Tag Archives: Anthony Donovan

And We’re Back.

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If you work (or have ever worked) in theatre, you know these words well.  They are said by an often tired, overworked, underpaid and underappreciated stage manager to let actors and musicians know that it’s time to stop whatever you were doing and return to your places in rehearsal.  And that “whatever” we were doing has never, ever, EVER been anything important.  But once those fateful words hit the air, the energy in the room changes.  It means we are all now focused on the thing.  Back to business.  No fooling around. 

I’ve always viewed my break from this blog as kind of like an intermission or rehearsal break.  Just a brief pause for things like, pursuing other interests that don’t make me feel like I have nightly homework for the rest of my life, or working 3 other jobs to try to maintain some quality of life in the most expensive city I’ve ever lived in, or a global pandemic that had the entire food service industry circling the drain for a hot minute.  Y’know, normal stuff.

I wanted so badly to not discuss the pandemic on this blog.  Whether you were on the frontlines as an essential or stuck at home trying to stave off boredom, everyone went through their own flavor of Hell during Season 1 of COVID and I would love nothing more than to eternal Sunshine that shit right out of my brain forever but that’s not how the world works.  And it’s impact was too severe on the food service industry for me to ignore it now.  Plus, it’s not over.  Not by a longshot.  We’re back, indeed.

I know it’s highly dramatic to say that I feel like I’m relaunching this blog in an entirely different world than the one I created it in, but am I wrong?  This blog coming back was the furthest thing from my mind when I drove past my neighborhood Chilis in June of 2020 to see sad picnic tables in the parking lot with sad people eating even sadder food packaged to-go from 10 feet away but somehow was already cold once it got to their table.  All over San Diego, once respectable dining establishments now looked like a Hillbilly wedding reception (I’ve been to several Hillbilly weddings, do not @ me).   Seeing someone’s Dad trying to cut his soggy chicken crispers with plastic cutlery really broke something in me for a while there.  Just like his knife broke before he tossed his useless compost flat wear  to the ground and tearfully went at his sweaty chicken tenders with bare hands to glean some shred of the now-dead thrill of dining out.  Don’t even get me started on Little Italy.  I can not.

It was during this time that I saw a BUNCH of my favorite San Diego eateries shuttered.  But a few rolled with the punches, acted fast and got creative with how to keep serving the community and keep their business afloat while doing it safely in the face of a seemingly impossible public health crisis.  A few of these places, through these actions, gained me as a customer for life.  Others went the opposite way and will never again see me inside their establishments, many of which were shitty even before they served their food on the “good Chinet”.  As the years went on and the world at large attempted to stumble forward in the age of COVID, more and more places sprang up and shut down just as fast.  To quote Olivia Rodrigo (I’m very young and current) “It’s brutal out here”

Pandemic aside, keeping a restaurant afloat anywhere at anytime is a Herculean task at best (Blog post about this very subject coming soon) so I salute those who make it work to keep doing what they love.  Once enough time had passed, I decided I really missed doing this and was ready to give it another go.  A much bigger go than before.

And so The Boy Who Ate San Diego is back but I’m doing things a little differently this time.  I once again asked the internet where the best meal in San Diego is and they once again buried me beneath a list of names that took weeks for me to categorize and research before choosing the 10 places I’m starting with this season.  While I have not been to the majority of these restaurants, some I have already and want to share them with you.  Plus, I’m including some of what I call the San Diego “Icons”.  Places that locals have known and loved for decades.  I want to explore why they’ve stood the test of time and share that with you.  I’m still a pain in the ass when it comes to food preferences so my stalwart team of friends is once again coming with me to round out the menu and give additional perspective on the gross things I won’t eat or drink (BEER).

Plus, the Boy Who Ate San Diego is now a web series on YouTube.  youtube.com/@TheBoyWhoAteSanDiego Hosted by yours truly, I take you inside the places themselves and give you the “moving pictures” experience of the restaurants I’m reviewing.  You’ll hear from not just me but also my dining companions (a rotating and delightful bunch) as we recap our visit in our homes while making other food that we love to eat.  Since we’re the “talk about what’s for dinner over lunch” type of folks, this is very much in step for how my chosen family and I do life together and we can’t wait to have you at the table with us for all the fun.

PLUS The Boy Who Ate San Diego is also now a podcast!  The BW8SD: The Podcast will give listeners a deeper dive into the places and experiences that we cover.  We’ll discuss not only the place we ate that week but great food topics in general.  The best part is, unlike the YouTube series, you can play this in the car while driving and not wind up in a ditch!  I hope.  Please drive safely.  It will be available wherever you listen to podcasts.  I don’t know your life.  Link coming soon.

Does all this sound like sensory overload?  Has the modern age reduced your attention span to that of a sperm?  I GOTCHU, FAM.  The Boy Who Ate San Diego is also now on TikTok, serving up bite size morsels of highlights of my reviews and fun outtakes.  If you are over the age of 30 and don’t have access to a salty teenger to show you how TikTok works, I didn’t forget about you.  You can also enjoy these same videos on Instagram Reels, located on The Boy Who Ate San Diego Instagram.  Where I proudly stand as the first ever middle aged homosexual white guy with an influencer complex  in known human history.  Ever. I’m still just as wildly unqualified to review restaurants as ever (maybe even moreso now) so whether you’re a faithful OG reader of this here blog or you’re just now discovering me, good or bad I promise I will make it entertaining and if I can hip you to a new spot or infuriate you with a bad review of some bullshit place you love, all the better!  I’m so excited to bring this new chapter of The Boy Who Ate San Diego to you.  LAUNCHING JANUARY 18th, 2024, Y’ALL. LET’S EAT!

The Finish Line

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Before we get to the new stuff, I’ve had several requests to post the companion piece to my Half Way Point cheat sheet entry finishing out the second half of the BW8SD 2014 challenge.  Your wish is my command!  Like last time, I’ve included links to the original posts and what to order at each place.  I’ve also had several people ask me to rank all 52 restaurants but I can’t because they were each a unique experience in their own right and I like my head best when it hasn’t exploded, which would most certainly happen should I try to organize this whole list.

