Good Eats San Diego: Galaxy Tacos in La Jolla

August 24, 2015Local WallyComment

George's at the Cove's chef opens a casual taco shop that's unlike any you've even been to!

WHAT: GALAXY TACOS

WHAT'S SO HIP ABOUT IT?: Trey Foshee, the chef at wildly popular George's at the Cove, opens a gourmet taco shop in La Jolla in an unassuming location.

WHAT'S GOOD? Just about everything, but don't come here thinking this is going to be TreyBerto's - this food has more in common with George's than it does with Las Quatros Milpas. Lots of tequila options to liven things up.

DRESS CODE: Flip flops and t-shirts are just fine - the location near La Jolla Shores guarantees a beachy crowd.

ADDRESS AND OTHER STUFF: 2959 Agenda de la Playa, La Jolla, 858 228-5655, $5 to $6 tacos at lunch, bigger entrees around $25 at dinner.

Galaxy Tacos has a very tasty seafood cocktail - loved it!

George's at the Cove often gets cited as the BEST restaurant in all of San Diego and there's no denying that the upstairs Ocean Terrace has one of the best views in town. When I heard that Trey Foshee, the chef behind George's, was opening a taco shop I had to stop and think. I thought, well, do we need another taco shop in San Diego? Yeah, I really thought that because we have a ton of great taco shops around town. But leave it to Trey to take the lowly taco shop and to elevate it to new heights.

I started my lunch with the seafood cocktail, a sundae sized glass filled with shrimp, scallops, crab, and octopus. Nicely cooked seafood, not the least rubbery, they know what they are doing. At $16 it's not cheap, but as you scrape the last bits out with your spoon you know that it was worth it.

But come on, let's get to the tacos!

Lamb Barbacoa Taco at Galaxy Taco

Wait, what's with that weird tortilla? That's a homemade tortilla made from their own freshly ground masa with no-GMO's. It might look a little strange but tasty, tasty, tasty. The first taco is a lamb barbacoa topped with onion, tomato mint salsa, and yogurt. Fresh, clean tasting, and just enough spices to make this a great barbacoa taco. Winner!

Potato, green chorizo spice, crunchy kale and queso fresca - Galaxy Tacos

Let me make one thing perfectly clear - I am not a vegetarian. I say that because I am not even sure this qualifies as vegetarian but I really loved this potato taco. Tangy with a crispy crunch from the kale chips, I could eat 10 of these. Another Winner!

Short rib taco was so beautiful it was hard to take the first bite - Galaxy Tacos.

The Birria de Res taco was confusing to me because my Spanish is so bad I had no idea what this one was going to be - but that did not stop me from ordering it. It turned out to be short ribs topped with pickled onion, cilantro and cabbage and was very delicious. Ding Ding Ding, another Winner!

I want one more. Hey, is that a Carne Asada Taco?

Carne Asada taco at Galaxy Tacos

Ain't she a beauty? Tender beef topped with cilantro, guacamole, onion, and spicy smoked bone marrow salsa. And it was spicy, that's for sure. I wish they had not called this a carne asada taco because in San Diego carne asada is sacred and this taco, while good, failed as carne asada. Now if they called it something else, anything else, it would have been great but when I order a carne asada taco I want something that sort of looks like it came from, well, Roberto's. How about calling it Taco de Lujo? Translation: fancy taco :-) Or maybe a Pantalones de Lujo de Taco, aka the Fancy Pants Taco? Now that I would love!

So the verdict? I like it, pretty tasty and a fresh look at gourmet tacos. If you're from out of town know that these tacos are not what I would call authentic Mexican food, but they're not supposed to be. Hit the beach, kayak the caves, then go to Galaxy Taco and chow down on some great San Diego good eats and see how the locals like their gourmet tacos. And Trey, congrats on opening what I'm sure will become one of San Diego's most popular restaurants.

Local Wally

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN SAN DIEGO: Thousands Expected to Attend Del Mar Racetrack for Pacific Classic Weekend

August 18, 2015Local WallyComment

The Pacific Classic at Del Mar Racetrack

wiTYBL0dDmp34Im6hGYBGn-3X548BoleZnvTyHNxNeA,cwGXJJMIgWl1tN-UZ0BCgHZwFezy4HE50h00BbW-9LY.jpg

DEL MAR, Calif. – Next weekend the 25th running of the $1 Million TVG Pacific Classic at Del Mar, the Seaside Track’s signature and most prestigious race, is set to bring the elite summer racing season to a peak. The high stakes weekend will be packed with events and entertainment, starting off on Friday, August 21, with a free performance by San Diego based reggae fusion rock band Pepper.

