, to say thank you so much for taking the time to post such a detailed, thoughtful review. Even though I am only SD adjacent (I live over the border in Baja, but I plan my trips north with the goal of eating good food), and I really appreciate it when visitors come, eat and report back with their own unique perspectives. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:41:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662552#5164399 http://www.chow.com/topics/665509#5164391 I've been reading the board since I moved here 2 years ago but this is my first post. It seemed as if any question I had about the local food scene was addressed at some point in the past year or so. After reading so many good things about Ba Ren on this board and KirkK's blog I finally got my husband and a friend to go yesterday and all I can say is WOW. Fantastic food and not nearly as intimidating as I imagined it might be (no mandarin spoken here). I know alot has been said about Ba Ren but I loved it so much I just wanted to add my 2 cents. We enjoyed the following: Rice Crust with Sliced Chicken Dry Cooked Beef Steamed Fish Filet with Green Onions and Red Chili (a current special) Sichuan Cold Noodles Won Tons with Hot Sauce The server was quite surprised that we wanted the fish special and warned us that it was "very hot" but we said to bring it on. She was right, the vinegary red peppers sent sharp shooting pains into the base of my skull but were still delicious. Despite my exhortations husband would not return again today to try the cold dishes and the other 20 or so things I want to eat! Thanks again for the great recommendation. I look forward to joining the conversation! Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:34:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665509#5164391 http://www.chow.com/topics/664422#5164383 I think it is run by the same people of Starlight and the original Turf club. And I don't mean the turf club at the del mar racetrack either. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:25:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664422#5164383 http://www.chow.com/topics/665502#5164317 Does anyone know any inexpensive, nice bakeries where I can buy savory pastries in San Diego? (Would be great if it's close to San Diego Convention Center.) Thanks in advance! Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:42:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665502#5164317 http://www.chow.com/topics/665474#5164224 Yes it is more of a club. And a poor example of one at that. I went opening night and it has gotten progressively lamer after that. As a wine bar it is ok. Hard liquor as well, which is nice if you need something stronger. Decor is not my taste, but some people like it. Haven't tried the food, but I would go in with low expectations and you might come out a winner. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:48:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665474#5164224 http://www.chow.com/topics/662006#5163919 Tried to call WG earlier today and will try after they open. The Siena is doing dinner, 4 course with 3 choices of entree for $40. Charlie Palmer is doing dinner with free range turkey and good sounding sides and dessert. No price give so I sent them an email. Thanks, enbell. Hope you're doing well. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:42:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662006#5163919 http://www.chow.com/topics/655781#5163099 How much is it at Cowboy's compared to Costco? Would love to try it Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:38:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/655781#5163099 http://www.chow.com/topics/489048#5163067 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/663813 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:20:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/489048#5163067 http://www.chow.com/topics/664330#5163055 Lunch + great sushi + Kearny Mesa? Can't be done. You found the magic unworkable combo, because any two of those three would give you hits. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:12:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664330#5163055 http://www.chow.com/topics/599722#5163010 Call Chef Paul Arias at The Fishery, PB. They've had it on their menu from time to time. (In case you don't know, The Fishery is on premises of one of SD's most outstanding fish wholesalers. Everything is fresh fresh fresh.) AND the restaurant is very receptive to customer requests. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:40:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/599722#5163010 http://www.chow.com/topics/661607#5163007 AND noise level is better downstairs. you're right. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:37:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661607#5163007 http://www.chow.com/topics/664952#5162612 I cannot comment on Providence, Spago, Melisse b/c I have not been there and trying to do so would be would be idiotic. I do not rely on Michelin stars to guide my palate, not to say that I do not appreciate a Michelin starred place. I've been to Market many times over the years and have been happy with my food. No uneveness between courses. The several times that I've been to Addison left me very satisified and feeling pampered, if that can be used to describe a meal. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:11:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664952#5162612 http://www.chow.com/topics/665312#5162521 Santa Barbara sorts itself out rather quickly between beer and wine restaurants and cocktail restaurants. Sounds like you need to head to the Hungry Cat - Chapala Street and West Anapamu, downtown. There is a shuttle going from the beach up State Street during the daytime. Best appetizer plate in Santa Barbara in my opinion is the antipasto assortiti at Ca Dario (Italian) on East Victoria and Anacapa Street downtown. Wines by the glass, not sure about cocktails. Santa Barbara Shellfish at the end of the wharf down your way is a good casual choice, again not sure about cocktails but the Harbor Restaurant Longboards bar can be the first stop. Walkable. Try the Harbor Restaurant too as it has improved a lot lately. There is a Chucks at the Beach over by the boat harbor which has cocktails. I am not a drinker so I am not a good one to give you the best advice on who also has a hard liquour license with their restaurants. Others will follow. Close to you is our major "bar zone" in Old Town State Street, so if you want your cocktail first at one of the Lower State Street bars and you can make it to lots of restaurants nearby like Bucatini and get some very nice Italian with good appetizer plates and a State Street sidewalk cafe setting. Help, who also have hard liquour licenses in SB? Out of my league here. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:01:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665312#5162521 http://www.chow.com/topics/665323#5162473 That about says it all. Not sure how regional these specials are. Each package weighs approx. 3#. I went nuts and bought 4 pack. Many great meals for the coming months. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:28:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665323#5162473 http://www.chow.com/topics/641146#5162434 You are right that it is hard to compare to Market but I tried some excellent short ribs at Wine Vault and it was part of a $20 3 course meal. I also had some at Roseville that were part of Restaurant Week so also reasonable. I have been to Cucina Urbana recently and had much more enjoyable experiences for basically the same price point. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:11:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/641146#5162434 http://www.chow.com/topics/307583#5162407 yo- get your facts right before reporting- Jalama is a COUNTY PARK. Far Western Tavern, if your asking. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:48:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/307583#5162407 http://www.chow.com/topics/665160#5162353 I f you happen to be going thru Pismo/Shell Beach area around lunch time- a favorite place of ours is Petes Pierside, in Avila. Take the Avila Beach exit, and it takes about 6-10 minutes to get to the end of the road- which lands you right at the Port San Luis pier. The restaurant is located 3/4 of the way out the pier. Nice patio- excellent crab enchiladas! Outdoors- with a few seats inside. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:03:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665160#5162353 http://www.chow.com/topics/665260#5161770 I am getting married in the Palm Springs area and am looking for a place to host a rehersal dinner. I am looking for someplace that has GREAT food and drink , but is casual and fun and can accomodate up to 150 people. Ideas, people. I need ideas. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:24:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665260#5161770 http://www.chow.com/topics/665176#5161732 just a suggestion... virtually all of the posts on here are questions. I'd suggest the title of your post be "Lyle's Golden Syrup in North San Diego county"? or something to that extent.... Other than that, I am of no help here : ) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:10:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665176#5161732 http://www.chow.com/topics/664932#5161641 Thanks Melanie! I called Jerusalem Market, he told me that they will start stocking Halal turkeys beginning next week and through at least Thanksgiving, and that unless I want a very large size (which I don't, will be cooking for a crowd this Thanksgiving, but much prefer two smaller turkeys) that there will be plenty through Thanksgiving. If anyone else is on a similar search, he did recommend reserving your turkey in advance it you want a large one....I am thinking of stopping in there this week just to check the place out. Here is the post on your visit to the halal restaurant, Zoe Grill (which came up for me only after you replied to my request, didn't come up on previous board searches for me): http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/542966?tag=footer_recommendation%3bboard_discussion_module_small Interestingly, Zoe Grill had come up as the only entry for Fresno on Zabiha, and I have put it on my to try list. Any updates? Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:44:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664932#5161641 http://www.chow.com/topics/664653#5161438 Hi thiscabwasrare, guess the old saying applies here...."different strokes for etc etc...". Have you tried Peppers fish tacos? Throws me right back south of the border. I agree with Le Coq d' Or, however I would go there for German, not French cuisine...great Wiener Schnitzel. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:43:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664653#5161438 http://www.chow.com/topics/665217#5161421 Fantastic! Thank you so much for the help! Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:36:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665217#5161421 http://www.chow.com/topics/665212#5161210 Today is the first day of the first annual San Diego Beer Week. www.sdbeerweek.org If you live in San Diego and aren't aware of our county's world class brewing scene, this is a great time to check it out. Many knowledgeable people consider this the world's best city for craft beer. Even if you haven't liked beer in the past, you may well find something you truly enjoy from our local breweries - they are producing an incredibly broad range of flavors, including many beers that taste nothing like what you may think of as beer. For those who already appreciate the beer scene here, please get out and enjoy, spread the word and support local brewing! I believe a few CH'ers are involved in some of the events around town, please chime in and let others know if you're involved in this great event. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:32:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665212#5161210 http://www.chow.com/topics/637669#5161198 Ordering the extra tortillas is a good way because even my fav, the #15 special could go further with a few more succulent fresh tortillas than just the three they include making this bit of heaven last even longer. Thanks for the suggestion and your mouth-watering description of your fav. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:29:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/637669#5161198 http://www.chow.com/topics/664512#5160951 I agree with everything TJ said about Phillip’s Farms, although one time I couldn’t even find a place to park. Usually it is not crowded. I have also had some excellent food at Giusti’s a few miles west of I-5 on the Sacramento River levee near Thornton just north of Hwy 12. http://www.giustis.com/ Beware of staying at Harris Ranch if the breeze is from the north. The rooms are nice, but you might lose your dinner from the nauseating smell of the Harris Ranch slaughter yards wafting by. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:05:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664512#5160951 http://www.chow.com/topics/85828#5160594 I am looking for space to mfg our organic ice cream. Can someone out there help??? Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:19:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/85828#5160594 http://www.chow.com/topics/634778#5160199 Yeah. Its not pretty. I can tell you its not as pretty as a green flash in PB. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:56:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/634778#5160199 http://www.chow.com/topics/664851#5160040 ooohhhhh mercy! Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:25:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664851#5160040 http://www.chow.com/topics/658614#5159794 We ended up at Novo, and had a very nice dinner. See my posting here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/665069 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:55:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658614#5159794 http://www.chow.com/topics/665069#5159787 On my one night in the SLO area last Sunday, my girlfriend and I dined at Novo. The outside dining area is a very nice deck alongside a creek. On this early November night, the air was just cool enough where the heaters were appreciated, and made for a comfortable time. We started with two items from the starter menu: - Crab cakes. There were four of them and they came with a tartar sauce and baby greens. The tartar sauce had a nice ground mustard flavor to it. The dish was tasty, and I thought the crab cakes’ outside was deftly fried. However, overall this was probably the weakest of the four dishes we had, and I wouldn’t get them again. There could also be a little crab cake snobbery at play here, since I’m accustomed to really good Maryland lump crab cakes. - Fresh shrimp avocado spring rolls. I think this was also four pieces (two rolls, each cut in half), which were accompanied by two dipping sauces: a soy-ginger and a spicy chili. We both preferred the soy-ginger sauce. I was especially fond of the rice noodle used for the outside of the spring roll. The vegetables within were all very fresh and crisp, but the shrimp and avocado were under-represented. Then we had two items from the tapas menu: - Prawns moqueca. Several large prawns were served in a deep bowl filled with very fragrant spiced coconut broth and diced peppers and onions, with a bowl of jasmine rice on the side. The prawns were cooked right and had nice texture and flavor. The menu described the dish as “Brazilian,” but never having been to Brazil, I would call it akin to a mild curry. This was my favorite dish of the night. - Wild salmon. Seared and served over a corn salsa. The exterior of the fish was seared very nicely, although the inside had been cooked a little more than I prefer. It wasn’t overcooked, but I didn’t think in advance to request it rare. The corn salsa was flavorful and ample. This was my girlfriend’s favorite dish of the evening. The soup of the day was roasted tomato, which sounded very appealing, but would have been one course too many for us that night. As it was, the four dishes we had were just the right amount of food for us. Bread service was good and came with sides of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. My two glasses of Aaron petite sirah – selected with the help of our waiter – were really enjoyable and complemented the food very well, and service throughout dinner was fine, with fresh plates and silverware presented with each course. My only negative for the evening had nothing to do with the food, service, or other factors under Novo’s control, but was due to the mildly rambunctious neighbors seated a couple of tables away: a group of young twenty-somethings who didn’t know how to act and talk like adults in a restaurant. If I had a little more energy that night, I would’ve gone over and asked them to behave. As it was, it was just unwelcome noise that we tried to ignore. Our meal at Novo was a great ending to a day of touring along the coast, and we were both pleased with our choice to eat there. Recommended. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:53:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665069#5159787 http://www.chow.com/topics/664419#5159282 That's what I am hearing - a new restaurant in the same place... I'll let you know when and if something opens there... Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:09:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664419#5159282 http://www.chow.com/topics/664942#5158547 This place is right down the road from Two Bunch Palms. After several disappointing meals at random hole in the wall places El Huichol hit it out of the park. The Lengua was perfectly done and the chicken soup had a delicious broth, cooked perfectly. The real treat is that we happened in on a Saturday when they serve Birria ( available Saturdays and Sundays) it was rich and flavorful. The place is very casual, no frills but great authentic food. The two women serving us made us hot handmade tortillas and kept them coming and the salsa was fantastic. El Huichol 13-900 Palm Drive Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 760-329-8467 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:23:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664942#5158547 http://www.chow.com/topics/664672#5157108 I was at Paraduxx - it's not really Duckhorn...it's part of the Duckhorn corporation, but it's a completely separate brand. I think restaurants and retailers like to play off the connection. Nonetheless - it's a fantastic winery and the wines are tasty! Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:25:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664672#5157108 http://www.chow.com/topics/664768#5157033 Service wasn't bad. Could have just been an off day, but the more I think about it, it seemed a few notches down from what I expect from them. I am not crazy about the place, but it is normally a good bar burger. It wasn't that on my last visit. It was below average. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:43:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664768#5157033 http://www.chow.com/topics/664509#5156570 Yes indeed- thank you for the details- sounds delicious. My anniversary is in a few weeks, was thinking of the new Wine Cask- this sounds more interesting! Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:22:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664509#5156570 http://www.chow.com/topics/664715#5156474 The Linkery didn't bid for the space, it was offered as a vacant premises (post-Apertivo) by the property owner at a given rent. I don't know what Apertivo's lease terms were, that information has never been told to me. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:50:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664715#5156474 http://www.chow.com/topics/591788#5156473 The only thing that would have drawn me would have been the "Things," but why do you need that when the Old Spaghetti Factory is back in business? Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:49:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/591788#5156473 http://www.chow.com/topics/664364#5156405 My company also recently rented out Winesellar& Brassieie for a similar event which was quite nice. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:26:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664364#5156405 http://www.chow.com/topics/619854#5156185 The only thing Mexican about the raviolis is the nogada sauce. The filling was either beef or butternut squash or a combo of both. Had the ones my dining companion recieved not been so al dente and chewy it would have been a good dish. Visually, it's a very appealing dish. FWIW, Naomi Wise reviewed El Vitral last Thursday and reported the same problem with the raviolis that we experienced...the pasta is too al dente. Several of our dishes were under done, which is indicative of a kitchen that isn't executing well. I really want to like this restaurant, it clearly has a lot of potential. Our experience was pretty ragged and that's, essentially, what Naomi Wise reported in her SDReader review (which I had not read prior to going) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:17:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/619854#5156185 http://www.chow.com/topics/664078#5155962 How was the Craft this year? Wish I could have been there. Would love to hear your take. I saw a video of the event on San Diego News Network blog that spent a lot of time with Knibb and his dish: http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-11-02/restaurant-food-wine/celebrate-the-craft-a-favorite-culinary-event-for-chefs-food-lovers-alike Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:08:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664078#5155962 http://www.chow.com/topics/648994#5154606 What do you expect, those license plates cost some serious bucks. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:50:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/648994#5154606 http://www.chow.com/topics/664377#5153654 Hi we came back from a weekend two weeks ago.. We have a few favorites.. None are over to top but here they are.. la Quinta the resort.. breathtaking at sunset to sit on the patio and have cocktails.. We had dinner in the Mexican restaurant which was above average,we werent that hungry so we didnt order anything big.. maybe a steak or so would have been excellent.. The main restaurant is reopening soon.But the view is sooo worth it and just sitting out the for the cocktail.. We like Cuistot and Jillians in Palm Desert. Jillians the patio a must.. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:29:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664377#5153654 http://www.chow.com/topics/664257#5153296 For Carlsbad I strongly recommend Paon restaurant. Chef, manager, and staff are from WineSellar and Brasserie and they are just as good, if not better here. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:16:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664257#5153296 http://www.chow.com/topics/664453#5152983 Has anyone tried the Press Box Sports Bar on Fig Garden Loop? If so, what was your general take on the place, food and otherwise? Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:44:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664453#5152983 http://www.chow.com/topics/662626#5152797 Um... thanks :) Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:53:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662626#5152797