Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

Rossini’s La Cenerentola (Cinderella) Opens San Diego Opera’s Mainstage Season on October 22, 2016

Local WallyComment
Cinderella at the San Diego Opera Oct 22, 2016

San Diego Opera is proud to present Rossini’s La Cenerentola, his opera based on the beloved fairy tale Cinderella that has entertained generations and inspired different versions throughout history from Charles Perrault, The Brothers Grimm, to Walt Disney. La Cenerentola (Cinderella) opens the maintage season at the San Diego Civic Theatre on Saturday, October 22, 2016 for four performances. Additional performances are October 25 and 28 at 7 PM, and October 30 at 2 PM.

For Ticket Info Go Here:  http://www.sdopera.org/

Making important company debuts are American mezzo-soprano Lauren McNeese as Angelina/Cinderella and American tenor David Portillo as Prince Don Ramiro. Returning to the Company after last having been heard as Garcias in Don Quixote in 2014 is American soprano Susannah Biller as Clorinda, Cinderella’s older sister. She is joined by returning Egyptian bass Ashraf Sewailam, last heard as Leporello in 2015’s Don Giovanni, as the philosopher Alidoro. Mexican baritone José Adán Pérez makes his debut as Dandini, the valet to Prince Ramiro and American mezzo soprano Alissa Anderson sings Thisbe, Cindererlla’s younger sister. American conductor Gary Wedow makes his Company debut on the podium and Australian stage director Lindy Hume makes her house debut staging the action.     

Rossini’s version of Cinderella tells the story of an innocent girl, abused by her family, who winds up marrying a handsome prince but faces real dangers along the way. Some things are different from the popular Disney version of the story; Don Magnifico is a wicked stepfather, replacing the wicked stepmother; Alidoro, the philosopher and prince’s tutor, replaces the fairy godmother; and Cinderella’s slipper is replaced by a bracelet. La Cenerentola (Cinderella) will delight audiences from all generations with its arias and ensembles, and stunningly beautiful music from the composer of The Barber of Seville.   

This production of La Cenerentola (Cinderella) is rented from Leipzig Opera and was originally built for Opera Queensland. The set and costume designer is Dan Potro and has been updated to Edwardian England. Matt Marshall is the lighting designer. The opera will be performed in Italian with English translations above the stage. This is the second time La Cenerentola (Cinderella) has been performed by the Company with the other performances occurring in 1996.

La Cenerentola (Cinderella) will have a radio broadcast on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 8 PM on KPBS radio, 89.5 FM (97.7 FM Calexico) and online at www.kpbs.org

Seals on the Beach are Back in San Diego! What's New at Casa Beach in La Jolla

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The cooling weather is creating comfortable conditions on the shore of Casa Beach for our harbor seal colony to enjoy! Every day, more and more seals are being seen at the rookery, and numbers are expected to keep climbing as pupping season (December 15 - May 15) approaches.

Are you planning a trip to the beach? Click here to check out our seal statistics page and find out how many seals are likely to be on the beach during your visit. In addition to predicting seal activity on the beach, you will also notice that after gaining the legal protections of 2014 and 2015, the Casa Beach harbor seal colony is thriving!

When visiting Casa Beach, please remember:

  • There will be a guideline rope on the beach for the safest public viewing of the seals, until December 15 - May 15, when the beach will be closed for pupping season
  • If you see a sick or injured seal, please call Sea World Marine Mammal Rescue at (800)541-7325
  • If you see someone abusing or harassing the seals, please call NOAA's Law Enforcement at (800) 853-1964
  • Enjoy your time at the beach, and if you can, please count the number of seals you see and email them to sealcounts@sealconservancy.org. Maybe make it a fun game for the kids!
Seals doing what comes naturally in San Diego

Fun Seal Fact of the Day!

Seals share a common ancestor with dogs and bears and have upper and lower arms and legs concealed within their skin. Only their hands and feet extend outside the body envelope.

How You Can Help

Donate - Any little bit will help!
While the Seal Conservancy does receive precious support from volunteer staff, there is an abundant need for professional services when gaining and defending legal protections on the beach. We are proud to say that contributions from our passionate supporters have powered the success at Casa Beach!