Harrah’s Friday Concert Series with Pepper – Friday, August 21, island-rhythm rock band Pepper will perform a free concert. The concert will start following the final race of the day, approximately scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Concert is 18 and up.

$1 Million Pacific Classic – Saturday, August 22 – Del Mar will draw some of the nation’s most talented Thoroughbreds for the most esteemed race of the season: the $1 Million TVG Pacific Classic. The Pacific Classic will bring horse racing enthusiasts out in their finest summer suits, sundresses and spectacular hats for a day much like Opening Day at the historic Seaside Oval. First post is 2 p.m., gates open at 11:30 a.m.

Daybreak at Del Mar – Every Saturday and Sunday fans have the chance to view racehorses galloping on the track during Daybreak at Del Mar from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. Early risers can watch the morning workouts while enjoying hot breakfast sandwiches, fresh coffee, juice and more for purchase. American Pharoah fans can also catch the Triple Crown champ galloping around 7:45 a.m.

Family Weekends – Every weekend is family weekend at the track, where children can enjoy activities in the Infield such as: inflatable games, pony rides, jockey stilt walkers and more while catching a 360-degree view of the track. Children receive FREE racetrack admission, adults are only $6.

Racing at Del Mar happens Wednesdays through Sundays, July 16 - September 7, with post time for the first race on most days at 2 p.m. On Fridays first post is shifted to 4 p.m. For more information, call 858-755-1141 or visit www.delmarscene.com. You can follow the Del Mar racetrack on Twitter and Instagram @DelMarRacing or become a fan on Facebook/DelMarRaces.

Guest Blogger: Corrinne Bolendorf

San Diego Good Eats: Ironside Fish and Oyster

August 10, 2015Local Wally1 Comment

I was a bit skeptical when a hipster seafood restaurant opened in Little Italy. But I was wrong. Ironside Fish and Oyster just might be my favorite seafood restaurant in San Diego. Come with me and check it out - but first, the basics.

IRONSIDE FISH AND OYSTER

WHAT IS IT? Best described as a hipster seafood restaurant in Little Italy with ultra fresh fish and a reasonably priced menu, less than $20 for most dinner entrees.

WHAT'S GOOD?: Lobster roll with fries is my favorite, but here's the menu.

1654 India St, San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 269-3033

Eclectic design, a bit of mid-century mixed with a weird ship theme - it's cool!

The restaurant is definitely hipster with a bit of nautical theme meets mid-century with a dash of prohibition period ambiance. Tables are bistro close so don't be alarmed when the person seated next to you is nearly as close as your date. Just say hello, be friendly, you can do it.

A large selection of oysters, ask your server to describe them so you get the ones you like.

Oysters are fresh and delicious here. Don't get smug, I know they have "oysters" in their name but I've been to plenty of restaurants around town that frankly have questionable oysters. But these are great, though at $3 apiece a bit pricy. But you go with your bargain oysters, I'll stick with top shelf.

Paella is a hard dish to get right but Ironside Fish and Oyster does it very, very well.

The menu is nice and simple - whole fish, fancy fish, simple fish - along with a handful of entrees like this incredible Paella, a big bowl of shellfish with chunks of fresh fish mixed into a flavorful rice. This one is good, very good. But enough of that, let's take a look at the star of the show, the Lobster Roll.

The Ironside Lobster Roll

Wait, is that a claw on top? Is there going to be enough lobster inside if it has so much on top?

Well heck yeah, lots and lots of succulent lobster meat in the Ironside Lobster Roll.

You have to taste it to believe it!

At $21 the Lobster Roll might seem a bit expensive, but when it arrives at your table everyone will be jealous. Tons of lobster meat inside and out, and it's moist and tender and not in the least dried out or overcooked. Add to it some excellent fries and you need to trust me when I say "get this"!

Hipsters shouldn't get all the good seafood in San Diego. Dat wouldn't be right. So get into Ironsides and sink your teeth into some of San Diego's best seafood served up in a equally fresh setting. It's my new favorite seafood restaurant!

Local Wally

What to Do in San Diego this Weekend: FOOD TRUCKS AT DEL MAR RACETRACK!

