Farmer’s Bottega is one of the gleaming gems in Mission Hills’ culinary crown. Chef/owner Alberto Morreale brings his Sicilian roots, professional training and years of experience to the bistro table. The varied menu and natural ingredients reflect his lifelong passion for garden-fresh locally sourced cuisine. “Food doesn’t need to be complicated,” Morreale once said, “but…
A trusted friend raved about Circa, a University Heights restaurant which recently celebrated their first anniversary, and I eagerly anticipated being seated one memorable evening. Sometimes a food column’s word count limit can be frustrating, and this is one of those occasions. Because there isn’t enough space to describe how the experience met and exceeded…
What does one do when one discovers water damage from someone else’s broken pipe? When ones ceiling and walls are marked by water-filled blisters? When the upstairs neighbor, the one responsible for repairing the leak and damage is stationed in Japan? Why, find solace in comfort food, of course. Or at least that’s what I…
There is a minor traffic jam on Fifth Avenue and Maple Street every day around the lunch hour. Motorists are waiting for a parking space in the small lot at Marketplace Deli. There is usually a line inside the store, too, as customers wait for their orders. This is why I always phone-in my selection…
If dining beside a waterfall cascading beneath a lush canopy of tall palm trees and swaying bamboo appeals to you, then you’ll adore Albert’s Restaurant in the world famous San Diego Zoo. Located in the Lost Forest, Albert’s has offered full-service dining since opening in 1992. Their menu features globally inspired cuisine with a variety…
Don’t get me wrong, I love animals. I think their flesh is delicious. Think I’m joking? Just look at my reviews: nothing but meat, meat and more meat (with sides, of course). But, as people say, exercise moderation in all things. At some point my body says “take a break. Have a nice salad.” I…
A perfectly blended Manhattan served straight up reflects the dim light of the low-ceilinged dining room. A jazz combo grooves softly in the corner. The burgundy Naugahyde booth is thickly upholstered and tucked with brass buttons. A scene from the AMC hit series Mad Men? No, just a typical night at the Red Fox Steakhouse…
I invited my good friend Kittylips to join me for dinner one recent Saturday night. “Sure,” he said. “What’s the cuisine?” “Russian,” I replied. “I’m in no hurry,” he replied. Ugh. Pomegranate restaurant in University Heights serves authentic Georgian and Russian dishes. The walls of the high ceilinged dining rooms are covered with graffiti and…
The news my CPA shared about taxes was not good and I was thrown into a deep funk. I yearned for intense comforting in the worst way. In short, I wanted to get forked and forked completely. Buona Forchetta, or “good fork”, is where San Diegans go when they have a craving for authentic Neapolitan…
That’s what Justin Frank, director of operations for Sausage and Meat (S&M), told me. As expected, the menu focuses on house made sausages and exotic meats, charcuterie and bacon. But the menu “can change at any time” depending on what’s in season, and what Chef Mark Younggren has been concocting in the kitchen. I visited…