27. Southpaw Social Club

What to order: House made Pretzels with cheddar cheese sauce

28. Heat

What to order: Heat Natural Burger

29. Old Town Mexican Cafe

What to order: Mexican style ribs

30. Saigon on Fifth

What to order: Spicy Noodle with Shrimp

31. Cowboy Star

What to order: Sweet Corn Soup

32. Swami’s

What to order: Lobster Benedict

33. Bruxie

What to order: Michel Cordon Bleu cold smoked Smoked Salmon waffle sandwich

34. Family House of Pancakes

What to order: Pecan Belgium Waffle

35. Fat Sal’s

What to order: the “Fat Buffalo”

36. Juniper and Ivy

What to order: Corn Fritter with Avocado Crema

37. Eureka

What to order:  the Napa Burger

38. The Patio

What to Order: Corn Flake crusted French Toast

39. Mona Lisa

What to order: cheese ravioli with meatballs

40. West Coast Tavern

What to order: Pistachio Bread Pudding

41. Nine Ten

What to order: Maine Lobster & Hiutlacoche Agnolotti

42. Waypoint Public

What to order: Fries (Yeah.  Totally not kidding.  They’re THAT good)

43. Little Tokyo

What to order: spicy crab and tuna roll

44. Tam’s

What to order: curried potato egg roll

45. Bijou

What to order: Paris Brest

46. Cafe 21

What to order: Grilled Pear Salad

47. Jimmy Carter’s Mexican Cafe

What to order: Cucumber Margarita

48. Saltbox

What to order: “Ginger Rogers” Cocktail

49. Big Kitchen

What to order:  Kirk Scramble

50. Foster’s Freeze

What to order: Double Decker Burger

51. Pizzeria Luigi

What to order: The White Girl Pizza

52. Zensei Sushi

What to order: The Firecracker

It’s been a great year but on to the new stuff!  I’ve got some awesome things coming in the new year, I look forward to sharing my continuing food journey with ya!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zensei Sushi (52 of 52) (CLOSED)

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I CAN’T BELIEVE I ACTUALLY DID IT!!!!

1 year
52 new restaurants

The mind.  It boggles at the scope of what I’ve done.

For the final restaurant of 2014, I chose some of my favorite food; sushi.  Zensei Sushi, located in the San Diego neighborhood of North Park.  I love me some sushi and was eager to celebrate this last dinner of my challenge with my friends:

Craig-Jackie’s lucky and mysterious other half, picture unavailable

David-Technical writer, singer, robot super villain

Durwood-Best friend, comedian, San Diego’s go-to young black non-singing actor

Jackie-Awesome Soprano, fellow East Coast transplant, Has a Vegas story or two

Jason-Rocky Horror performer, 75th level-coffee snob, token minority

Joey-Future music professor, Sazerac drinker, makes a mean cup of coffee

Kelsey-Project manager, Advanced level foodie, Has been known to drop it like it’s hot after a few cocktails

Mandy-Writer, Top-shelf level geek girl, lives in my pocket

Samantha-My co-star in “Five Course Love”, Aubrey Award winner, A sometimes Amish Jew

Suzanne-My Italian soul sista, Can throw down in the kitchen, the cultured one who pronounces everything correctly.

A big thank you to everyone who helped out with this blog both in this picture and not in this picture. Thank you for being so obsessed with my silly descriptions of you.

A big thank you to everyone who helped out with this blog both in this picture and not in this picture. Thank you also for being so obsessed with my silly descriptions of you all.

Once we were seated (kind of an ordeal as we were a big group in a very small space) our server, who was lovely, informed us that only one of their two sushi chefs had shown up for their shift so our food would be coming out at a slower speed with only one person preparing it.

For appetizers, Samantha and Jackie both ordered the Tempura Avocado.  Samantha called it ripe to perfection, which she loved.  While the first two slices were delicious, after a while she began to only taste tempura.  Mandy & Joey started with Miso Soup.  It included sesame seeds, which Mandy doesn’t care for but said the soup was good.  Joey likened the tofu to the kind that comes in freeze dried packets.  He much prefers larger blocks of tofu.  Instead of an Oyster shooter (which they were out of), Jason got Stuffed Oranges (Spicy scallops and crab on rice, wrapped with fresh salmon), which is a favorite of his.  This dish also stood out with others who tasted it.

Durwood had the Fried Chicken Gyoza, which he felt was good but pretty standard.  Suzanne got an Orion Beer.  This isn’t a beer that’s usually found on a menu here in the states so she enjoyed that.  Jackie and I both ordered the Firecracker (Their version of a jalapeno popper).  While she found it nothing outstanding, Jackie did enjoy it.  It was a bit spicy for my whimpy tastes but it was very tasty.  Particularly nice with soy sauce.

Just because my punk ass yankee tummy didn't like the heat, these were delicious.

My punk ass yankee tummy didn’t like the heat but these were delicious.

For main courses, Samantha, David & Kelsey each ordered the Sancho Roll (Shrimp tempura, gobo, cream cheese, avocado inside with spicy crab, sweet sauce outside).  Samantha found the carrots really crispy with delicious crab and great shrimp tempura.  Kelsey found the roll to be very balanced with nothing that tasted like filler.  David called it his favorite roll of the night.   Samantha  and David both followed it with the 30th & Upas roll (Spicy tuna inside, with tuna and avocado on top, and secret spicy sauce),  Which Samantha called amazing.  She loved the salsa and cilantro.  She appreciated the fact that the spice didn’t overpower the tuna flavor.  David also called it delicious.   Less impressive to Samantha were the spicy mayo, which lacked kick and a ponzu sauce that was far too salty for her.  Kelsey also had Seared Ahi Sashimi Salad.  She found the salad to lack a lot of flavor.  While the fish was seared beautifully, Kelsey felt it need something more.  Mandy got the Spider Roll (Soft shell crab, masago gobo, cucumber, and avocado), which she said was well made and well sized.  She followed it with a Yellow Submarine Roll (Eel, crab, cream cheese, avocado, golden tempura, topped with eel sauce).  The roll includes Jalapeno, which is not Mandy’s favorite but she felt it worked really well.   Durwood had the Dragon Roll (Tempura‎ shrimp, cucumber, cream cheese and crab, eel and avocado outside).  He said it was excellent, which each ingredient being present in every bite.  Worth coming back for alone.    Suzanne got Tuna & Salmon Nigiri, both of which she said were good.  She also ordered a Dream Roll (Spicy‎ mix of cucumber, gobo, onions, masago, tuna, yellowtail and crab inside with avocado, thin edible lemon zest and seared pearl white tuna inside).  She enjoyed how fresh it tasted and the tuna was of particular note for it’s buttery-ness.