August 9, 2015Local Wally1 Comment

I have to be honest. I love going to the Del Mar Racetrack but the only time I have ever won big was when I was looking at the wrong racing form and bet on the wrong horse! But this weekend everyone wins because on AUG 15th the racetrack will host 50 food trucks in the 5th Annual Gourmet Food Truck Festival.

WHAT IS IT: 50 food trucks at the Del Mar Racetrack, Seaside Concert Area

WHEN IS IT: Aug 15th, Saturday, noon to 6 PM

WHAT IS THE COST: FREE with admission to the racetrack

Food trucks at Del Mar Racetrack

5th Annual Food Truck Festival at Del Mar Racetrack

Free with admission

Umm, yes, I want that!

From Korean to burgers, lobster to sausages, just about every type of food truck will be there with most items in the $4 to $8 range. This is a winner of an event, if you haven't been to the races this year then this is your weekend! 50 trucks! It's another Best Thing to Do this Weekend in San Diego!

Click for more info on Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.

San Diego's Mission Brewery Takes Home the Gold!

August 6, 2015Local WallyComment

In a few short years, San Diego has become the home of one of the most thriving craft beer cities across the country. With big-name breweries like Green Flash, Mission Brewery, Stone Brewing Co. and Ballast Point being brewed in San Diego, the city has experienced strong support for the growth and spread of this industry. A community that seeks innovative methods for perfecting their newest brews, San Diego has proudly help foster some of the most original craft beers that we have seen on the market.

One of the community’s newest legends is Mission Brewery’s Hard Root Beer. A twist on the classic IPAs and ales that we see being created, Mission’s Hard Root Beer has opened up a new door for those looking to expand their craft-brewed palette.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the response our craft hard root beer has received in the market,” Mission Brewery owner Dan Selis said. “We expect it to continue growing in popularity.”

A new taste on the craft beer scene, the Hard Root Beer has seen growing popularity in the past year. In the 2015 US Open Beer Championship, Mission proudly received the Gold Medal for their Hard Root Beer, beating out competitors from all across the country. Creamy, smooth, and sweet but not cloying, Mission’s Hard Root Beer has traditional root beer notes of sarsaparilla and vanilla. This new trend on the craft beer market is one that you don’t want to miss! Get out of your comfort zone and experience one of San Diego’s newest innovations: a gold-medal winning hard root beer, proudly brewed right here in down town San Diego.

Guest Blog by Alisha Starelli

Wally Adds a Few Comments

Great local beer at San Diego's Mission Brewery

When I was a kid my favorite school field trip was to the Wonder Bread factory. The smells of baking bread were intoxicating and the tiny little loaf of Wonder Bread they gave you at the end was like a tiny block of edible gold. Today that same Wonder Bread factory is home to Mission Brewery and while they no longer make bread you can get some pretty darn incredible beer there! I wonder if kids today go on field trips to Mission Brewery to see how beer is made and to take home a sample 6 pack for Dad? Doubt it, but what a good idea!

It's no surprise that Mission Brewery has won awards and you need to get yourself in there to taste for yourself why it's one of San Diego's most popular beers. Go before a Padre game, go after, go whenever, it's still one of the best field trips you will ever go on.

Congrats, Mission Brewery!

Local Wally

What to Do in San Diego This Weekend: Go Beer Tasting!

August 6, 2015Local Wally1 Comment

This is a nice welcome at Belching Beaver Brewery.

Beer in San Diego? Heck yeah, San Diego has over 100 breweries. You knew that. I mean, everyone knows that! But if the only breweries you've visited have been the big names like Stone or Karl Strauss then come on a beer tasting safari with me and discover some cool little breweries in San Diego's North County.

Yes, this is Belching Beaver.  Really, it is! — Yes, this is Belching Beaver. Really, it is!

Leave it to (Belching) Beaver

This is Belching Beaver Brewery in Vista. No, this doesn't look like a corporate joint like Rock Bottom Brewery or Gordon Biersch. And that's why I like it. A lot of the breweries in North County are housed in industrial parks and the guy behind the counter is usually the owner or beermeister. That's pretty cool. In fact, let me introduce you to Dave, one of the owners of Belching Beaver.

It might be a good time to mention that right in the same area is Iron Fist Brewing, Aztec Brewing, Indian Joe, Booze Brothers, and Lattitude 33. Mother Earth Brewing isn't too far away, either, so you can really make a day of this if you have the stamina. You can even get a cool Brewery Pass that gets you discounts at some of these. See, Local Wally is always looking out for you!

