It's not any major secret but I thought I would share in case you're not aware yourself.
I love clam chowder. Love. And really when it's cold and misty and gray outside, like it was on Friday, it's instinct to want soup. So after visiting Andrea at the Village Hat Shop, I decided I would head over to the Fish Market. Yes, you can sit in the restaurant and overlook the water and whatnot, but a cup of chowder will set you back $3 or $4 bucks, throw in a drink, tip, and you're kinda tossing your money around, no? Instead, head to the fish counter. You can order a pint or a quart to go. I think the pint comes in under $5 and it's $7 for the quart. You can choose New England or Manhattan chowder and you get a fresh half loaf of sourdough bread with butter. Sara and I ended up sharing the chowder for dinner and were completely full. Plus the chowder is some of the best in town, thick and creamy with lots of clams- not filled with potatoes or other fillers. It's warm again today, but next rainy day, I think you'll know where to find me...also worthy of mention is their Sushi lounge, but that's for another time.
The Fish Market is located at 750 North Harbor Drive, between Seaport Village and the USS Midway.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Ponce's
After an über saucy night at The Ken Club for Vinyl Radio, I got a call from my sister who was Christmas shopping in Mission Valley and wanted to have Ponce's. Ponce's is pretty much a guaranteed hangover cure, so I was in.
When Christy arrived, Sara joined us as we walked to Ponce's. I've lived in Kensington for 7 years now, and have been going to Ponce's since before they expanded and remodeled, back when most of the seating were swivel seats along an L-shaped low counter. I loved it then, but I love it now, too. They had to expand to meet the demands of their clientele. Now you can even buy Ponce's t-shirts.
We had another 2-for-1 coupon. Sara ordered the #6: a cheese enchilada, chile relleno, and beef taco with rice and beans. I ordered the #2: two cheese enchiladas, a ground beef taco, with rice and beans. My sister ordered 2 cheese enchiladas a la carte. And we threw in a small guacamole for good measure.
Before I continue, I have to really iterate that I love Ponce's. They are the stick to which I measure all other Mexican restaurants. Their enchilada sauce is hands down the best in town and doesn't have that bitter taste that some restaurants have. The beans have a kinda of roasted rich flavor to them. Not recommended for vegans, sorry. This is the real stuff. There are things that could use work- the rolled tacos, for example, are pretty average and you'd be better off just getting those at El Zarape. I really like the steak picada, but their corn tortillas aren't heavy maza torillas like you'd find at Old Town Mex or El Comál. Still, you stick with the combos, you can't go wrong.
We eat our chips and guacamole and it's become a science. Chip gets dipped in the guac, spoon on a few drops of the salsa, and throw on a dash of salt. Pure heaven and nobody can get mad about double dipping or mixing the stuff up.
The food arrives and you're already full just by looking at it, but you're gonna power through. Go for the taco first. The juicy meat will make that shell soggy in 8.6 seconds, so get it in your mouth. When you finish your taco, your beans are still sizzling from the oven conveyor belt the plates are put on as a final touch to melt all the cheese. (This is why they tell you the plates are hot, and they're not messing around) I worked my way through the taco, a couple bites of rice and beans, and one enchilada. I could feel the food coma coming on.
I get a "to go" box and am happy that I'll have breakfast for Sunday, since Ponce's is closed on Sundays. Flor, my friend who also happens to work there freaks out when we pay our bills. A couple weeks ago, she and her husband and a couple friends came over after the Ken Club closed for a few beers. As payback, she adjusted our bill. A lot. And that was in addition to the coupon. To say we scored is putting it lightly. Over the years, I've seen the prices slowly rise, but nothing is unreasonable on their menu, and the added things, like a full liquor license and all the remodeling, have to be covered. You still won't pay more than $10 for any combo, and you definitely won't leave hungry. With or without a coupon, Ponce's is always well worth the experience, and even worth the sometimes really long Friday and Saturday night wait.
Ponce's is located at 4050 Adams Avenue, across the street from Ken Cinema. Ponce's has a wind protected patio, and all orders can be made to go. Just make sure you remind them to give you extra salsa.
