San Diego’s Restaurant Experience
Report by Danijel N.
San Diego spreads over 965 square km which makes it 8th on the list 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 Food
Being a border town, the largest influence is Mexican culture and Mexican food. You will find more burritos and tacos on every corner than 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 – you have to try it!
There are also a ton of franchised restaurants that offer deals like “Two for $20”. What does that mean you ask? 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, a juicy burger or a healthy choice of vegetables and meat from the grill, this is a good place to go from time to time.
Foodies
There are simple solutions for foodies out there twice a year. In September and January over 200 exclusive restaurants open their doors and menus to foodies on the budget. This is the time when you can forget about dirty 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.
Culinary Explosions
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 choice was Corn and Shrimp Fritters with Cilantro dressing as a starter and Crab BLT with peppered bacon, heirloom tomato and butter lettuce all on house made bread. Words simply can’t describe the flavors that were so delightfully put together, except just amazing. The atmosphere represented San Diego to the fullest. Having a lunch overlooking the city’s skyline while enjoying the warm ocean breeze in the middle of January was magnificent. I will definitely visit this place again beside restaurant week. My 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.
In December there was something called December Nights. It is organized every first Friday and Saturday of the month in Balboa Park. The park becomes transformed into something that resembles a “Weihnachtsmarkt” back home in Germany. This event features sparkling lights, Christmas season decorations, XXL Christmas tree, multicultural music, and international cuisines. This time around I tried Hawaiian Kalua Pork. This is smoke-flavored, succulent shredded pork slowly roasted and mixed with rice and coleslaw. This kind of combination plate will cost you about $8.
Overall as you can see, there is a place in San Diego for any taste and every budget. From fancy restaurants to local taco places – all of them are worth trying! Enjoy! :)