But wait a second, is that Mishmash Gourmet out in the parking lot? Whadda ya cooking?

Pop up dining at its best with Mishmash Gourmet from Vista.

This is anther thing I like about these smaller breweries. No corporate food, no frozen burger patties, no overpriced and overcooked "pub food", you can find some serious good eats, especially when it's Mishmash Gourmet.

This is not your standard fish taco at Mishmash Gourmet.

Their "fish taco" is not what you might expect. It's seasoned tilapia on top of mango and arugula tossed with a zesty citrus vinaigrette stuffed into a crisp wonton on top of a bed of rice. $10 and definitely worth it.

I love fries and you get a ton of them at Mishmash.

And you have to get some fries, right? Especially when they have truffle parmesan fries. No wimpy serving, it's enough so you don't mind if your friend snakes a few. So take note, I have a beer, I have wonton tacos, I have fries, can it get any better?

Great scene outside at Belching Beaver Brewery.

Sure, you could sit inside but my favorite spot at Belching Beaver is under the oak trees on the back patio where there is often music on the weekend.

Is that Jennifer Corday?  Yes, it is. — Is that Jennifer Corday? Yes, it is.

I'm a big fan of Jennifer Corday. Well, OK, I have only heard her once and that was this day but any singer who goes from The Carpenters to Joplin is A-OK in my book. Hey, how come I was the only one singing along to Top of the World????

So there you go, a few lost hours on a Sunday afternoon that, as Miss Landers from Leave it to Beaver would have said, I will never get back. But I am totally OK with that. Come visit Belching Beaver or any of the other Vista breweries this weekend and see what I mean. It's one of the Best Things to Do this Weekend in San Diego!

TOP 10 REASONS WHY I LOVE PARADISE POINT RESORT AND SPA

July 11, 2015Local Wally1 Comment

PARADISE POINT RESORT

1404 Vacation Rd, San Diego, CA 92109

(858) 274-4630

San Diego is blessed with a lot of things, including a plethora of great hotels and resorts. But for my vacation (or stay-cation) dollar, Paradise Point Report on Mission Bay stands out as my top pick. Here are the Top 10 reasons why your next getaway should be the Paradise Point Resort. It's my favorite as you will soon see.

10. LOOKS MORE LIKE HAWAII THAN HAWAII

Paradise Point Resort and Spa has beautiful grounds.

No one can blame you if you start hollering "AAA-LO-HAAAA!" at the top of your lungs when you arrive. If you didn't know better you might think you were in Maui with the mature tropical plantings and meandering walkways. Palm trees swaying in the breeze, the serenity of the ponds, the sound of birds in the background, you instantly forget that this is on Mission Bay. Lush and beautiful, it's simply is one of San Diego's most beautiful resort settings.

9. MORE ROMANTIC THAN A HONEYMOON NIGHT

Romantic walks on the beach around Paradise Point Resort.

Hey you - did you really buy your wife a new set of tires for your last anniversary? I know, they were steel belted radials - but really?? A weekend at Paradise Point Resort is guaranteed to get you out of the doghouse though what happens after that is up to you. Perfect for honeymooners, anniversaries, special occasions, or anyone just needing to get away, Paradise Point rates higher than a Barry White album on the romantic scale. Bring champagne!

8. MAI-TAI'S AND TROPICAL DRINKS WILL MAKE YOU SING KOKOMO

Seriously, this place feels just like Hawaii, all the way down to the Mai Tai's! (Paradise Point Resort)

Nothing says vacation more than a tropical drink and you'll find them all over Paradise Point, from the popular Barefoot Bar to poolside. The Mai Tai's pack the punch but if punch is what you are after then there's nothing better than an ice cold, rum filled frosty glass of Paradise Punch, a drink that so easy to sip that you might never leave. Tasty, tasty, tasty!

7. THE BAREFOOT BAR, A SAN DIEGO INSTITUTION

Vintage Barefoot Bar logo from Paradise Point Resort.

The story is that The Barefoot Bar was built on top of a bomb shelter back when the original Vacation Village opened in 1963 and the joke was that you could get bombed at the bar but not bombed from the sky. Ahhh, humor back in the Cold War times, nothing better! The original Barefoot Bar had sand on the floor but no longer, which is probably OK when you think about it. Great food, live music, a view of the bay, this place screams VACATION! Locals, stop in for lunch and take a "play-cation" this weekend and be a tourist in our hometown. It's super fun and the food is great. Speaking of which....