When Christy arrived, Sara joined us as we walked to Ponce's. I've lived in Kensington for 7 years now, and have been going to Ponce's since before they expanded and remodeled, back when most of the seating were swivel seats along an L-shaped low counter. I loved it then, but I love it now, too. They had to expand to meet the demands of their clientele. Now you can even buy Ponce's t-shirts.
We had another 2-for-1 coupon. Sara ordered the #6: a cheese enchilada, chile relleno, and beef taco with rice and beans. I ordered the #2: two cheese enchiladas, a ground beef taco, with rice and beans. My sister ordered 2 cheese enchiladas a la carte. And we threw in a small guacamole for good measure.
Before I continue, I have to really iterate that I love Ponce's. They are the stick to which I measure all other Mexican restaurants. Their enchilada sauce is hands down the best in town and doesn't have that bitter taste that some restaurants have. The beans have a kinda of roasted rich flavor to them. Not recommended for vegans, sorry. This is the real stuff. There are things that could use work- the rolled tacos, for example, are pretty average and you'd be better off just getting those at El Zarape. I really like the steak picada, but their corn tortillas aren't heavy maza torillas like you'd find at Old Town Mex or El Comál. Still, you stick with the combos, you can't go wrong.
We eat our chips and guacamole and it's become a science. Chip gets dipped in the guac, spoon on a few drops of the salsa, and throw on a dash of salt. Pure heaven and nobody can get mad about double dipping or mixing the stuff up.
The food arrives and you're already full just by looking at it, but you're gonna power through. Go for the taco first. The juicy meat will make that shell soggy in 8.6 seconds, so get it in your mouth. When you finish your taco, your beans are still sizzling from the oven conveyor belt the plates are put on as a final touch to melt all the cheese. (This is why they tell you the plates are hot, and they're not messing around) I worked my way through the taco, a couple bites of rice and beans, and one enchilada. I could feel the food coma coming on.
I get a "to go" box and am happy that I'll have breakfast for Sunday, since Ponce's is closed on Sundays. Flor, my friend who also happens to work there freaks out when we pay our bills. A couple weeks ago, she and her husband and a couple friends came over after the Ken Club closed for a few beers. As payback, she adjusted our bill. A lot. And that was in addition to the coupon. To say we scored is putting it lightly. Over the years, I've seen the prices slowly rise, but nothing is unreasonable on their menu, and the added things, like a full liquor license and all the remodeling, have to be covered. You still won't pay more than $10 for any combo, and you definitely won't leave hungry. With or without a coupon, Ponce's is always well worth the experience, and even worth the sometimes really long Friday and Saturday night wait.
Ponce's is located at 4050 Adams Avenue, across the street from Ken Cinema. Ponce's has a wind protected patio, and all orders can be made to go. Just make sure you remind them to give you extra salsa.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Sake Tasting: The Wine Vault Event
From the event listing here:
Please join us anytime after 6:00 for a tasting of ultra-premium sakes. This ain't your mama's sake and this ain't that heated swill served in most Asian restaurants! If you've never had premium Sake before, you owe your taste buds this opportunity to experience the real deal! Sake expert Asako Takeuchi will be here down from LA to answer all your sake questions and to share her extensive knowledge. We're focusing on a five of our under $35 favorites from the stellar Joto Sake portfolio, and are serving generous 1.5-oz. tasting pours for a paltry twelve bucks. And for anyone wanting to try something really special, we'll also have tasting pours of an exceptional Junmai Daiginjo available for a mere four bucks extra. Sake reviews are at the end of this posting if you're interested.
In addition to the regular bistro menu, we're also featuring a special sushi platter for a ridiculously low $10. The platter includes Edamame (Salted Soybeans Boiled in the Pod), Chilled Seafood & Glass Noodle Salad with a Spicy Ginger/Sesame Dressing, Spicy Ahi Tuna Roll (2 pieces) and a Chirashi Sushi Rice Cup Topped with Sashimi-Grade Salmon & Albacore. Here's the sake line-up:
ULTRA-PREMIUM SAKE ~ $12
Shichi Hon Yari Junmai Ginjo
Chikurin Fukamari Junmai
Kasumi Tsuru Yamahai Ginjo
Watari Bune Junmai Ginjo 55
Yuki No Bosha Junmai Ginjo Nigori
OPTIONAL ADD-ON ~ $4
Yuki No Bosha Junmai Daiginjo
SO YOU DON'T LIKE SAKE, EH?
