San Diego’s restaurant experience
Report by Danijel N.
San Diego spreads over 965 square kilometers which with so many different nations brings it to the 8th spot of the most populated cities in the USA. Being a large melting pot, you can guess the food is not something that lacks variety. You can find everything under the sun: Mexican, Italian, French, Spanish, Filipino, Vietnamese, Greek, Latin, Indian, Central and East Asian, Middle Eastern and Pacific Islander but if you ever desire German food, you can get it at Kaiserhof Restaurant in Point Loma.
Mexican culture and food
Being a border town, the largest influence is by Mexican culture and Mexican food. You will find burritos and tacos at every corner as well as steaks and burgers. If you want to eat cheap, appetizing and not worry about clogging your arteries … Mexican food is the best thing out there, delicious and affordable for anybody’s budget. Being a student, and especially an international one, every penny gets accounted for. During long nights getting ready for midterms or final exams they are reliable for fast grab. Some of my unhealthy favorites are smoked fish tacos from Oscar’s Mexican Seafood in Pacific Beach or Hillcrest which you can get for $4.50, and you have to try it.
Good deals vs. exclusive restaurants
There are also ton of franchised restaurants that offer deals like “Two for $20”. What does that mean you probably ask yourself? Places like Chilie’s, Applebee’s have a deal where you can bring a friend and have a meal including the appetizer and two full entrées for just $20. If you like hearty pasta, juicy burger or a healthy choice of vegetables and meat from the grill, this is a good place to go from time to time.
There is a simple solutions for foodies out there twice a year. In September and January over 200 exclusive restaurants open up their doors and menus to foodies on the budget. This is the time when you can forget about dirtying dishes and let amazing chefs throughout the city serve you some of their intriguing food. Americans seem to eat out a lot, and during the restaurant week excuses about spending extra cash on food can just go out the window. Prices of food are fixed and styles range from casual neighborhood spots to fine dining. Lunches vary from $15-$25 for two courses and dinners are from $30-$50 for three courses. During this period it is important to make reservations otherwise do not plan to get a table.
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse
My choices this January were Tom Ham’s Lighthouse in Harbor Island and BO-beau kitchen + garden in La Mesa. Tom Ham’s offers seafood sensations and my choosings were Corn and Shrimp Fritters with Cilantro dressing for starter and Crab BLT with peppered bacon, heirloom tomato and butter lettuce all on homemade bread. Words simply can’t describe the flavors that were so delightfully put together, except just amazing. Atmosphere represented San Diego to the fullest. Having a lunch overlooking the city’s skyline while enjoying warm ocean breeze in the middle of January was magnificent. Beside this week you have to visit this place again. I will definitely visit this place again beside restaurant week. Second choice was a dinner outing. Advertised French restaurant had nice rustic feel to it, but hip. For the new generation of foodies and maybe some future food critics. Dinner consisted of three parts, from appetizer, main dish and of course delicious dessert. You have to visit this place as well.
“for any taste and every budget”
In December there was something called December Nights.
It is organized every first Friday and Saturday of the month at Balboa Park. The park transforms into something that resembles Weihnachtsmarkt back home. This event features sparkling lights, Christmas season decorations throughout, XXL Christmas tree, multi-cultural music, and international cuisines. This time around I tried Hawaiian Kalua Pork. This is smoke-flavored, succulent shredded pork slowly roasted and mixed with rise and coleslaw. This kind of combination plate will cost you about $8.
Overall as you can see, San Diego’s restaurant experience is great! There is a place for any taste and every budget – everything from fancy restaurants to local taco places you discover is worth trying out.