Joey (following a dashed attempt at ordering out-of-stock Salmon skins) ordered the Takoyaki, which is is a ball-shaped Japanese snack made of a wheat flour-based batter and cooked in a special takoyaki pan. It is typically filled with minced or diced Octopus (tako), tempura scraps (tenkasu), pickled ginger and green onion (Thank you wikipedia!).  Despite the fact that he compared the cabbage to the Kroger cole slaw blend, Joey said the Takoyaki was pretty solid.  He followed it with a Salmon Roll, which he said was acceptable.  Jackie had the Dragon Roll and the Uptown Roll.  She said they were both well made and well sized but tasted similar to each other.  Craig got Shrimp Udon.  He felt the noodles were good but the broth tasted like little else other than salt and the shrimp used in the soup were tiny.  David also had the Chicken Katzu (Lightly breaded chicken with Japanese bbq sauce, served with steamed rice and steamed vegetables), which he said was fine, if standard.

For my main course, I ordered the Maui Wowi (Crab,‎ avocado, cucumber baked with a special spicy sauce then layered with mango salsa).  I found the tempura a bit tough but the flavors were nice.

Spicy Tuna is everything. I just love it.

Spicy Tuna is everything. I just love it.

I also had the Pizza Roll, not to be confused with Pizza Rolls which I would still have gladly eaten.   This roll is Smoked salmon, avocado, and dynamite sauce, all finished in the oven.  While the roll was tasty, the baking part did made the rice hard and the whole thing was a bit greasy.  Which I realize only makes it more pizza like.

On a scale of Little Caesar's to Pizza hut, I'd say this pizza roll was a solid Dijourno.

On a scale of Little Caesar’s to Pizza hut, I’d say this pizza roll was a solid DiGiorno.

So overall it seems our feelings on Zensei Sushi were positive.  The service was great under pressure.  While there were some hiccups, they took very good care of us.  The food was good and well priced.  While I was not bowled over by anything I had, I would definitely not turn down an opportunity to return.

So, that’s it!  The last restaurant in the challenge.  I’ve had many readers ask what happens from here?  Well, I do plan to continue this blog into the new year. While I will not be dining at a new place every week, I will still be trying some new places and blogging about the places in San Diego that I already love. I want to thank everyone who read this nonsense that I post every week, especially those that comment, like and share my posts on social media. I never thought this blog would catch fire and be read by people all over the world that I don’t even know! I appreciate all of you and wish you the best in the new year. Thank you for taking and continuing this journey with me.

Sincerely,
Anthony Donovan
The Boy who ate San Diego

Pizzeria Luigi (51 of 52)

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I was a surprisingly normal kid.  Like any boy my age there were two things I loved: Pizza and wrapping my lower half in a blanket to pretend I was a beautiful mermaid.  I never really lost my fondness for either.  So a trip to this week’s restaurant was a no brainer.  Pizzeria Luigi was founded by an actual Italian named Luigi in 2004.  They started with a location in Golden Hill and branched out to a second location in North Park 5 years later.  This is the place I’m at tonight with my pizza loving friends:

Aimee-Roommate since the 90’s, BFF, allergic to hot dogs and therefore labeled a commie by many

Arturo-Raw Story reporter, Rocky Horror community main stay, Mr. DJ

Christy-Rocky Horror performer, Cat lover, We’ve all seen her boobs

Craig-Jackie’s lucky and mysterious other half, picture unavailable

Esparza– Rocky Horror performer, once played Rock Band naked at a party, don’t ask him about the door.

Jackie-Awesome Soprano, fellow East Coast transplant, Has a Vegas story or two

Nick– Gamer extraordinaire, Once made a rap video in a tub with me, Colorado resident

Tomy-Fashionista, Rocky Horror performer, an original Kathryn

We are here to judge your pizza and surprisingly few Mario Bros jokes.

We are here to judge your pizza and make surprisingly few Mario Bros jokes in the process.

The place was small but busy.  Many people picking up whole pies to go or eating at the bar.  There was a line to order for in-house dining.  Pizzeria Luigi offers a great deal of 2 slices and a soda for 6 bucks.  They also stay open late which is another plus.  Hopefully the pizza would live up to this promise.

Arturo ordered the Pepperoni slice and the Capone (Pepperoni/Sausage/Meatball) slice.  He felt it was disappointing.  The kind of pizza that is better elsewhere in the city.  There was no real kick to the flavors and the flavors that did come through could be more lively.  Nick and Craig both had the Capone & the Leonardo (Parmesan Cheese/Mozzerella/Pesto).  Nick felt the cheese was underwhelming on the Leonardo while Craig thought it completely lacked flavor.  Nick added that the crusts on both pizzas were middle-done. They both said the sausage was great but the Capone overall needed more meat on it.  Jackie had the Fresh Prince (Spinach/Tomato/Mushroom/Onion/Artichoke/Garlic Marinara) and the Spinach Ricotta.  She noted that she needed to add salt to her pizzas, which is not a good thing. She overall felt like the slices were not satisfying and felt more like a appetizer than a meal.  Tomy got The Sports Bar (Potato/Bacon/Sour Cream/Cheddar/Green Onion) and the Leonardo.  He also ordered a Pabst Blue Ribbon for reasons unclear to the rest of us but Tomy assured us he’d stop drinking it before he grew an ironic mustache.  He felt the Sports Bar was good but he would refrain from ordering a whole pizza of it. He also said The Leonardo was tasty.

Aimee ordered two slices from the case but was unhappy with the selection, saying they tasted a bit old and she also found the staff to be unhelpful..  She would be interested in ordering a whole pie to see if freshness would make a difference.  Esparza had the Buffalo Chicken Pizza and the Capone.  He found them both to be okay but overall lacking flavor.  As Esparza is not a big fan of thin crust pizza to begin with, these did little to sway him.  Christy got the Spinach Ricotta and The White Girl (Chicken/Bacon/Spicy Ranch).  While she enjoyed the Spinach Ricotta, the real stand out for Christy was the White Girl and I have to agree with her.  She insisted I try it and it was fresh!  Hot out of the oven and super tasty!  It was a nice change of pace from what a lot of other folks at the table seemed to be experiencing.

As for me, I had the Spinach Ricotta and the Sports Bar.   I have to say there were good points and bad points about this meal.  The good was that they were good for what it was and the value of 2 slices and a soda for 6 bucks is kind of amazing.  I also liked the fact that they are open later.  Not so successful was the fact that the pizza had clearly sat in that case for a while.  In fact, having some of Christy’s White Girl only made me realize what a divide in taste there was from Luigi’s pizza fresh versus not so fresh.  It seemed very strange to me that this was what was available by the slice on a busy Saturday night with a sizeable crowd.  That having been said, I would also come back.  Both slices gave hints of what could await a taster when the pizza’s at it’s best.