In addition to this Sake flight, we'll also have these and other wines available by the glass or bottle, as well as the usual white, red and mixed wine flights. (You can get descriptions of the other wine flights visiting our website, clicking on the calendar, and then clicking on Friday, 12/22/06.) We also have a full bar with lots of premium libations and attitude adjusters.
GRUB
In addition to the special sushi platter mentioned above, we'll also have an extensive bistro menu (access the same way as the wine flights above via the same calendar link) available featuring everything from salads, appetizers, paninis and cheese plates to main entrees like steak, chicken and pasta, so come on down and make an evening of it! The kitchen will be open until at least 9:00 and the bar will be open until at least 11:00.
RSVP ~ (619) 295-3939
Reservations are strongly recommended but not required. We accept reservations for seatings up to 7:00. For seatings after 7:00 just come on in and we'll do our best to seat you right away. If possible, when RSVPing please let us know how many in your party will be ordering the sushi special so we'll have a better idea of how much to have on hand!
***PARKING! ~ PARKING! ~ PARKING!***
On-street parking is usually available within a 3-block radius. Remember that it’s OK to park in yellow commercial zones after 6:00 and that meters are also free after 6:00. If you can’t find parking immediately next to the restaurant, there’s always LOTS OF PARKING on San Diego Avenue just past the Chevron station across Washington Street. Don't drive yourself crazy endlessly going around in circles waiting to pounce on that perfect spot when there's TONS OF PARKING only two blocks away!
LOCATION & PHONE
Wine Vault & Bistro is located in the heart of San Diego between Little Italy and Old Town at 3731-A India Street on the upstairs terrace. Follow the black handrail up the stairs from the sidewalk to our front door. Our phone number is (619) 295-3939.
SAKE REVIEWS & BOTTLE PRICES
Shichi Hon Yari Junmai Ginjo ~ $35 (720ml)
Technically a junmai daiginjo, this junmai ginjo is an elder sibling of sorts to Shichi Hon Yari junmai. Like the junmai, it has a wonderful combination of earthy and musky notes balanced by fresh fruit; however, it is lighter, more elegant and refined. It should be served chilled and complements sushi, sashimi and other light foods.
Chikurin Fukamari Junmai ~ $13 (300ml) or $28 (720ml)
This junmai is soft, relaxed and mellow, with notes of peaches and strawberries. It is best served chilled and complements yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), nutty cheeses and spicy Italian meats.
Kasumi Tsuru Yamahai Ginjo ~ $14 (300ml)
Smoky, earthy flavors mix with sweeter, fruitier notes in this warm and layered sake. It should be served chilled but also appreciated closer to room temperature. It is a wonderful accompaniment to cheese, shellfish, and grilled and smoked meats.
Watari Bune Junmai Ginjo 55 ~ $35 (720ml)
This junmai ginjo has rich and deep notes of honeydew and pineapple offset by nutty and earthy flavors. Its seimaibuai (degree of rice milling) is 55%, which explains its name. It pairs perfectly with monk fish, monk fish liver, pate, duck, soba and stews.
Yuki No Bosha Junmai Ginjo Nigori ~ $14 (300ml)
Creamy and smooth, with notes of peaches and strawberries. Complements hearty or spicy foods. It should be served chilled.
Yuki No Bosha Junmai Daiginjo ~ $57 (720ml)
Light, open, airy, and elegant, this junmai daiginjo has notes of green apple and prunes that fade into a slim, clean finish. This sake should be served chilled but also appreciated at room temperature. It is a perfect match for sushi and sashimi, as well as elegantly prepared fish and white meats.
Please join us anytime after 6:00 for a tasting of ultra-premium sakes. This ain't your mama's sake and this ain't that heated swill served in most Asian restaurants! If you've never had premium Sake before, you owe your taste buds this opportunity to experience the real deal! Sake expert Asako Takeuchi will be here down from LA to answer all your sake questions and to share her extensive knowledge. We're focusing on a five of our under $35 favorites from the stellar Joto Sake portfolio, and are serving generous 1.5-oz. tasting pours for a paltry twelve bucks. And for anyone wanting to try something really special, we'll also have tasting pours of an exceptional Junmai Daiginjo available for a mere four bucks extra. Sake reviews are at the end of this posting if you're interested.