Volunteer - On the beach or from home! There is lots of work to be done, from counting seals to organizing events. Please email info@sealconservancy.org for information.

Visit the beach - Show the City of San Diego how much you appreciate the safety of the seals and come enjoy the scene! Our City has fought long and hard for the protections at the beach. Let's thank them by continuing to safely enjoy the seals. Tell all of your friends, and bring your out-of-town family, to the gem at Casa Beach.

While you're there, please help the Seal Conservancy to protect the Casa Beach seal colony! All it takes is an email! Simply count the number of seals you see on the beach during your visit, and include this count, the time you counted them, and the date in an email to sealcounts@sealconservancy.org. You can also fill out our Seal Count form at http://sealconservancy.org/seal-counts/.
 

San Diego's Award-Winning Golden Door Resort Launches New Farm Stand

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San Diego's Award-Winning Golden Door Resort Launches New Farm Stand

314 Deer Springs Road, San Marcos CA 92069

Farm Stand Hours:  Wednesday through Friday: 10:30am to 3pm, Saturday: 9:30am to 3pm

Golden Door, awarded the “World’s Best Destination Spa” by Travel + Leisure magazine, and located just a few miles north of San Diego, is opening a Farm Stand on October 15th, 2016.

Open four days a week year-round, the Golden Door Farm Stand will sell organic produce such as herbs, kale, figs, melons, carrots, citrus, beets, eggplant, pomegranates and more from the resort’s gardens, as well as marmalades and preserves from its artisanal foods line.

“Golden Door’s magical gardens are treasured for the abundance of organic produce they provide our guests. We are overjoyed to share their bounty with the local community, while continuing our mission to donate all of the proceeds to charity,” says COO/GM Kathy Van Ness.

This is a chance for the community to enjoy delicious, locally grown produce, and be a part of the Golden Door mission—100% of proceeds from all Farm Stand purchases will be donated to help children of abuse.

Fresh veggies at Golden Door Farm Stand San Marcos

About Golden Door

The Golden Door experience empowers each guest to achieve a healthy mind, body and spirit. Guests relax, restore, and refresh on a journey focused on personalized fitness, spa and nutrition programs, thoughtfully designed to meet the specific goals and needs of each individual. Located in a serene valley a few miles north of San Diego and south of Los Angeles, the Golden Door is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the tranquility of our unique spot on earth. The resort is nestled in 600 acres of nature to hike, run or simply explore at your own pace. With more than 30 miles of hiking and walking trails, mountains to climb, vistas to discover, and a bamboo forest that gives voice to the wind, guests are surrounded by breathtaking beauty that nurtures the soul. Golden Door resort donates 100% of profits to further charitable causes that match the mission and objectives of the property. www.goldendoor.com

Estancia Resort: Photos from 4th Annual Wine & Whiskey BBQ

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Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa is a gem of a resort, looking a bit like an upscale California ranch. Tucked away in La Jolla near UCSD, Estancia has a lot to offer for both tourists and locals such as the 4th Annual Wine and Whiskey BBQ, one of the best food and drink events in San Diego. But we'll get to that in a moment after I show you around the resort a bit.

Yes, Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa is a great place, a wonderful stay-cation for locals and excellent pick for visitors. It's elegant but not stuffy, upscale without being pretentious, it's California casual.

READ TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS AND GET RATES BELOW

Annual Wine & Whiskey BBQ photos

The problem with a lot of food festivals are the massive crowds but I love that Estancia La Jolla didn't over sell the tickets and pack them in. You want another drink, you get one. You want more food, no problem. And both food and drink were plentiful and delicious, from the lovely wines from Trintas Cellars, a Napa winery they own that has its own tasting room onsite, to the creative cocktails done up in craft cocktail style with big block ice cubes to the excellent BBQ shrimp, brisket, chicken, pulled pork, and enough beans and cornbread to make a cowboy happy. Dessert bar equally impressive - so full!

But I promised you photos so here you go. But before I go just remember this event for next year, it's really one of the best in San Diego!