Like pizza from New York! After the flight...

Like pizza from New York! After the flight…

The overall feeling with Pizzeria Luigi was that better pizza could be found elsewhere but what we had was good enough in price and taste that it would be worth coming in for again.  Many (myself included) felt it would be worth trying a whole pizza as freshness would be less of an issue than it was for the individual slices offered in the case.  My dining companions also praised the selection of inexpensive beers.  So basically this is the place you want to come after drinking at the bar and before heading home.  I’ve also been told the Golden Hill location is a difference experience so it’s safe to say that even though it was not phenomenal, Pizzeria Luigi has not seen the last of my business.

Further reading

 

 

Foster’s Freeze (50 of 52)

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On a chilly jet black night, we stood motionless on the cold concrete staring up at the structure before us.  Our faces illuminated by the giant neon sign pulling us forward like a beacon in the darkness.  Tomy walked up behind me and asked with more fear in his voice that I can ever remember hearing; “Where are we?”  It was as though we’d stepped into a time machine and waiting to greet us when we stepped out of our Delorean, was this week’s restaurant, Foster’s Freeze.  Thankfully, I packed my tardis full of cohorts who both love fast food and appreciate references I make about British TV shows that I don’t actually watch…

Aimee-Roommate since the 90’s, BFF, allergic to hot dogs and therefore labeled a commie by many

David-Technical writer, singer, robot super villain

Durwood-Best friend, comedian, San Diego’s go-to young black non-singing actor

Dylan-The newest addition, the 2014 model.  A Kate & Joe production.

Joe-Theatre and beer enthusiast, podcast co-host, Co-Creator of World’s Cutest Baby

Joe “Bish”-Computer wunderkind, Husband of Kate, a tall drink of water

Kasey-Rocky Horror performer, Coffee wife,  Occasional Drag King

Kate-Costume designer, Comedian, Once starred in a church rap video

Lily-World’s Cutest Baby (a Joe & Nicole production)

Nicole-Stage Manager, Cupcake diva, Co-Creator of World’s Cutest Baby

Sebastian-The coolest kid in Kindergarten.  A Kate & Joe production.

Tomy-Fashionista, Rocky Horror performer, an original Kathryn

Not pictured: Jack and Diane who are outside sucking on chili dogs.

Not pictured: Jack and Diane who are outside sucking on chili dogs.

Foster’s Freeze is a Southern California institution.  Calling itself “California’s first fast food chain”, Foster’s Freeze began as an Inglewood-based soft serve cone place that branched out into other foods and has been a staple since 1946, making it the second oldest SoCal relic that I’ve seen in person! I was really unsure what to expect. I mean, this wasn’t exactly snooty upper crust dining but I can’t imagine you last that long in the food service game without bringing something good to the table.  Besides, I’m no snob and I love a good burger.  Let’s do this.

For dinner, Joe ordered the Big Boss (with Swiss and American cheeses, bacon, onion rings, lettuce, pickles, tomato and Foster’s Special Sauce).  He expected the burger quality to be on par with a Dairy Queen/A&W type place and he got it.  He also loved the crinkle cut fries on the side.  Tomy also ordered the Big Boss minus Onions, tomato & pickles.  While he appreciated the thick cut condiments, he felt the meat was a bit on the chincy side for such a big burger.  He also liked his waffles fries and the fact that they have Diet Dr. Pepper on tap was a plus for Tomy.  David got the Double Cheeseburger with crinkle cut fries, which he said was a nice departure from the standard fast food fries.  He also really liked that the soda machine was well stocked with ice.  Like, he mentioned it twice.

Aimee ordered the Patty Melt with Onion Rings and a chocolate milkshake.  She was delightfully surprised to see they used traditional rye bread and thought it was a great value for $4.99.  She also enjoyed the onion rings because the passed the “Onion Ring test” (With a single bite, the onion did not come out of the breading).  She also gave high marks to the milkshake’s flavor and the fact that she didn’t pull a lung trying to drink it with a straw.  Kate had the Double Old fashioned with chili fries and a root beer.  She really enjoyed the burger and felt it was well proportioned with the amount of toppings.  She added that the chili fries were FOR REAL.  Sebastian had the corn dog and was very enthusiastic about it.

Kasey got the double cheese burger with a root beer float.  She like so many others praised the amount of toppings.  She also enjoyed the amount of ice cream used in her root beer float.  Joe B had possibly the best review of his meal in saying “Never has 1600 calories tasted so good!”  He also praised the amount of pickles included on his Big Boss Burger.  I had the Double Decker with Waffle Fries.  I have to say I was unsure what my experience of dining her was going to be like but I have to be honest: This is was damned delicious.  It was big, messy and full of flavor.  Loaded with toppings and well made.  A great value.  The waffle fries were also terrific.  A hugely satisfying meal.

I've paid up to 8 bucks for burgers like this elsewhere. That was stupid of me...

I’ve paid up to 8 bucks for burgers like this elsewhere. That was stupid of me…

I could’ve gotten a milkshake with my burger but I wanted to do a proper dessert so I went back and ordered a mud pie twister.  One of my favorite desserts is a mud pie.  My Mom would always make it for Thanksgiving when I was growing up so it both hugs and feeds my inner fat kid.  This dessert delivered the flavor perfectly and just as remember it.  A home run.

Not gonna lie. Googling "Mud Pie" for a recipe link made me very afraid of what results might come up. Fortunately, my imagination was far more perverse than the internet, for a change.

Not gonna lie. Googling “Mud Pie” for a recipe link made me very afraid of what results might come up. Fortunately, my imagination was far more perverse than the internet, for a change.

So I have to say this was one of the biggest surprises of the challenge.  I really loved Foster’s Freeze and would come back as soon as possible to get my fast food on.

 

Further reading

Big Kitchen (49 of 52)

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I’ve been very fortunate in this challenge to dine at some of San Diego’s premiere upscale restaurants.  Trendy, hip, swanky and (in some cases) just plain too good for the likes of me have all been explored but I’ve also loved going to the smaller, mom & pop-style hidden gems of the city.  I’ve learned that a restaurant experience doesn’t have to be expensive or have a celebrity chef attached to it to be unique.  Enter this week’s restaurant:  Big Kitchen.  As this was a breakfast, most of the usual early morning foods fans were in attendance.