In addition to the regular bistro menu, we're also featuring a special sushi platter for a ridiculously low $10. The platter includes Edamame (Salted Soybeans Boiled in the Pod), Chilled Seafood & Glass Noodle Salad with a Spicy Ginger/Sesame Dressing, Spicy Ahi Tuna Roll (2 pieces) and a Chirashi Sushi Rice Cup Topped with Sashimi-Grade Salmon & Albacore. Here's the sake line-up:
ULTRA-PREMIUM SAKE ~ $12
Shichi Hon Yari Junmai Ginjo
Chikurin Fukamari Junmai
Kasumi Tsuru Yamahai Ginjo
Watari Bune Junmai Ginjo 55
Yuki No Bosha Junmai Ginjo Nigori
OPTIONAL ADD-ON ~ $4
Yuki No Bosha Junmai Daiginjo
SO YOU DON'T LIKE SAKE, EH?
In addition to this Sake flight, we'll also have these and other wines available by the glass or bottle, as well as the usual white, red and mixed wine flights. (You can get descriptions of the other wine flights visiting our website, clicking on the calendar, and then clicking on Friday, 12/22/06.) We also have a full bar with lots of premium libations and attitude adjusters.
GRUB
In addition to the special sushi platter mentioned above, we'll also have an extensive bistro menu (access the same way as the wine flights above via the same calendar link) available featuring everything from salads, appetizers, paninis and cheese plates to main entrees like steak, chicken and pasta, so come on down and make an evening of it! The kitchen will be open until at least 9:00 and the bar will be open until at least 11:00.
RSVP ~ (619) 295-3939
Reservations are strongly recommended but not required. We accept reservations for seatings up to 7:00. For seatings after 7:00 just come on in and we'll do our best to seat you right away. If possible, when RSVPing please let us know how many in your party will be ordering the sushi special so we'll have a better idea of how much to have on hand!
***PARKING! ~ PARKING! ~ PARKING!***
On-street parking is usually available within a 3-block radius. Remember that it’s OK to park in yellow commercial zones after 6:00 and that meters are also free after 6:00. If you can’t find parking immediately next to the restaurant, there’s always LOTS OF PARKING on San Diego Avenue just past the Chevron station across Washington Street. Don't drive yourself crazy endlessly going around in circles waiting to pounce on that perfect spot when there's TONS OF PARKING only two blocks away!
LOCATION & PHONE
Wine Vault & Bistro is located in the heart of San Diego between Little Italy and Old Town at 3731-A India Street on the upstairs terrace. Follow the black handrail up the stairs from the sidewalk to our front door. Our phone number is (619) 295-3939.
SAKE REVIEWS & BOTTLE PRICES
Shichi Hon Yari Junmai Ginjo ~ $35 (720ml)
Technically a junmai daiginjo, this junmai ginjo is an elder sibling of sorts to Shichi Hon Yari junmai. Like the junmai, it has a wonderful combination of earthy and musky notes balanced by fresh fruit; however, it is lighter, more elegant and refined. It should be served chilled and complements sushi, sashimi and other light foods.
Chikurin Fukamari Junmai ~ $13 (300ml) or $28 (720ml)
This junmai is soft, relaxed and mellow, with notes of peaches and strawberries. It is best served chilled and complements yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), nutty cheeses and spicy Italian meats.
Kasumi Tsuru Yamahai Ginjo ~ $14 (300ml)
Smoky, earthy flavors mix with sweeter, fruitier notes in this warm and layered sake. It should be served chilled but also appreciated closer to room temperature. It is a wonderful accompaniment to cheese, shellfish, and grilled and smoked meats.
Watari Bune Junmai Ginjo 55 ~ $35 (720ml)
This junmai ginjo has rich and deep notes of honeydew and pineapple offset by nutty and earthy flavors. Its seimaibuai (degree of rice milling) is 55%, which explains its name. It pairs perfectly with monk fish, monk fish liver, pate, duck, soba and stews.
