Chocolate 5th and uni

After an exhilirating opera opening and ready to wash down the $10 brut glasses of champagne with a little something (you would think the opening night at the opera would have better bar service), met up with some friends at Chocolate, the new eatery slash wine bar slash gelato house on the corner of 5th and university.

First of all, the location is prime, having corner suite for full exposure...the atmosphere is a bit more non-US style in the sense that you have a continous assembly line of ordering stations: gelato station, bakery, small plate and a wine bar. Decor is west elmish, clean and functional, neutral earth tones amongst a white background... Way too much light though.

Tried the chocolate soufflé. Was a little scared when they said they could have it ready in 10 min. Not a typical fan of pre-made chocolate souffles, have always had to pre-order them 45min in advance if eating at most restuarants. Chocolate is an art afterall.

Out it came, good small size portion. Looked like a little cupcake. It was however ok, nothing spectacular and overwhelming. For some reason was expecting (or maybe desiring) a hint of chili pepper ... Had these amazing chocolate bites from Venezuela for Christmas that I can't stop tasting!) ok, there were some ice wine truffles in there that a friend brought over from Vancouver. The service however was great and friendly.

Will have to go back to try the panini's and small salad plates. The verdict is still out...


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Lalos breakfast burritos

Oftentimes, finding a good breakfast burrito is hard to do. Afterall there is nothing really special about eggs, potatoes, cheese and bacon. You would think this would be easy in san Diego. For some reason, it's one of the challenges in this city.

Welcome Lalos, located in hillcrest. Now, this little Mexican place is tucked into a little strip mall type of place next to blockbusters and a papa johns pizza place (omg). And as hard as it is to find good mexican food when you're a stones throw away from the border..really people, i've had better Mexican food in the states the farther I am from the border (I miss SF's mission), Lalos delivers some good breakfast burritos (and a couple of other bites like ceviche, carne asada tacos and real salsa). I could swear they use lard to cook the eggs with bacon, the tortillas taste real (not like those plastic ones they use at some places) and it's only $5!! The picture does not do it justice... Add the tomatillo salsa and the grilled onions often made that day with jalepeño juice, and you've got something that initiates the paplov response in all of us...


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Avenue 5

Have to say, love this place... Lofty open air ducts, brick walls, mushroom color walls and candle lit environment all make for a sophisticated and seductive environment... Had the tuna special, sesame coated on spicy tobiko sauce with Asian veggies... Very nice.. The vodka soaked carpaccio with truffle oil drizzle was fabulous... Nice raw meat with truffle always puts a smile on me! And the spinach with lentils and bacon vinagrette was a nice combo of cold salad with a bit of warmth.. 5 stars to this place.. Wish it was just down the street!!


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Kikuya sushi

After a firedrill day, was taken to a hidden sushi spot in Claremont on governor. I had my doubts but was more than pleasantly suprised. Mouth stuffing protein rolls...they were more like burritos! Crunchy shrimp rolls, spicy yellowtail and with ozeki sake. This place may give sushi ota a run for it's money!!


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Cafe blue -- meat

The filet mignon, medium rare was cooked to perfection. A split of the entree yielded 4oz size perfect... served with grilled asparagus, perfect with the bottle syrah for an added spice

Cafe blue -- Mission Hills

Cafe Blue tasting. Cafe Blue relocated to washington street from university st in Hillcrest (presumably because of the high rent) and re-opened in a smaller but cozier and warmer environment. Splash red walls, 15 or so tables and a blue lit bar, and you have a new atmosphere to enjoy the french bistro influenced food.

The wild mushroom vol a vent... a pastry filled with creamy wild mushrooms practically exploding when you dig your fork in. Fabulous

Food Aventures

Well this is a start to begin the food adventures in the local neighborhoods in the San Diego area as well as the ones from various travels. Having appreciated the discriminatory tastes of San Francisco for over a decade, a refined palette has been developed... it craves good food. The kind that is worth the calories if you have to work out for an extra hour, the kind that makes lets you forget the toils and hardships of the days, and the kind that just makes you feel good.

So let the adventures begin