DON'T MISS! 4th Annual Wine & Whiskey BBQ at La Jolla's Estancia Hotel and Spa Oct. 7th, 2016

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4th Annual Wine & Whisky BBQ at Estancia La Jolla

WHEN:  Friday, Oct 7th, from 6 to 9PM

GET TICKETS HERE - EVENT WILL SELL OUT!

WHERE:  Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
9700 North Torrey Pines Road
San Diego, CA 92037

WHAT:  The flavors of the deep South and northern California converge for the ultimate West coast BBQ bash at Estancia La Jolla. A nod to the property’s horse ranch heritage, this southern-style feast under the stars features a menu of barbecued brisket, pulled pork mac & cheese, warm cobblers and other comfort food favorites washed down with unlimited whiskey, bourbon and Napa Valley wine tastings.

Let Trinitas Cellars’ proprietor Garret Busch personally lead you through a flight of his winery’s best blends, then taste a trio of both single barrel whiskeys and Woodford bourbon with Jack Daniel’s brand ambassador Eric Tecosky as live blues music and bonfire sparks float on the night air.

WALLY SAYS: A cool local event that should be great fun for locals and visitors alike. Estancia Hotel has a SoCal "rancho" feel but with an upscale twist.  I suspect an event with whiskey, bourbon, wine and BBQ will be a bit hit with those who know the scene so put on your party clothes and get out there for a fun evening with great food and drink!

BUY TICKETS!  CLICK HERE TO GET PRICES AND AVAILABILITY.

San Diego FINALLY Gets a Real BBQ Joint - Grand Ole BBQ y Asado

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GRAND OLD BBQ Y ASADO (official site) 

3302 32nd Street, San Diego (map)  |  619.213.3765 (Click to Call)

AT A GLANCE:  Funky picnic style eatery surrounded by smokers, authentic BBQ, they cook to capacity and when it's gone they close.  Best BBQ in San Diego, hands down.

OPEN WED - SUN, NOON TO SELL OUT

This is it. Do not be afraid. Instead, rejoice!

I'm picky when it comes to BBQ.  Perhaps it's because in my former life I traveled to Kansas City a lot and got to taste the real deal.  After a plate of burnt ends or smokey St Louis ribs it was always hard to come back to San Diego. Fish tacos we nail, BBQ was more elusive. But that has all changed with the opening of the Grand Ole BBQ y Asado in North Park.

Grand Ole BBQ y Asado at first looks a bit, well, temporary, but don't let that scare you off. Real BBQ is all about the food and let's face it, San Diego can use a little more Portland in it's style. The menu changes depending on what they have cooked that day.

Oh the smoke, so delightful and delicious, I knew this was going to be good from down the block.

There are sandwiches (pulled pork, brisket, etc), of course, but you can also order by the pound and that's what I recommend. The day I was there the meats were going for around $18 a pound so get a half pound of whatever looks good and add a few ribs - you can tell them how many you want and they'll weigh them out.

Beans, pulled pork, more beans (my wife loves them), smoked turkey, cole slaw, potato salad, and pork ribs - and yes, white bread!

This is what I got - here's a quick review:

White Peruvian Beans:  Creamy, almost buttery, very delicious. These are NOT your typical BBQ beans. In fact, you put these in a fancy big bowl and you'll pay big bucks for these at a normal restaurant. Grade: A

Pulled Pork: Slightly smokey, tender, juicy, just aching for a bit of Carolina vinegar sauce which is on the side the way it should be. I'd like a bit more smoke so I'll give it a B+.

Texas Turkey: My wife ordered this and I didn't say anything but I thought this was going to be a disaster. Turkey breast is hard to do right but Grand Ole BBQ nailed this one, so juicy, so flavorful, I loved it.  A+

Cole Slaw:  Nice balance, not too sweet, add some jalapenos and it's perfect. B+

Potato Salad: This deserves an award, perfect potato salad. I could not have made this better if I did it myself. A+

St Louis Ribs: OK, the real test. The ribs without extra sauce had a nice smoke to it, a slightly sweet finish that suggested almost a bit of Asian flavoring, perhaps a hint of Char Sui flavors but not in a way that makes it a crazy fusion rib. No "fall off the bone" fail. Let me just say it - best ribs in San Diego. A++

And yes, for you sauce fans there are plenty of options from sweet to spicy, Texas to Carolina, and they are all very, very good. I also like that you can grab a complimentary pile of pickles or pickled onions or jalapenos to kick it all up. And sure, get a shirt to show San Diego you know good BBQ!

