I live in Kensington. That means the nearest Albertson's is in City Heights. I love my Albertson's because it is probably an experience of the greatest diversity that one can have in San Diego. There are white people, African-Americans, Latinos, Eritreans, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more, who all converge in the same place to get groceries. The store is huge and accomodates the mixed demographics with cultural and ethnic foods. There are aisles with Asian and Mexican foods, Soul food, etc. This diversity in San Diego is always fascinating to me, even when I'm getting annoyed by the person in front of me redeeming 20 WIC certificates. (There really has to be a better way)
What a contrast my Albertson's is from the new Albertson's downtown. Located in the "East Village" on 14th, between G and Market streets, the new Albertson's is an experience unto itself. It is huge, probably the same size as my City Heights Albertsons, but it couldn't be more different. There is a huge "customer service" center which I've never even seen in a store before. There is a wide area with various to go food items such as the soup bar that lead you to the butcher counter in the back and the deli on the side. The aisles throughout the store are wide and the store definitely carries more specialty items. The liquor aisle isn't all locked up and there is a huge selection of wines.
I originally entered the store with the intention of just getting a fresh steak from the counter, but I realized there were some sale items I needed, too. I got my stuff and then just kinda browsed around. This was definitely not my Albertsons. I guess if you bought into the whole "East Village" thing and bought, you are paying in more ways than one. The markup on regular items is huge. You know Easy Cheese, right? The aerosol stuff in a can? $5.09!!! Holy shit.
Anyway, the store is nice. As it is on my way home, when I need stuff, I will stop there in the future (they actually observe the "3s a Crowd" rule), but my coupon cutting dad would seriously kick my ass if I were to ever buy a regular priced item in that store.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Friday, January 5, 2007
The Local
I'm really not very good at keeping this blog up to date, but I'll work on it.
This week Dave, Sara and I ventured to The Local. We have been there many times before but it has always been a question for us because in our experiences, the lunch hour there is so busy. The food is good but the service has always been slow. One of the first times, we sat down at noon, finally got our order taken at 12:25, and got our food at 12:55, which we basically had to take to go. That particular day, about 2 hours after my lunch, there was an ad on Craig's List from the Local looking to hire someone during the day shift.
Well, I'm happy to report that on Wednesday, the usual waitress was there, but now at least 2 other food runners/bussers who help keep drinks full and whatnot. Our orders were taken promptly, our food came out in a reasonable amount of time, and our check was delivered without any wait. All of this lets me get on to the food.
As I mentioned, I've been there many times before. I'm a huge fan of the "steak stuffer" sandwich. This is a hollowed out baguette filled with large chunks of steak (or chicken if you prefer), melted cheese, with sauteed mushrooms and onions. They offer this sandwich "local style" too, with lettuce and tomatoes and other stuff, but I was told that they only suggest that with the chicken.
This time, however, I was lucky that the tortellini was a special of the day. Whenever its on special, I get this plate. The tortellini are made of tri-colored pasta stuffed with cheese in a garlicky alfredo sauce. There are chunks of grilled chicken on top and served with garlic toast, which is pretty much white bread rubbed with garlic and toasted. Sounds plain but it's good. There is a lot of food, and as I type this, I'm eating the leftovers cold, and it tastes just as good as it did when it was served hot.
Dave prefers the "black bean plate". It is a bowl with about a third of it full of white rice, a third of black beans, and his preference is the steak, though chicken and shrimp are also available. It comes with your choice of tortillas.
Sara usually opts for the turkey club, but this time went with a cheeseburger. Neither marvelous nor disappointing, if you're in the mood for a burger, this place is as good as any. The thing I love about the Local is the proximity to Yard House, which to me, has mediocre food at prices way too high to fork out for lunch. Each of us splitting the bill, including our drinks, tax and tip, paid about $14-$15. Still a little steep for lunch, but for the occasional splurge, it's closer than Karl Strauss.
Also note, they have great daily happy hour specials and they usually have a few good lunch specials. If you're there on the right day, I also highly recommend checking out their seafood bisque. It is delicious.
The Local is located at 1065 Fourth Avenue, close to the trolley line at C Street. It is also a great place to pre-drink before shows at the House of Blues.
This week Dave, Sara and I ventured to The Local. We have been there many times before but it has always been a question for us because in our experiences, the lunch hour there is so busy. The food is good but the service has always been slow. One of the first times, we sat down at noon, finally got our order taken at 12:25, and got our food at 12:55, which we basically had to take to go. That particular day, about 2 hours after my lunch, there was an ad on Craig's List from the Local looking to hire someone during the day shift.
Well, I'm happy to report that on Wednesday, the usual waitress was there, but now at least 2 other food runners/bussers who help keep drinks full and whatnot. Our orders were taken promptly, our food came out in a reasonable amount of time, and our check was delivered without any wait. All of this lets me get on to the food.
As I mentioned, I've been there many times before. I'm a huge fan of the "steak stuffer" sandwich. This is a hollowed out baguette filled with large chunks of steak (or chicken if you prefer), melted cheese, with sauteed mushrooms and onions. They offer this sandwich "local style" too, with lettuce and tomatoes and other stuff, but I was told that they only suggest that with the chicken.
This time, however, I was lucky that the tortellini was a special of the day. Whenever its on special, I get this plate. The tortellini are made of tri-colored pasta stuffed with cheese in a garlicky alfredo sauce. There are chunks of grilled chicken on top and served with garlic toast, which is pretty much white bread rubbed with garlic and toasted. Sounds plain but it's good. There is a lot of food, and as I type this, I'm eating the leftovers cold, and it tastes just as good as it did when it was served hot.