Yuki No Bosha Junmai Ginjo Nigori ~ $14 (300ml)
Creamy and smooth, with notes of peaches and strawberries. Complements hearty or spicy foods. It should be served chilled.
Yuki No Bosha Junmai Daiginjo ~ $57 (720ml)
Light, open, airy, and elegant, this junmai daiginjo has notes of green apple and prunes that fade into a slim, clean finish. This sake should be served chilled but also appreciated at room temperature. It is a perfect match for sushi and sashimi, as well as elegantly prepared fish and white meats.
Richard Walker's
The benefit of 2 for 1 coupons is that you can try out places and if you like them, hopefully keep finding more coupons to go back to spots that you like. Last week, Dave and I ventured back to Richard Walker's for a second time to have breakfast on our lunch break.
Unfortunately, we aren't very adventurous. I rarely eat breakfast out because I'm a pretty good cook. I make my eggs exactly how I like them and I know if I'm cooking, I'm going to be satisfied. As with the last time Dave and I went to Richard Walker's, we both ordered the same thing- 2 eggs with sausage patties. He gets the toast, I get the hot cakes. The food is average, nothing special, but a nice variation from the other downtown fare. Plus, Dave loves breakfast.
Dave ordered a side of hash browns that the waitress never brought (and was not on our receipt). I ordered an orange juice and they automatically brought me the "large", which is maybe about 10 oz for $3.50. Despite the "fresh squeezed" claim, it tasted like it's from one of those fountains. Plus, for $3.50 I could have a whole Jamba Juice. Hell, at a lot of places, that would buy me a bloody mary.
The plates seem really large for the amount of food on the plate. I'd prefer the pancakes on the same plate just so it doesn't seem so sparse. After eating at Hash House a week before there could definitely be more food on the plate, but you don't really wanna go back for 5 hours of work in a food coma, either.
Richard Walker's makes big claims on their menus about their world famous food back east (at Bigford's), but to me, it's not really that hard to make good eggs and bacon. The waffles and German pancakes seem to be their specialty, but I'm not gonna be satisfied after one waffle and that's all you get for your order. I think Denny's is probably just as safe an option. But I guess with a coupon, Richard Walker's ain't half bad.
Richard Walker's is located at 520 Front Street, just south of Market.
Unfortunately, we aren't very adventurous. I rarely eat breakfast out because I'm a pretty good cook. I make my eggs exactly how I like them and I know if I'm cooking, I'm going to be satisfied. As with the last time Dave and I went to Richard Walker's, we both ordered the same thing- 2 eggs with sausage patties. He gets the toast, I get the hot cakes. The food is average, nothing special, but a nice variation from the other downtown fare. Plus, Dave loves breakfast.
Dave ordered a side of hash browns that the waitress never brought (and was not on our receipt). I ordered an orange juice and they automatically brought me the "large", which is maybe about 10 oz for $3.50. Despite the "fresh squeezed" claim, it tasted like it's from one of those fountains. Plus, for $3.50 I could have a whole Jamba Juice. Hell, at a lot of places, that would buy me a bloody mary.
The plates seem really large for the amount of food on the plate. I'd prefer the pancakes on the same plate just so it doesn't seem so sparse. After eating at Hash House a week before there could definitely be more food on the plate, but you don't really wanna go back for 5 hours of work in a food coma, either.
Richard Walker's makes big claims on their menus about their world famous food back east (at Bigford's), but to me, it's not really that hard to make good eggs and bacon. The waffles and German pancakes seem to be their specialty, but I'm not gonna be satisfied after one waffle and that's all you get for your order. I think Denny's is probably just as safe an option. But I guess with a coupon, Richard Walker's ain't half bad.
Richard Walker's is located at 520 Front Street, just south of Market.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Free Saké at W Hotel
On Tuesday after work, my sister, Andrea and I met at Magnet at the W Hotel where we were THE. ONLY. ONES. who showed up for a free saké tasting. The boutique sakés were brought in by Asako, who works for Joto Saké, a distributor in L.A. The event is called "Palate", andi s a monthly food/drink tasting event that takes place the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 6-7pm. I have been to the event once before for a free tequila tasting and was the only person present for that tasting as well.
