So what do we think of the 2011 UT Dinning Guide?

[oerdin]

I just noticed the Union Tribune published their 2011 Dinning Guide on today (or at least I noticed it on the front page today) and I was wondering what the folks here thought about it. I'm only just starting to go through the lists so I can't conclusively say what I agree or disagree with but I am a bit disappointed that their "hottest neighborhoods" only lists a few choices in only two neighborhoods. On the upside, this year they seem to have taken the opinions of supposed experts instead of a popularity poll open to the public (as they've done in years past) so at least Taco Bell isn't listed as the best Mexican food place. ;)

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/20...

[ian langdon]

I kept hearing about Urban Solace. I went yesterday for lunch. I was eager to read the UT this morning and see how it rated but, alas, I guess its not the trendy 'in-place' anymore. I had the Duckaroni. The first bite was spectacular but I got the feeling (like I get whenever I have beef bourguignon or coq au vin) that it was so rich I wouldn't be able to sustain an active interest. Nice to pass out portions to your friends but a lot to handle for the person who orders it. Mom had the watermelon salad.

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Urban Solace Restaurant
3823 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104

[DiningDiva]

So has El Vitral really improved all that much. They do have an extensive tequila selection, but man, the last time I was there - which admittedly was well over a year ago - it wasn't very good. In fact, one of the desserts was actually inedible, we complained (nicely) about it, they still charged us.

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El Vitral Restaurant
815 J Ave, San Diego, CA 92118

[stevewag23]

It is funny how 3 years ago no one knew the word "Gastropub" in san diego.

Now you can't read a single article without someone saying "Gastropub" every other sentence.

That and "it's a little 'indie' restaurant..."

[DiningDiva]

What do you suggest instead of "indie". Mom & pop? Non-chain? Self-op? Independent?

[wanker]

It's far better than the abomination that is the UT's reader's polls.

[honkman]

Reading the "Superdiners" over some time it often seems that Ricardo Heredia (together with Andrew Spurgin) is nearly the only one with real interest in food beside the obvious choices.

[Josh]

Agreed.

[DiningDiva]

3rd

[Cathy]

It will be in print with tomorrow's paper. Today only has the Food Section.

[Josh]

I was disappointed by the weirdly myopic view on best neighborhood for dining. I'd put North/South Park above Hillcrest any day.