Amy B-Vegetarian Belle, Author, Event Planner

Anna-Educator, flannel wearer, still mad at us for going to Snooze without her

Calei-Vegan food lover, a Mrs and a Mom, fellow Disneyland fan

Harry-Wise guy, master of the grill, loves camping for some reason

Joe-Theatre and beer enthusiast, podcast co-host, Co-Creator of World’s Cutest Baby

Kelsey-Project manager, Advanced level foodie, Has been known to drop it like it’s hot after a few cocktails

Liam-Star Wars fan, Lego enthusiast, the Earl of Sandwich

Lily-World’s Cutest Baby (a Joe & Nicole production)

Nearly everyone in this photograph is from a place where we'd get made fun of for dressing like this in December in San Diego.

Nearly everyone in this photograph is from a place where we’d get made fun of for dressing like this in December in San Diego.

Big Kitchen has some serious history to it.  A San Diego staple for nearly 35 years, I may actually be the last person in this city to not have eaten here.  Many notables have come through and even worked here.  Most famously Whoopi Goldberg who left behind a promising career as a dishwasher at Big Kitchen to settle for becoming an Academy Award winning actress.  The staff, most notably owner Judy, are colorful friendly and so welcoming you really do feel like you’re a guest in someone’s home. Much like in my home, they only accept cash.  It actually makes dining with a large group easier, so it was no problem for me.  Those select few in my group who didn’t bring cash were back in a jiffy (yeah, I said jiffy) after hitting up a nearby ATM.  Jiffy.

Harry ordered the Turkey Omelette with a side of potatoes.  He enjoyed all facets of the dish and the roasted garlic was of particular note.  Calei got the Tofu Rancheros, which was originally brought to her with cheese but was made vegan at her request with absolutely no hassle.  She said the rancheros was super delicious and worth coming back for.  For Liam, she got the kid’s pancake, which he liked.  Amy had the Biscuit with veggie gravy with sauteed veggies,  fruit, Rye toast and fresh squeezed orange juice.  She’s been here several times and this dish is a favorite of hers.  Amy calls it the best veggie gravy she’s ever had with an amazing flavor and herbiness.  The sauteed veggies were a bit oily for her taste but she loves this place.  Anna ordered the Kirk Scramble.  She said it was awesome.  She loved the Blue Cheese, bacon and mushrooms.  Anna also found the potatoes to be top notch.

Kelsey had the Biscuits and gravy.  She found the gravy to be way too lumpy and the sausage was overwhelmed by the Sage and Thyme.  There was no parsley because Paul Simon didn’t make her breakfast.  She said it wasn’t bad but also wasn’t what she wanted.   Joe also had the biscuits and gravy.  He praised how big the food was but wished for more sausage.  Lily enjoyed her pancake.  I could tell she appreciated the fresh ingredients from the look of joy she wore while rubbing pieces of the ripped pancake into her hair, which she did because baby.  I had the spinach and mushroom omelette with bacon and potatoes on the side.  My breakfast also included an iPad-sized piece of coffee cake.  It was delicious but ridiculously large.

LARGE Coffee cake. I left the giant novelty fork in the picture for scale.

LARGE Coffee cake. I left the giant novelty fork in the picture for scale.

My main was course was fluffy and delicious.  While new ground certainly wasn’t broken, it was simple breakfast food done right.  Also, super affordable.

If they had drive thru, this place would be perfect.

If they had drive thru, this place would be perfect.

So in closing I would say Big Kitchen is definitely worth your time.  It’s charming, kitchy, cozy and fun.  Most importantly, good coffee and yummy breakfast food that will fill you up and make you happy in that special way that only breakfast, and occasionally tequila, can.

Further reading

 

Saltbox (48 of 52) (CLOSED)

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San Diego’s booming downtown nightlife is centered in the Gaslamp Quarter.  Whether you want the warm salty safety of TGI Fridays, the eat-it-with-a-fork dark beers of The Field or to be harassed by homophobic crazy homeless drifters, you can find all of it downtown. This is the setting of tonight’s challenge restaurant, Saltbox.  Located in the Palomar Hotel, the interior is posh, modern and hard to find (For me anyway, you may be better with directions.  You likely are.)  It also features an incredibly unique unisex bathroom with individual stalls built into the walls.  Ready to face this challenge were a few salty friends I brought with me:

Amy B-Vegetarian Belle, Author, Event Planner

David-Technical writer, singer, robot super villain

Harry-Wise guy, master of the grill, loves camping for some reason

Molly-Recent San Diego transplant, jewelry maker, The new girl

When were we ever going to get another chance to do group photo in the bathroom? Never. This isn't Ally McBeal.

When were we ever going to get another chance to do group photo in the bathroom? Never. This isn’t Ally McBeal.

For cocktails, Harry ordered the “Diamond in the Ruff” (Bombay saphire, dry vermouth, luxardo, st George absinthe & orange bitters).  He said it was really good. David and Amy both had the “Ginger Rogers” (Dickle rye, lime juice, ginger syrup, cinnamon syrup & rhubarb bitters).  Both gave high marks to the very good cocktails of this place.  Amy followed that up with an “Old Thymer” (Wild turkey, housemade thyme syrup & angostura) which was another hit.  Molly got the “L’il Miss” (Smirnoff, elderflower, lemon &  rose water).  She followed suit and said the drink was really good.  This place’s bar is obviously a highlight.

Ginger Rogers: Does everything a Fred Astaire can but backwards and in heels.

Ginger Rogers: Does everything a Fred Astaire can but backwards and in heels.

Right about here is where the problems started.

Right next to our table (no exaggeration, I had to hold my phone up because he could probably read my phone screen) a man showed up with a guitar, a harmonica and began an uninterrupted 90 minute set of 70’s classic rock covers at full volume. All hope my friends and I had of speaking to each other over our dinners were dashed as anything we attempted to shout at one another only looked like we were lip synching for our lives to the tunes of Elton John, Kansas & Neil Young.  Now, don’t get me wrong: this guy was very talented.  He played well and was a proficient enough vocalist, despite bringing “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” down a few octaves (The rumors are true, we high tenors are the judgiest bitches in the world).  But the bigger problem I have here was not with this guy who was simply doing what he was paid to show up and do.  It’s with Saltbox and other trendy places like it that don’t seem to understand that you can’t have it both ways.  You can’t do upscale dining *and* dive bar cool.  You just can’t.  You gotta choose.  This place passed itself off as a restaurant and bar but a much more accurate description would be “hotel bar with food available”.  And said food was why we were all here.