The saké we tried are featured in the W's restaurant, Rice. Since we were the only ones there, we not only got to try a flight of saké, but Asako left us all the open bottles which we casually sipped after she had left. I don't have much experience with saké, but I have heard that the only reason sakéis served hot is to disguise the cheap taste, and that good saké should be chilled. We were given small cordial type glasses for our taste testing.
The first saké we tried was called Kasumi Tsuru, which translates to "the crane of Kasumi". This was a kimoto extra dry saké. It was very good and to me tasted similar to a more oaky pinot grigio wine. She recommended this saké with spicy ethnic foods because it cleanses the palate.
The second was called Yuki No Bosha, or "Cabin in the snow" and actually has a clean finish that could be reminiscent of snow. The bottle looked like a vodka bottle which is probably why I liked it. This was a limited release saké. It is a Junmai Ginjo saké. Junmai means that the saké is pure and no brewer's alcohol is added. It is made solely with rice, water, and Koji. Ginjo refers to the polish of the rice and means it is highly polished. It seems to me that it would be quite simple to become a connoisseur of saké because it is so easy to drink.
The last saké was a sparkling sake called Hou Hou Shu and to me tasted better than pretty much any champagne I've ever had. It had a sweet nose but was still clean drinking. Andrea really took to this one. Unlike the other saké we had, this one is only about 6-7% alcohol by volume, compared to the 17-18% of the other two.
The saké was great, Asako was very kind, and we followed up by going to the grand opening of Firefly in Mission Hills and having some brie, chevré and other gourmet cheeses on breads and crackers. Mostly, I can't wait until the next "Palate" event. I'm only bummed that I missed the last several months. I won't let it happen again.
The saké we tried are featured in the W's restaurant, Rice. Since we were the only ones there, we not only got to try a flight of saké, but Asako left us all the open bottles which we casually sipped after she had left. I don't have much experience with saké, but I have heard that the only reason sakéis served hot is to disguise the cheap taste, and that good saké should be chilled. We were given small cordial type glasses for our taste testing.
The first saké we tried was called Kasumi Tsuru, which translates to "the crane of Kasumi". This was a kimoto extra dry saké. It was very good and to me tasted similar to a more oaky pinot grigio wine. She recommended this saké with spicy ethnic foods because it cleanses the palate.
The second was called Yuki No Bosha, or "Cabin in the snow" and actually has a clean finish that could be reminiscent of snow. The bottle looked like a vodka bottle which is probably why I liked it. This was a limited release saké. It is a Junmai Ginjo saké. Junmai means that the saké is pure and no brewer's alcohol is added. It is made solely with rice, water, and Koji. Ginjo refers to the polish of the rice and means it is highly polished. It seems to me that it would be quite simple to become a connoisseur of saké because it is so easy to drink.
The last saké was a sparkling sake called Hou Hou Shu and to me tasted better than pretty much any champagne I've ever had. It had a sweet nose but was still clean drinking. Andrea really took to this one. Unlike the other saké we had, this one is only about 6-7% alcohol by volume, compared to the 17-18% of the other two.
The saké was great, Asako was very kind, and we followed up by going to the grand opening of Firefly in Mission Hills and having some brie, chevré and other gourmet cheeses on breads and crackers. Mostly, I can't wait until the next "Palate" event. I'm only bummed that I missed the last several months. I won't let it happen again.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Sushi Deli 2
The slogan on Sushi Deli 2's website says "Fresh Is Best!", and they are absolutely right. Fresh sushi is the only sushi one should be eating. For this reason, you should steer clear of Sushi Deli 2. Okay, okay, maybe that's a little harsh. Sushi Deli definitely fills the need for fast, cheap sushi, but in this case, you get what you pay for. I don't necessarily believe that all sushi restaurants function in this way, in fact Ra, 2 blocks east on Broadway, is the perfect example of paying too much for average sushi, of paying for attitude and ambiance more than anything, but for now I'll stick to the subject.
I have been to Sushi Deli before- in fact several times, and had okay food. Nothing has ever made me sick, I'm not saying that at all, but when I eat sushi, I at least want to kid myself that I am eating healthy. I would estimate that more than half the menu has some form of tempura in it. Even the miso soup has sprinklings of tempura crunchies in it. I wish I had been warned. The last time I ate there, I tried some sorta roll with shrimp on top and spicy tuna in the center and the shrimp was the texture of bubblegum left on a bedpost overnight.