6. LOCAL FOOD THAT LOCALS LOVE TO EAT

Super fresh seafood at the Barefoot Bar at Paradise Point Resort.

Just look at that bite - fresh ahi poke with some mango salsa and avocado on top of a crispy won ton wrapper. CRUNCH! Ahhhh! If you could taste what I tasted you would know why I rave about The Barefoot Bar. Open for both lunch and dinner the menu features plenty of fresh seafood options as well as steaks, chicken and burgers. It's a creative menu and one that was so good the last time I went that I can't wait to go back and try more dishes. Next time you're looking for a place to eat and you want something different from the usual suspects in San Diego set your sights on The Barefoot Bar. It's good, really good!

5. FIVE POOLS TO KEEP YOU VERY HAPPY

Great people watching at the pool - just don't get caught! (Paradise Point Resort and Spa)

A great resort needs a great pool and Paradise Point's main pool fits the bill. Kids splashing in the pool and a cocktail waitress to help you ignore the kids splashing, it's the perfect set up for a perfect day. But if the idea of pumped up music and Summer-sized energy isn't your idea of relaxation then head over to any of the other smaller, more private pools, some with age restrictions that keep the munchkins on the other side of the gate. Nice! I mean, nice that there are options.

4. A ROOM WITH A VIEW

*Watch the boats sail by from your private patio.*

This is the view from my room. I sat in that chair and watched the sailboats go by in the afternoon. I watched the sun go down. I watched the bonfires at night. And in the morning I watched the day slowly unfold, the kayakers taking advantage of the calm, and the beginning of another day in Paradise. Now imagine you sitting in that chair with your glass of wine and imagine that this is your vacation, not mine. This is the Paradise Point lifestyle and it doesn't get much better than this.

3. A ROOM TO MATCH THE VIEW

Beautiful and recently updated rooms at the Paradise Point Resort

I'm not sure which is prettier, the view from the room or the room itself. Pick a room on the bayside and you'll be stepping outside to a patio that drops right into the sand and the rooms on the interior aren't slouches either, especially if you get one that lines one of the pools or tropical gardens. What's cool about Paradise Point is that the rooms are bungalows. No high rise hotel. No boring corporate compound. It feels like you are on vacation - hey, you are! I've stayed at enough boring Marriott's throughout the year on dismal business trips. When I go on vacation I want something that makes me forget about work and a bungalow on the beach sound just about right.

2. PLENTY OF FUN STUFF TO DO

*Rent a sailboat for an afternoon of gentle sailing on the calm waters at Paradise Point.*

Located right on the bay, Paradise Point offers plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. If you've never been to San Diego then here's a quick lesson. There are two bays in San Diego. The big one near the airport, Seaport Village and the Convention Center, is called, well, San Diego Bay. It's the one with the Coronado Bridge going over it and an aircraft carrier docked on it. It's big, it's windy, and it's great for experienced sailors wanting to push their skills. Mission Bay, on the other hand, is nice and calm. That's where Paradise Point Marina is and this is where you can rent a little sailboat and try to remember what you learned back at Summer camp in Junior High. You can also rent a kayak or jet ski or whatever you want. Or forgetaboutit and just hop on the water taxi to take a short trip to SeaWorld where you can skip the long lines in front if you purchase your tickets at the resort.

And if water isn't your thing then rent a bike and cruise around the bay. I might suggest a little ride over to the Catamaran Hotel on the other side of the bay as a destination (tip: cocktail bar) and a leisurely ride back then a jump in the pool. There are so many options that there is no way you'll run out of things to do.

1. BEST FAMILY OR ROMANTIC VACATION, EVER!

Create lasting memories doing nothing more than laying on the beach at Paradise Point.

Remember that favorite family vacation you took as a kid? This is the place to create those happy memories with your family and friends. A bungalow on the beach, the sand between your toes, the kids laughing while floating on a raft, you've done a good job picking Paradise Point as your vacation spot. And locals, when the kids are getting restless forget about the long lines at Disneyland or the scorching hot temps of Palm Springs and just stay here. The kids get an adventure, you get a drink and some sunshine, everyone wins!