Right about here is where the problems continued…

For dinner Molly ordered the Half Kale Caesar Salad & The Burger on brioche with bacon, cheddar, lto, grain mustard aioli & pickles with a side of fries.  She said the salad was flavorless and barely had any dressing.  The fries were tasty but when Molly asked for the “House made ranch”, she was informed that they didn’t have it.  Her burger was equally disappointing.  Though cooked correctly, it was really bland.  She concluded that she could get a better burger at In-n-Out at a quarter of the price.  Amy got the Butternut Squash Ravioli with Buerre noisette, sage, pomegranate & chanterelle.  She found the raviloi to be really sweet and unbalanced.    As a table we shared side items of Cauliflower Gratin & Broccolini.   The cauliflower was found both by Amy and Harry to be nothing more than mushy and inside a low grade cheese sauce.  By definition; not a gratin.

Harry had the Skirt Steak with Achiote marinade, herbed rice, chimichurri & plantain chips.  Harry found the steak to be overcooked and the rice to be severely under-cooked.  He was thoroughly unhappy with it and planned to mention it to our server (who we were all pretty sure was a bartender assigned to our table) but after bringing our food, our server disappeared for nearly 45 minutes (or 12 acoustic rock covers).  not good.   David ordered Roasted Pumpkin Soup (with Pepitas, pea tendrils & chives) and the 1/2 Roasted Chicken with root vegetables, bordelaise, parsley and celery leaf salad.  In a change of pace, he really enjoyed the soup.  He said it was great.  The chicken however was dry and flavorless.

One of the few hits of the evening's food: David's Pumpkin Soup.

One of the few hits of the evening’s food: David’s Pumpkin Soup.

I got the Yukon Potato Flatbread with chicken added and a side of Fries.  Though  I was charged for it, the chicken never made its way onto my flatbread but I was so hungry by the time they brought it, I didn’t care.  It was more food than I thought it was going to be but it was good enough.  Nothing astounding but competently made.  The fries were fries and I got more than I thought I would.  Still on the expensive side (even after they took the missing chicken off my bill).

Upscale bar food. Tasty but not worth the wait.

Upscale bar food. Tasty but not worth the wait.

There were some dessert items on the menu but after a very long wait, numerous service snafus and having to spend an entire night texting each other at the table to save our voices, we weren’t interested in trying any of them.

So, you’re probably thinking that we hated this place and would never come back.  Not true.  The drinks were successful across the board so if you are a business professional in San Diego needing to take the big wigs out for a cocktail on the company’s dime, take them here.  I think Saltbox is really doing themselves a disservice in the way they are marketing themselves.  This is a hotel bar with some food available.  Passing it off as a restaurant first gives the wrong impression and sets up diners for a disappointing dinner experience, which is what we had.  Come back for cocktails.  After you’ve eaten somewhere else.

Further reading

To see all the pictures from this dinner be sure to follow The Boy who Ate San Diego on Instagram!

Jimmy Carter’s Mexican Cafe (47 of 52)

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In this town you can’t fling a dead cat without hitting 5 Mexican food restaurants. What you’ll find (in addition to some really grossed out people in the path of a flying feline carcass) is a variety of styles of Mexican food.  You’ve got fusion, upscale, hole-in-the-wall to white washed gringo chow and everything in between.  This week’s restuarant is Jimmy Carter’s Mexican Cafe.  Contrary to my first thought, it was not founded by our 39th president but by a guy named Jimmy Carter in 1991.  It was classic diner food but after noticing a lack of authentic Mexican food in the area, he reopened it as a Mexican cafe and it’s been there ever since.  It took 23 years for me to have my first meal here but better late than never, right?  Joining me were some of my Mexican food loving friends:

Aimee-Roommate since the 90’s, BFF, allergic to hot dogs and therefore labeled a commie by many

Amy J-Rocky Horror performer, Michigan football loyalist, a common floozy

Chris-Attorney, lifelong food snob, loves good Scotch and gay jeans

Dylan-The newest addition, the 2014 model.  A Kate & Joe production.

Harry-Wise guy, master of the grill, loves camping for some reason

Joe “Bish”-Computer wunderkind, Husband of Kate, a tall drink of water

Kate-Costume designer, Comedian, Once starred in a church rap video

Sebastian-The coolest kid in Kindergarten.  A Kate & Joe production.

You will be shocked to learn that this picture was taken post margaritas.

You will be shocked to learn that this picture was taken post margaritas.

Margaritas were a must for starters.  Amy Ordered a Mezcal Margarita.  She thought it was a tasty and different take on a smoky mezcal.  Harry had a Cucumber Margarita.  He loved it and found it to be very refreshing.  Aimee got a Azul Margarita which looks a lot like Windex in a glass.  She said it was very good and they didn’t spare the hooch!

For appetizers, Aimee had the Calamari Strips.  She thought it was a little unusual that they actually sell Calamari by the piece but she enjoyed them.  A bit chewy but that was more than made up for by the outstanding sauce that came with it.  Harry started with a cup of Chicken Tortilla Soup.  He said it was tasty but nothing he would lose his mind over.  I started with Chicken Taquitos.  They arrived, as it traditional, buried under a pile of shredded lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole.  I’m sad to say what awaited me under all that was less than impressive.  In fact they were kind of burnt to all hell and back.  The Chicken on the ends was so charred it almost had a bacon-like consistency.  They could have done with a quicker journey through the fryer.

There are rolled tacos under here, I just know it.

There are rolled tacos under here, I just know it.

For our main dishes, Harry had the Shrimp Tostada.  He said it was fine but nothing spectacular.  Joe had the Calamari Al Mojo de Ajo.  He loved the big, tender pieces of Calamari and the sautee in butter and garlic.  Also high marks came from Joe for the side of Telaquepaque Sauce.  Kate ordered the build-your-own-plate with shredded beef crispy taco, chicken enchilasa with green sauce and Chili Relleno with Red Sauce.  She also enjoyed it and praised the moist beef, the Chili Relleno which was “Larger than my head” and had a unique texture outside of the normally runny fillings.  She loved that the enchilada was so fresh and made with hand made corn tortillas.  Chris had the Chile Colorado.  He said it was competently executed but not outstanding . This particular dish, according to Chris, can be found done better elsewhere.

Aimee also had the Chili Colorado with pork.  She loved it and praised the tender pork with just the right amount of heat on the finish.  Amy got the Taco Salad with Soy Ground Beef.  She said it was good but there were some issues with the taco shell-to-filling ratio . Also she mentioned the salad would likely be better served tossed than layered.  Overall she found her dinner to be not much better than what could be found at a drive thru Mexican place (of which there are roughly 12,345,678 in San Diego).  I ordered one of the house specialties, the Comidas Del Mar Enchiladas (Shrimp).  I was really not impressed with this dish.  The shrimp were tiny.  The kind you can add to a salad for 50 cents at most chain restaurants.  The sauce, billed as “Creamy chipotle” tasted like reheated Tostitos cheese dip.  It was really greasy and gross.  I’m sad to say I really did not enjoy it.