Yesterday, when a friend of mine was in my office after work and asked if I'd like to get a beer, who am I to say no, right? The closest spot was Sushi Deli 2 and they have good happy hour pricing, so we grabbed a table. Hand rolls are half price and they have a regular deal with a 22 oz Sopporo and sake for $5.50. We ordered the sake and beer, and we each had two hand rolls. I opted for spicy yellowtail and spicy scallop, Devin had spicy tuna and the "Mexican", essentially a fish taco with seaweed instead of tortilla.
Our food was ok. I ate it, there was nothing wrong with the fish, but my seaweed was the texture of tissue paper, only even more dry. Devin had his tuna but didn't like the "Mexican" at all, but blamed himself for ordering it in the first place. Our service was quick and courteous, so nothing against that element of our experience, but in the future I'll opt for a sushi restaurant that I know I like, or I'll head to Sushi Deli with little or no expectations.
I have been to Sushi Deli before- in fact several times, and had okay food. Nothing has ever made me sick, I'm not saying that at all, but when I eat sushi, I at least want to kid myself that I am eating healthy. I would estimate that more than half the menu has some form of tempura in it. Even the miso soup has sprinklings of tempura crunchies in it. I wish I had been warned. The last time I ate there, I tried some sorta roll with shrimp on top and spicy tuna in the center and the shrimp was the texture of bubblegum left on a bedpost overnight.
Yesterday, when a friend of mine was in my office after work and asked if I'd like to get a beer, who am I to say no, right? The closest spot was Sushi Deli 2 and they have good happy hour pricing, so we grabbed a table. Hand rolls are half price and they have a regular deal with a 22 oz Sopporo and sake for $5.50. We ordered the sake and beer, and we each had two hand rolls. I opted for spicy yellowtail and spicy scallop, Devin had spicy tuna and the "Mexican", essentially a fish taco with seaweed instead of tortilla.
Our food was ok. I ate it, there was nothing wrong with the fish, but my seaweed was the texture of tissue paper, only even more dry. Devin had his tuna but didn't like the "Mexican" at all, but blamed himself for ordering it in the first place. Our service was quick and courteous, so nothing against that element of our experience, but in the future I'll opt for a sushi restaurant that I know I like, or I'll head to Sushi Deli with little or no expectations.
Los Panchos de Charly, Downtown San Diego
There are magazines published by Community Magazine in San Diego that have coupons for several restaurants within the central San Diego region...Uptown, Downtown, and now some Coronado restaurants are featured.
The latest version of Uptown hardly has any good downtown restaurants that Dave, my lunch partner in crime, and I haven't tried but yesterday we thought we'd try Los Panchos de Charly on E Street between 4th and 5th Avenue, since it's just a few blocks away.
Most of the coupons are usually "Buy 2 beverages and one entreé, get the second entreé free". The coupon for Los Panchos was for $5 off when you buy 2 beverages and 2 entreés. We assumed this was because the restaurant might be related to the drive thru taco stands that have bargain but good Mexican food, so the prices would be such that giving a free entreé would be too deep a discount.
AHAHAHAHAHA.
Not. Even. Close.
I will accept responsibility that I didn't look at the menu posted outside the restaurant. We were seated, our drink order was taken, and we were presented with the menus. All "platillos" were $13 and up. For lunch! No wonder there was only one other person in the two story restaurant. We were eyeing the burritos which were in the $7-$10 range, and noticed the "add $2 and make it a combo with beans and rice". Dave had a carne asada burrito combo, I had a shredded beef chimichanga combo. The waiter asked the hostess if those qualified for the coupon and she told him yes.
We got our food and it was very average. I would pay these prices for Ponce's or Old Town Mex, but for tackyland in the center of the gaslamp, not so much. I'll credit the place that their salsa roja had a good zesty garlic bite to it, and the tomatillo had a nice kick. Their rice was perfect and the beans were better than you'd get at a taco shop, but not the best. My food was good, and Dave and I only made it halfway through our plates before we were full. Still, I could've had the same meal (or better) at Pokez, albeit with slower service, for less than half the price.