Yes, best ribs in San Diego!

OK, the close up!  Don't you love it that's not all smothered in sauce? White bread included so you can make your own sandwich if you want.

Smoking up some Beef Ribs at Grand Ole BBQ.

At the end I was so impressed I asked to see what was in the smoker and he opened it up to show me the Texas Beef Short Ribs. Oh my, I wanted them so bad but they needed a few more hours on the smoker so come back at 6. Dang!  The menu changes from lunch to dinner and Sunday's there's an Argentinian menu with skirt steak and chorizo and even blood sausage (don't cringe, it's really good). I haven't tried everything but what I had I loved enough to tell you to get yourself over to Grand Ole BBQ and be ready to experience San Diego's best BBQ. 

SUMMARY:  Grand Old BBQ is to Barbecue as Las Quatros Milpas is to Tacos. It's San Diego's most authentic BBQ joint and a must taste to believe experience for anyone who loves smoked meats and a funky fun dining experience.

Local Wally

Islands Restaurant Teams With Left Coast Brewing

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Hula Burger at Islands Restaurant

If you follow me you know that I pretty much avoid nationwide chain restaurants. I mean, San Diego has so much good food that there's no reason to eat average food in an average setting. But while I avoid big chains I cheer on our local restaurants who have made it big.  And that brings me to Islands, a popular burger joint that many forget got its start in our very own Carlsbad.

Islands goes back to the early 60's when founder Tony DeGrazier stepped off the beaches of Oahu after a day of surfing with his Navy buddies and doing what came naturally to him. He went searching for a juicy burger, a hot basket of fries & a cold drink. He never forgot those days of youth and 20 years later in 1982, it was that sense of place & satisfaction he was trying to recreate when he took a little chunk of the islands & plopped it down right in the mainland of Southern California. So while Islands is a successful chain, it's still a local joint, still our restaurant, and still satisfies, whether you're coming off the swells or coming in with the family.

Local Burger meet Local Beer

And this summer, Islands Restaurants and SoCal based brewery Left Coast Brewing Co. are teaming up to create an exclusive new brew. The Hula Bay IPA – which launched in restaurants on June 13 – is a classic West Coast IPA with hints of citrus, grapefruit, tangerine and pine, and will be available for a limited time. That's the combo you want - a great fat Islands burger, a basket of their fantastic fries, and a cold local beer from Left Coast Brewing Co.

While you're there you might want to check out:

  • Heat Wave Burger:  Back on the menu for a limited time, the Heat Wave comes topped with grilled Serrano chilies, grilled green chilies, melted pepper-jack cheese and spicy mayo, and is one of the best burgers to pair with the Hula Bay IPA. Would be happy to pass along other contenders in the area for a list of “hottest burger and beer pairings for summer”, if you see a fit!
  • Colada Sunset:  Adding to Islands’ tropical cocktail repertoire, the Colada Sunset is a twist on the classic pina colada with pineapple, coconut cream and a float of Myers’s Rum.
  • Beach Cruiser Giveaway:  Each of Islands’ 54 restaurants is giving away custom his and hers Freedom Cycle Co. beach cruisers complete with Hawaiian floral designs and bells. Guests can enter every time they visit an Islands, and winners will be selected on August 18.

So go local this weekend and get a burger at Islands!  Great burgers, tacos, fries, even salads, now even better with The Hula Bay IPA.

Del Mar Racetrack to Host BBQ State Championships Sunday, July 17th, 2016

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Let's get Smoking!

BBQ Competition at the Del Mar Racetrack!