Unfortunately the flavor spectrum on this dish was about as wide as the color spectrum.

Unfortunately the flavor spectrum on this dish was about as wide as the color spectrum.

In closing while my experience at Jimmy Carter’s was not the best, others seemed pleased with their drinks and some of the things they had but I got the distinct impression that better Mexican food can be found at too many other places in San Diego.   This is why we try new things.  Well, that and my obsessive need to publicly state my opinions on everything.  Anyway, you get the point.  Walk don’t run.

Further reading

To see all of the photos from this dinner, be sure to follow The Boy who ate San Diego on Instagram!

Cafe 21 (46 of 52)

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When you have a bustling food and drink area as large as downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, it can get confusing knowing which places are good.  Don’t worry, I’m here for you.  In addition to having lived in the Gaslamp Quarter for 4 years, I’ve also covered several restuarants located in this area such as BiCE, The Neighborhood, South Paw Social Club and Cowboy Star.  I’ve had great success with all these places so I was looking forward to seeing if this week’s restaurant would stack up.  With me were the few, the curious and the thirsty:

Abby-Swim instructor, Disneyland buddy, Stresses about making food for my other food-savvy friends

Amy B-Vegetarian Belle, Author, Event Planner

David-Technical writer, singer, robot super villain

Harry-Wise guy, master of the grill, loves camping for some reason

Kelsey-Project manager, Advanced level foodie, Has been known to drop it like it’s hot after a few cocktails

Mandy-Writer, Top-shelf level geek girl, lives in my pocket

 

BRING US ALL THE SANGRIA. Also food.

BRING US ALL THE SANGRIA. Also food.

Cafe 21 began as a small place in Normal Heights which grew, both in popularity and size and eventually opened a spacious location downtown offering world food, local cuisine and live music.  We got our fill of all 3 this evening.

Abby started with a Peach Basil Sangria, followed by a flight of 6 seasonal sangrias.  She was a fan of 4 of them, going on to say that the other two tasted like wood and were overly fermented.   Amy had Persimmon, Grape and Cardamon Sangria, followed later in the night by a classic Sangria.  She enjoyed all of them and said they were each spiced really well.

For food starters, Harry ordered the Fontina Fondue; a Fontina, and Cream Cheese Blend served with House Made Bread Crostinis and Steamed Chef’s Choice Vegetables.   There were disagreements over this dish.  While it was certainly tasty, Kesley and Amy both strongly felt that the consistency of it did not merit the title “fondue” and was more like “Cheese dip”.  Amy felt the dish could’ve also benefited from more dippables.  It was very tasty but I’m more inclined to call it a sort of pub cheese instead of proper fondue.

That's not ranch dressing, It's fondue. Well strictly speaking, it's not fondue either. It's... It tastes good. Eat it.

That’s not ranch dressing, It’s fondue. Well strictly speaking, it’s not fondue either. It’s… It tastes good. Eat it.

David had the Cristo Crepes; Free Range House Roasted Chicken Breast, Handmade Crepes,  Mozzarella Cheese, House made Apricot Jam, and House made White
Wine Apricot Puree, Powdered Sugar.  It was a strange combination of sweet and savory which he found weird but good.

For our main courses, Harry ordered the Apricot braised Lamb Shank in Apricot, Tomato, Onion Sauce, served with Apricot Squash Couscous , and Sautéed Organic Spoon Spinach.  He said it was perfect.  It fell right off the bone with wonderful spices.  David had the Masala Chai Tea braised Short Ribs with Mission Figs, Red Onion Honey Braising Sauce served with Sautéed Green Beans and House Made Curry Potato Gallette.  He said it was delicious with the braising sauce being the real stand out.  Abby got the Curry seared Scallops with Potato Leek Puree and House Yellow Curry Yogurt Sauce.  She said they were amazing.

Amy and Mandy both got Veggie Cabbage Rolls with Isreali cous cous organic tomatoes, garlic onions, carrots and house made tomato sauce.  Mandy was a big fan of the sauce.  Amy also said cabbage rolls offered a nice mix of flavors and were very satisfying.  Kelsey ordered the Flat Iron Steak Flat Bread with Heirloom Tomatoes, House Avocado Pesto Sauce and Mozzarella Cheese.  She thought it was good but could use a bit more variety in the dish.  It reminded her more of a quesadilla.  She also pointed out that the menu online was very  different from the menu offered, in which she found the choices to be a little meh.  I had the Grilled Pear Salad with Mixed Greens, Butter Grilled Fresh Pear, Almond Slivers, Dehydrated Cranberries, Feta Cheese, House Honey Balsamic Dressing and grilled chicken added in.  For a salad, this was full of flavor.  Really nice components making for a light but very satisfying healthy dinner.  I don’t eat light much in this challenge so this was a refreshing change of pace.

It's a salad that eats like a meal! This is why skinny people are always trying to sell me on this shit!

It’s a salad that eats like a meal! This is why skinny people are always trying to sell me on this shit!

For dessert, we got all three of the offerings:  a flourless chocolate with vanilla ice cream and raspberry puree, creme brulee cheesecake & A pumpkin cream cake roll.  While I liked all three, I felt the real stand out was the creme brulee cheesecake.  It combined two of my favorite dishes flawlessly.  Less impressive was the flourless chocolate cake, which was served in a cast iron skillet that had clearly cooked too long.  It was burnt and too hot to eat for nearly the entire time we were at the table.  The pumpkin cream cake roll was super tasty but many at the table felt the dish could use a warm element instead of being served cold.

Cafe 21 demonstrates an adept creme brulee technique. The proper way to burn a dessert.

Cafe 21 demonstrates an adept creme brulee technique. The proper way to burn a dessert.

So in closing the final word on Cafe 21 seemed to be a swing and a miss on desserts, some positive reviews for the food but the real ace in the hole at this place is the drinks.  It’s a charming location with a nice staff and minimally invasive live music.  While I won’t be rushing down there again when the first opportunity arises, I certainly would have no problem with winding up there again for dinner and drinks.

Seriously, though.  That wasn’t fondue.