*Get that balance back into your life with a stay at Paradise Point.*

Whether this is your big family vacation, a honeymoon destination or just a weekend getaway the end result is the same - a Zen-like happiness that makes you feel great about your experience. Paradise Point Resort is a hidden gem, a piece of Hawaii that somehow ended up on Mission Bay. There are a lot of places to say in San Diego but only one that is truly paradise!

Get More Info on Paradise Point including rates on their official site!

What to Do This Weekend in San Diego: Beer and Flowers at Balboa Park

July 3, 2015Local WallyComment

Looking for something to do this weekend in San Diego other than fireworks? How about checking out my new secret beer spot in Balboa Park and then a stroll through the gardens? Whether you're a local or tourist, here's the perfect Sunday afternoon in San Diego.

PANAMA 66

I knew that getting rid of that parking lot in front of the San Diego Museum of Art would be a good thing. Where there once was a fairly non-descript and generic "park food" cafe is not Panama 66, the offshoot restaurant from Blind Lady Ale House and Tiger! Tiger!, two foodie (and beer) favorites in the North Park area.

Wish there was still a parking lot here?  Not me! — Wish there was still a parking lot here? Not me!

Order up some food and a cold beer and grab a table looking into the new plaza. It's not Paris but you can sort of pretend it is, watching people stroll by and the tourists with their cameras. Oh crap, I look like a tourist! Well, these are the sort of things I do for my readers.

Panama 66 in Balboa Park makes some serious pub food like these fries.

Really great food at Panama 66 - not too fancy, perfect lunch spot.

The menu at Panama 66 is short and casual and the quality is beyond what you might expect from a cafe in Balboa Park. You order at the bar and don't be discouraged if all you want is a beer and you see a long line - the line on the left, the short one, is for beer and wine only.

You probably already know that I LOVE french fries and Panama 66 does a very credible job with crispy kennebecs that can be topped with truffle oil and parmesan if you want, though truffle oil is so last decade and who wants to be mocked by a foodie (or Gordon Ramsey, for that matter)? The turkey and brie was great and the salads all looked outstanding - I'd get one next time, with fries, of course. Kids meals too, get one for your dog if you don't have a kid as dogs are welcome here.

The secret picnic spot for beer and wine in Balboa park!

Behind the cafe is the Art Sculpture Garden, a place you probably walked by a hundred times and never stopped. Well here's my secret - it's also the place you can grab a beer or glass of wine (get the sparkling!) and have a wonderful picnic. Family friendly, nice grassy area, I could sit here all afternoon. And while I love the food at Panama 66, they won't let you take it to the lawn area so next time I'm packing in my own bread and cheese and we'll see if I get kicked out - I'll let you know!

Next up, the Botanical Gardens

Visit the Botanical Gardens in Balboa Park.

If you're looking for FREE stuff to do in San Diego, Balboa Park is the place. While the museums all charge a fee (except for the first four Tuesdays of each month for residents), there are plenty of things to do and see that doesn't cost anything. I love just going to the gardens to shoot some pics and take in the scenery. I gave my camera to my wife and she shot the pics below. Pretty good!

So there you have it - a perfect thing to do this weekend in San Diego. Go to Balboa Park for a light lunch, a dark beer, and a stroll through the gardens. It's a fabulous way to spend a few hours exploring the town we call home.

San Diego's Love Affair with the California Burrito

June 29, 2015Local Wally1 Comment

Carne asada burrito from Roberto's in San Diego.

The California Burrito is magic, a giant flour tortilla stuffed with carne asada, salsa, cheese, sour cream, and french fries. It's so simple yet so addicting and the ability to remove a hangover as well as fight hunger has been proven time and time again. The history is vague but most people believe that it was invented in the 1980's at Roberto's Taco Shop. Or maybe not. Maybe it was Jiliberto's. Or Rigibertos? Santana's? It doesn't matter, what matters is that if you are here in San Diego you need to try this burrito because nothing except the Fish Taco screams San Diego like a California Burrito.

Fast food faker California Burrito - is nothing sacred?

Don't fall for a fast food or chain Mex imposter! Look at the real California Burrito on top and pretend this is one of those puzzle games you played as a kid where you have to figure out what's different - Hmmmm, let's see, the fast food burrito seems to glow in the dark for one thing. The tortilla looks like it will have the texture of cardboard versus the chewy freshness of a real taco shop tortilla. And the guacamole looks - wait! THERE'S NO GUAC ON A CALIFORNIA BURRITO! GEEZ, IDIOTS! OK, some very credible taco shops do put guac on them but it's not on mine and if it was it's not supposed to be florescent green.

