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Mike's Quick List of notable places to eat, drink and be merry
by Mike Spradley
Here is my quick list for December. Some are old favorites others are new friends. If you are not happy with my selections, please write me and tell me about your experiences, I will be sure to pass on your concerns to the places mentioned below.
Recession Menu Etiquette Rule Number One:
If you use a coupon for a half price or free entree, it’s bad manners not to order a drink. I don’t mean the free glass of water; I mean a drink you pay for. I don’t care what it is—and tip the servers—they have to pay bills, too.
RISE & SHINE BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
Toby’s 19th Hole. Balboa Park Golf Course 619-234-5921. 7 days: Breakfast and Lunch sunrise to sunset 365 days a year! They have missed one day in 75 years and that was due to the firestorm in 2003.
The Toby Family has brought you home cooking at low price and one of San Diego best kept secrets. They have one of the best views of the city and locals only. Cash Only.
The Vagabond Kitchen, South Park. 2310 30th Street, SD. 619-255-1035. One of my favorite places now has weekend brunch a new patio and half priced happy hour menu. I love Jerome and Christine, the owners. David is the bartender, who by the way is related to the diva, Edie Gorme. Please give David a hard time when you sit at the bar; he is so fun tease—but tip him well. The place has a whole new vibe. The brunch menu has something for everyone.
LUNCH—
Shakespeare’s Pub and Grill. 3701 India St., SD, 619-299-0230. Lunch and Dinner; English Cuisine, European Beer and Full Wells!
Fantastic out door patio and view , Soccer and Football from around the world , Quiz Night and lunch specials Check out their site at: www.shakespearepub.com for more information.
Pizzicato Bankers Hill. 2420 5th Ave., SD. 619. 232-9000. Bronx Pizza may have a run for its money this year. They have the best BBQ Chicken Pizza I have had so far. Lunch Specials are $7.25 for salad, slice of pizza and a drink; happy hour $3.00 draft beer and house wine. Not bad, guys.
Chocolat Cremerie. 509 5th Ave., Gaslamp SD. 5th and University, Hillcrest. 619-238-9400. They just received a full liquor license and feature Chocolate Ports, Blood Orange Mimosas, Peach Bellini’s to name a few on the drink list.
Gelato is made fresh daily and a medium is 170 calories. Try the chocolate and paprika—it has a very nice surprise if you savor it in your mouth for a moment, 24 flavors and 6 are dairy free. Try the Italian coffee and pastry—selections are out of this world.
To make sure the crepes are done right, they import the crepe mix and the crepe makers. I look forward to when the new location opens in Hillcrest.
HAPPY HOUR DEALS—
Gulf Coast Grill. Hillcrest. 4130 Park Bl. SD. 619-295-2244. The Best Happy Hour in the city: Half Price Monday Night Menu $3.95 Clam Chowder or Salads. $4-5 beer and wine. Seth and Roni have taken over this San Diego Landmark! Mondays Nights Half Price Appetizer Menu is the best deal in town! Happy Hour Mondays all Night, Tues-Sun 4.30 to 6.30 pm
Whisknladle. Wall Street & Fay Ave., Downtown La Jolla. 858-551-7575. Tapas for $2 you read it right—13 menu Tapas From Shrimp to Steak Skewers Daily 5-7 PM Decent wine Selection.
You cannot go wrong here for dinner or lunch; they know what they are doing when it comes to food and the decor is clean and modern, too. Really nice bar area and outdoor patio dinning. Perfect for visiting family or for casual business meetings. Try it for a first date.
The Oceanaire. 400 J St., SD. 619-858 2277. I kept meaning to try Oceanaire, so I did, finally went in to get the Baked Alaska.
I can’t recommend it enough for seafood, crab cakes and the BLT Salad, Happy Hour 5-6 with $1 oyster shooters and much more.
If you are alone, sit at the bar; the bartenders are pretty funny and the downtown residents hang out here so you know it is good.
WINE & BEER—
Jake’s on 6th Ave., Hillcrest. Grand Opening. 3755 6th Ave. 619-291-9463. Great Pours and terrific portions, huge wine selection, beautiful decor, wine tasting and lite fare.
The best pesto I have ever tasted. Very cool place to hang and chill I really want this place to succeed so you will go and try it, “Jedi Mind Trick “
The Wits End Pub and Café. 420 Robinson Ave., Hillcrest, SD. 619-294-4848.
Healthy Pub Menu and lots of beer. 50 plus beers from imports to microbrewers. 20 Taps.
They pride themselves for representing local San Diego Brewers. The best neighborhood pub in Hillcrest hands down. Get your Italian on and say hi to Frank, Tony and Jason. Open mic on Tuesday Nights it is actually pretty good Hillcrest has always been a Mecca for the creative types in San Diego. Nick Gaby Spins Friday and Laura Jane Karaoke Wednesday Night.
Ramak Hookah and Gourmet Sandwiches 3859 6th Ave. (between Robinson & Pennsylvania, Hillcrest.)
I can't believe it I picked up a to-go menu after trying the food and it did not have the address or phone on it. Since we’re going to print today, you’ll have to wing it. They feature low priced organic sandwiches for $5.99; soups for $3.99, salads $3.99, wraps $5.99 and desserts $2.99 and $1.99 drinks. Did I mention they’re very low priced?
You would not think they all go together but somehow they do and the café is kind of cool with a mixed décor and fabulous hostess. I have yet to Hookah; I have smoked everything else.
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