Further reading

To see all the photos from this dinner be sure to follow The Boy who ate San Diego on Instagram

 

Bijou (45 of 52) (CLOSED)

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Several hours after this week’s challenge, I awoke in a darkened room feeling the fire of a thousand volcanoes rumbling in my chest.  As I chewed a fist full of Tums & went back to bed, I said in my best Madonna voice “Absolutely no regrets”.  Obviously, this serves as proof that I don’t eat 14 pounds of fried butter on the regular (So yes, Dr. F, you can rest easy).  This can only mean this week’s challenge is French food!  Bijou in La Jolla is the Sister restaurant of a place I covered earlier this year on the blog, the fabulous Addison Del Mar. Expectations were high as my friends and I arrived in our fanciest eatin’ pants.

Aimee-Roommate since the 90’s, BFF, allergic to hot dogs and therefore labeled a commie by many

Amy B-Vegetarian Belle, Author, Event Planner

Amy J-Rocky Horror performer, Michigan football loyalist, a common floozy

Chris-Attorney, lifelong food snob, loves good Scotch and gay jeans

Craig-Jackie’s lucky and mysterious other half, picture unavailable

Harry-Wise guy, master of the grill, loves camping for some reason

Jackie-Awesome Soprano, fellow East Coast transplant, Has a Vegas story or two

After this dinner we started to think that French people may actually be too lethargic to move when someone starts playing a Jerry Lewis film and that's how that whole rumor got started.

After this dinner we started to think that French people may actually be too lethargic to move when someone starts playing a Jerry Lewis film and that’s how that whole rumor got started.

Bijou is luxurious and elegant without feeling super stuffy.  The staff was very attentive and knowledgeable.  They made us feel very at home and did a bang up job at keep a straight face while we butchered every word on the menu.   Fortunately booze transcends all language barriers, so we started from there.  Aimee had the Peche Champgane Cocktail, which she said was great.  Chris ordered a Blue Mint. Chris and Amy B both had a “starter” cocktail (Pear Vodka, Germain, Lemon Juice, Grapefruit juice and basil).  They said both cocktails were flawless.  Amy B also had Aligote for her wine.  Harry got the Kentucky Bees Knees.  Amy J had the “Yellow Jacket”.  They both enjoyed their drinks.  High marks to the bar.

The chef was feeling generous (or bored.  Either way, Yay.) that night so he sent out a few bites for the table to enjoy.  The first was the Oeufs Mayonnaise.  Basically the French version of a deviled egg.  I’m not a fan of eggs, so I gave mine to Aimee.  She said it was good.  Nothing to scream about but a really good deviled egg.  The second bite he sent out was a beautiful pork belly.  I don’t think I’ve ever used the word “creamy” to describe meat before but it just melted in your mouth.  Really spectacular.  A perfect bite of pork.

For starters, Aimee ordered the Salmon Rillettes (with toasted baguette, radish and onions).  She said the dish was incredibly rich and sized for sharing.  The radish and cornichons really added great crunch and broke up some of the fattiness of the fish.  Chris and Craig both got the Escargot en Croute.  Craig said the dish was well prepared.  Jackie started with the French Onion Soup.  She said it was awesomely cheesey and she loved the browned part of the cheese on top.  I ordered the steak tartare.  I’d had it before but had forgotten that it came with a raw egg yolk on top. While I almost always bend to my ridiculous food fussings, I decided it was time to man up (er, “boy” up?) and try it.  I quickly cut up the egg yolk and just told myself it was a sauce.  It added a great richness to an already lovely pile of raw steak.  I love a good tartare.  true story.  Still not eating eggs though because gross and no.

Like all things I don't like, I quickly sliced it up and ate it before I even had time to think about what was happening.

Like all things I don’t like, I quickly sliced it up and ate it before I even had time to think about what was happening.

For our main dishes,  Aimee got the Steak Frites.  She called it easily one of the top 5 best steaks she’s had in her life.  She loved the compound butter on top that added great saltiness.   Chris had the Coq au Vin.  While he said it was good, it struggled to meet expectations after our experience at Addison.  Harry ordered the Loup de Mer (Ratatouille).  He said it was pretty much the second best meal he’s had this year (behind Addison, of course.  Have I mentioned how hardcore we ride that place’s jock?).  Rich, savory and buttery.  He loved it all.  The Amys split the Gnocchi al la Parisienne, Mushroom Ragout and Haricots Verts.  Amy B found the gnocchi to be delicious with an usual texture (Bijou makes its gnocchi from flour rather than the traditional potato.  Super light!)  and a great buttery sauce.  She also gave high marks to the Haricots Verts (green beans) and mushrooms.  Amy J also found the gnocchi to be a flavorful highlight.  Craig ordered the Veal Pailiard (with arugula, tomatoes and mushrooms)  Jackie and I both ordered the Lobster Gratin.  The dish was incredibly rich and flavorful.  Warm and savory with huge, tender and delicately sweet chunks of lobster with mushrooms and various veggies that married perfectly with the rest of the dish.

I printed this picture out so instead of wasting both our time with a list of foods I shouldn't be eating, my Doctor can simply point to it.

I printed this picture out so instead of wasting both our time with a list of foods I shouldn’t be eating, my Doctor can simply point to it.

Dinner in a French restaurant without having dessert almost seems stupid.  So we ordered just about everything on the dessert menu.  Hilariously the only thing we didn’t order was the creme brulee which I don’t doubt was awesome but stomach real estate for all involved was at a premium by now.  We were looking to break some new ground and we did with one particular dessert, which I’ll get to in a moment.   Other dishes served were Brown butter Clafoutis.  Macarons Du Jour.  Pot de Creme.  Fruit tart with Lemon Curd.  The standouts according to most diners were the Clafoutis & Pot de Creme.  All of the desserts were fabulous but one simply rose above to a whole different level altogether.  The “Paris Brest” is a light pastry with a hole in the center (Think a croissant shaped donut.  Hey, what a novel idea!) in the center they pipe in almond cream, sprinkle toasted almonds on top and drizzle with caramel.  It’s the best dessert I’ve had on this entire challenge.  It’s also only $10 and I dream of it fortnightly.  Life changing-level fat kid bliss.

As gay man, here is a pair of brests I would happily throw my face between forever.

As gay man, here is a pair of brests I would happily throw my face between forever.

The final verdict from me on Bijou is a positive one.  While others with me felt there are better places to go to drop that kind of money on dinner, I really liked what they had to offer.  Addison is not special occasion dining, it’s once a year dining but I feel that Bijou is a good special occasion place, especially if you love French food.  You’ll drop a pretty penny but it’s accessibly priced for upscale dining and you will get an expertly crafted, elegant and tasty dining experience.

Further reading

To see all of the photos from this dinner, be sure to follow The Boy who ate San Diego on Instagram!