When 'la cuenta' arrived, there was no discount. The waiter apologized and said that the hostess said the manager instructed them that the coupon wasn't good for the combo. Now this is where I have a problem with semantics. The coupon said "entreé", we ordered "combos" and the restaurant was now contending that the coupon was only valid on "platillos".
I asked the hostess about it and then confronted her, that we were only going to pay the $20 for our meals, not the $25.36 on the receipt. I'm sorry, it's hard enough to justify a $10 lunch, and that's not even including the tip which we still intended on leaving. After asking for the manager and her reluctantly writing the number down (and claiming the discount would come from her wallet), she agreed to honor the coupon, we paid our $20 and handed the waiter his tip and were on our way, but absolutely certain that neither of us will ever step into Los Panchos de Charly again. I mean, unless someone else is buying, in which case, I just might say yes.
I also thought I would note that the busboy looked no older than 15 years old and at 12 noon on a Monday, I couldn't help but think he belonged in school, not sweeping floors in a huge restaurant that had as many employees as patrons. My recommendation to Los Panchos: Create an affordable lunch menu or don't even bother opening until happy hour. And my recommendation to you- walk a few extra blocks up to Pokez for your downtown Mexican food fix. Just call in your order 15 minutes ahead.
The latest version of Uptown hardly has any good downtown restaurants that Dave, my lunch partner in crime, and I haven't tried but yesterday we thought we'd try Los Panchos de Charly on E Street between 4th and 5th Avenue, since it's just a few blocks away.
Most of the coupons are usually "Buy 2 beverages and one entreé, get the second entreé free". The coupon for Los Panchos was for $5 off when you buy 2 beverages and 2 entreés. We assumed this was because the restaurant might be related to the drive thru taco stands that have bargain but good Mexican food, so the prices would be such that giving a free entreé would be too deep a discount.
AHAHAHAHAHA.
Not. Even. Close.
I will accept responsibility that I didn't look at the menu posted outside the restaurant. We were seated, our drink order was taken, and we were presented with the menus. All "platillos" were $13 and up. For lunch! No wonder there was only one other person in the two story restaurant. We were eyeing the burritos which were in the $7-$10 range, and noticed the "add $2 and make it a combo with beans and rice". Dave had a carne asada burrito combo, I had a shredded beef chimichanga combo. The waiter asked the hostess if those qualified for the coupon and she told him yes.
We got our food and it was very average. I would pay these prices for Ponce's or Old Town Mex, but for tackyland in the center of the gaslamp, not so much. I'll credit the place that their salsa roja had a good zesty garlic bite to it, and the tomatillo had a nice kick. Their rice was perfect and the beans were better than you'd get at a taco shop, but not the best. My food was good, and Dave and I only made it halfway through our plates before we were full. Still, I could've had the same meal (or better) at Pokez, albeit with slower service, for less than half the price.
When 'la cuenta' arrived, there was no discount. The waiter apologized and said that the hostess said the manager instructed them that the coupon wasn't good for the combo. Now this is where I have a problem with semantics. The coupon said "entreé", we ordered "combos" and the restaurant was now contending that the coupon was only valid on "platillos".
I asked the hostess about it and then confronted her, that we were only going to pay the $20 for our meals, not the $25.36 on the receipt. I'm sorry, it's hard enough to justify a $10 lunch, and that's not even including the tip which we still intended on leaving. After asking for the manager and her reluctantly writing the number down (and claiming the discount would come from her wallet), she agreed to honor the coupon, we paid our $20 and handed the waiter his tip and were on our way, but absolutely certain that neither of us will ever step into Los Panchos de Charly again. I mean, unless someone else is buying, in which case, I just might say yes.
I also thought I would note that the busboy looked no older than 15 years old and at 12 noon on a Monday, I couldn't help but think he belonged in school, not sweeping floors in a huge restaurant that had as many employees as patrons. My recommendation to Los Panchos: Create an affordable lunch menu or don't even bother opening until happy hour. And my recommendation to you- walk a few extra blocks up to Pokez for your downtown Mexican food fix. Just call in your order 15 minutes ahead.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