Dave prefers the "black bean plate". It is a bowl with about a third of it full of white rice, a third of black beans, and his preference is the steak, though chicken and shrimp are also available. It comes with your choice of tortillas.
Sara usually opts for the turkey club, but this time went with a cheeseburger. Neither marvelous nor disappointing, if you're in the mood for a burger, this place is as good as any. The thing I love about the Local is the proximity to Yard House, which to me, has mediocre food at prices way too high to fork out for lunch. Each of us splitting the bill, including our drinks, tax and tip, paid about $14-$15. Still a little steep for lunch, but for the occasional splurge, it's closer than Karl Strauss.
Also note, they have great daily happy hour specials and they usually have a few good lunch specials. If you're there on the right day, I also highly recommend checking out their seafood bisque. It is delicious.
The Local is located at 1065 Fourth Avenue, close to the trolley line at C Street. It is also a great place to pre-drink before shows at the House of Blues.
Hangover Options: 7-Eleven
Oh, Thank Heaven. Recently a 7-Eleven opened in my building- the epitome of convenience. I sometimes feel like a little kid when I'm in there. Remember when you're a kid and you want everything but your mom tells you that you're just there for the Sunday paper and some milk? And then there's that time she's getting gas and surprises you by kicking down a slurpee and you know that things are all good. There was the time in 4th grade that I got grounded for riding my bike to the 7-11 and not coming back until after dark because I couldn't ride and hold my slurpee. That was the worst birthday ever. There was also the time that after losing my virginity, my boyfriend and I walked to the other 7-Eleven near my house but just a little further away, to bask in our post coital slurpee heaven.
But back to the point. I was hungover at work and needing some fixin. When I'm in the store, there's a voice telling me that a half pound of beef jerky, nachos, and a gatorade is NOT gonna solve my problems. But then there's this other voice going "Get it all." I compromised. And I decided to try something new. Resting next to those Big Bite Hot Dogs... Something I've laughed at, gawked at, been grossed out by, and now that I've tried, completely appreciate in all of their awesomeness: The Go-Go Taquito.
The Go-Go Taquito comes in several varieties. There're the promo 2 for $2 ones: taco and cheese, pizza, jalapeño and cream cheese were the ones I remember. Then there're the other ones, promo price 3 for $2.79. They come in Monterey Jack and Chicken or Monterey Jack and Beef. I opted for these, though I only made it through two of the three. They're bigger than they seem. The beef is kinda similar to the meat in Jack in the Box tacos. Being that I was eating these at an embarassing hour of the morning, I did have to pop them in the microwave for a couple seconds to get the cheese properly oozy and melty since they probably hadn't been on the little rotisserie grill for long.
I've seen people buy these and then dump nacho cheese and jalapeños in the bag they're served in, and now I know that they are a little dry and not very spicy, but still, washed down with some Vitamin Water, and the hangover issue was solved. Maybe they'd taste better with some salsa or guac to dip them in, but they definitely fit my needs for the day: cheap, alcohol absorbent, and convenient. Sometimes it doesn't get any better than that.
And FYI, when lunchtime rolled around, there was no hunger. In fact, I was good to go until dinner time. And look, you can buy them frozen and take them home... though you probably wanna avoid looking at the nutritional value...
But back to the point. I was hungover at work and needing some fixin. When I'm in the store, there's a voice telling me that a half pound of beef jerky, nachos, and a gatorade is NOT gonna solve my problems. But then there's this other voice going "Get it all." I compromised. And I decided to try something new. Resting next to those Big Bite Hot Dogs... Something I've laughed at, gawked at, been grossed out by, and now that I've tried, completely appreciate in all of their awesomeness: The Go-Go Taquito.
The Go-Go Taquito comes in several varieties. There're the promo 2 for $2 ones: taco and cheese, pizza, jalapeño and cream cheese were the ones I remember. Then there're the other ones, promo price 3 for $2.79. They come in Monterey Jack and Chicken or Monterey Jack and Beef. I opted for these, though I only made it through two of the three. They're bigger than they seem. The beef is kinda similar to the meat in Jack in the Box tacos. Being that I was eating these at an embarassing hour of the morning, I did have to pop them in the microwave for a couple seconds to get the cheese properly oozy and melty since they probably hadn't been on the little rotisserie grill for long.
I've seen people buy these and then dump nacho cheese and jalapeños in the bag they're served in, and now I know that they are a little dry and not very spicy, but still, washed down with some Vitamin Water, and the hangover issue was solved. Maybe they'd taste better with some salsa or guac to dip them in, but they definitely fit my needs for the day: cheap, alcohol absorbent, and convenient. Sometimes it doesn't get any better than that.
And FYI, when lunchtime rolled around, there was no hunger. In fact, I was good to go until dinner time. And look, you can buy them frozen and take them home... though you probably wanna avoid looking at the nutritional value...
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Restaurant Week
I have been eating at home (you know, gotta save my money for all the shows coming up), but I thought I would point out that next week kicks off San Diego Restaurant Week. Basically the best* of San Diego restaurants offer 3 or 4 course dinners for $30 or $40 per person, depending on the restaurant. The chefs have created special menus. To be honest, I haven't seen a restaurant that I want to try. Looking at the menus, I realize I'm a simple girl. You can throw together a bunch of things on a plate that I've never heard of, but how does it taste? And is it worth $40 plus tax and tip? Anyway, judge for yourself here. You can browse the restaurants and the menus they've concocted for the week.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Rainy Day Bargain: The Fish Market
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.
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.
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.
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