Bite into this California Burrito when you are in San Diego. See how moist and succulent the meat is?

Calm down everyone (I'm talking to myself). This is the California Burrito from Roberto's - perfectly cooked carne asada, a fresh tortilla that did not come from a factory, this is legit, the real deal. Get yourself to a taco shop, preferably one where English is the second language and see what I mean. The California Burrito was invented in San Diego and is right up there with the fish taco as our top culinary contribution to the world.

Local Wally

Kona Kai Resort Gets a Makeover

June 18, 2015Local Wally1 Comment

Hotels are like movie stars. Sometimes they need is a bit of a makeover as they get older. A couple of years ago the Kona Kai Resort was in desperate need of a refurbishing, a lovely resort in a gorgeous setting but looking just a little tired. Noble House came in and sunk more money into the refurbish than they spent on the entire resort and recently unveiled their new flagship restaurant, Vessel. Was it a success or is Kenny Rogers saying "I told you not to do it?" Let's see.

Sorry Kenny, this facelift is a winner! The Kona Kai Resort looks fresh and modern, the pool is now a tropical paradise and the bar is simply beautiful and lively with live music most nights. The rooms are also fresh and contemporary and the things we loved about the Kona Kai - the fire pits on the beach, the marina view on one side, Point Loma on the other - still remain but no longer overshadowing the resort itself. Total success!

That said, dining in even the best resorts is sometimes disappointing so when Kona Kai sunk their faith into Vessel and chef Roy Hendrickson you wondered if they bit off more than they could chew. But let's see how they did with their summer tasting menu.

Dinner at Kona Kai's Vessel Restaurant

48 Hour Pork Belly with plantain powder, sweet potato spaetzle, anise, bitter chocolate was melt in your mouth delicious and the presentation stunningly beautiful. I would marry it if I didn't eat it first, that's how much I loved it. This was paired with a nice Maui Brewing Co. Coconut Porter. Wait, you want to see the beer?

That's what I'm talking about. Kona Kai has a lot of great beer and cocktail offerings as well as a wonderful wine list so don't be shy, try them all.

So beautiful that I didn't want to eat it.  But I did. — So beautiful that I didn't want to eat it. But I did.

Next up was the Roasted Pear with borage flower, Cowgirl Creamery Smoked Bleu Cheese with a fine herb medley and a caramelized black pepper vinaigrette, paired with an Alesmith .394 Pale Ale. This one was so beautiful I didn't want to disturb it. Is it just me or does that look like a painting? Whoops, ate it all.

Wonderfully cooked albacore and a crazy jar of jam with crunchy corn on the bottom. Weird, but delicious.

That pear was going to be hard to beat but the Corn Dusted Albacore with Serrano custard, bacon powder and onion jam was a fine follow up. I'm sorry pear, I've loved you but already forgotten you once I took a bite of this albacore. It's not you, it's me. What was it paired with? Sorry, I totally lost track since I drank all the beer out of order by this point.

How do you not love this one?  A ribeye steak with foie gras butter? — How do you not love this one? A ribeye steak with foie gras butter?

I'm getting pretty full and then they have to put down a Dry Aged Ribeye topped with foie gras butter and a bordelaise cause, cooked perfectly and decadently indulgent. Now I know you're thinking "where are the frites?" because that's what I was thinking but look at this oddball side they brought.

Crazy idea that worked - popcorn with the steak.

That's right, popcorn to go with the steak! And not just any popcorn but a Blue Cheese popcorn that was so incredibly delicious that I hope they offer it as a side in the bar. Please listen to me, I want more popcorn! I really liked how the chef took a huge risk with this one and knocked it out of the park.

Perfectly cooked and seasoned Confit Game Hen.

As if this wasn't enough there was one more dish, a Confit Game Hen with anise scented couscous and roasted grapes. So. Full. Must. Lay. Down.

In the end it was an amazing meal and proof that Kona Kai Resort is back on the right path and quickly establishing itself as one of the top resort destinations in San Diego, thanks in a big way to Vessel Restaurant. Good job!

And here he is, Chef Roy Hendrickson. All I can say at this point is thank you for a great meal - I'll be back soon!

Local Wally

Come try Vessel Restaurant at the Kona Kai Resort and Spa for yourself and let me know how you liked it - 1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, 619 221-8000.