I am addicted to BBQ. I love the smell of the smoke in the air, I love the artistry behind great BBQ, and I love to try it all, from perfectly tender spare ribs to juicy brisket. I've been to BBQ joints in Kansas City that look like something in a Blues Brothers movie, I've done Texas BBQ, and love the tang of Carolina.  Wherever there is BBQ is where I am at. So you know where I will be on July 17th - at the Del Mar Racetrack where the 2016 BBQ Championships are taking place.

More than 40 of the nation's top professional BBQ pitmasters, local restaurants and chefs will be competing in the State Championship for more than $15,000 in cash prizes. Best yet, those attending can purchase BBQ samples to see for themselves how good BBQ can be. Four 2 oz competition ready samples of brisket, pork, ribs, chicken and steak are only $10 and include a People's Choice ballot so you can vote for your favorite. 

Del Mar San Diego Fair BBQ Championship coming July 17th

Come for the races, stay for the BBQ - or the other way around!

The competition, sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society, also features local craft beer options and live music and is held at the Seaside Concert Area west of the Grandstand, tickets included with track admission of $6. Oh yeah, the Del Mar horse races will be going on at the same time so dang this is going to be a great day!

You want a bite?  I know you do.  And you can, at the Del Mar Racetrack BBQ Competition

Here are some BBQ rating tips from your favorite local expert, Local Wally.

1.  Fall off the bone = fail.  Ribs should be tender but still have some bite to them. If you take a bite and all the meat falls to the plate and you're left holding the bone then you overcooked them.

2.  Sauce should never be the star.  It's the meat that needs to shine. Bad BBQ is over-sauced to hide mediocre BBQ. 

3.  Too much smoke is as bad as crockpot BBQ.  Smoke should be there but not overpowering. If it sort of tastes like an ashtray smells it was oversmoked. And don't get me started on cooking BBQ in a crockpot!

THE DETAILS

Where:  Del Mar Racetrack

When:  July 17th, 12 to 5

Cost:  Included with $6 track admission, get four samples for $10

VIP Pre-Sale Package
Gain early entrance to sample the mouthwatering BBQ from noon - 1 p.m. Includes four BBQ samples, racetrack admission and Peoples' Choice ballot, for $25 now through July 10th. 

Pre-Sale Package
Includes four BBQ samples, racetrack admission and Peoples' Choice ballot, for $14 now through July 10th.

LINK TO BUY TICKETS

Bite San Diego Review: Tasting San Diego One Neighborhood at a Time

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BITE SAN DIEGO |  619 634-8476

At a Glance: Culinary walking tour through some of San Diego's trendiest neighborhoods. Spend an afternoon sampling food from 4 to 5 restaurants in a small group of like minded food lovers.

Wally Says: Whether you're a tourist or a local, if you love food and love discovering new places to eat then this is your type of tour.

He cuts the cheese at Venissimo Cheese Shop in Hillcrest - wait, that didn't sound right but you get the idea!

He cuts the cheese at Venissimo Cheese Shop in Hillcrest - wait, that didn't sound right but you get the idea!

This is a pretty good idea! Bite San Diego is a food tour where you walk through various San Diego neighborhoods to taste what their restaurants have to offer. Started in 2010, BITE San Diego is an adventure for locals and tourists alike, really anyone who loves good food and wants to explore the San Diego food scene and maybe even learn a little history on the way.

What's cool about this type of tour is that you discover cool restaurants that you might have walked right by in your past. For example, Red Wing Bar and Grill in Hillcrest has been described as a dive bar by some, a crazy gay bar by others. I'd never been in but so glad I did after sampling their insanely fantastic hot wings, washed down with a giant PBR. Really, you like wings you need to get in there!

BITE San Diego has tours not only in North Park but Pacific Beach, Liberty Station, La Jolla, Encinitas, Downtown/Little Italy and Coronado. All of those areas have well known restaurants, places you've already been to, but that's not what BITE focuses on. Instead they find the eclectic and unusual, you know, the more foodie focused places that make you wonder why you've never been in before.

Walking to our next stop, Crazee Burger

Walking to our next stop, Crazee Burger

Mention Crazee Burger to someone who lives in North Park and they'll tell you that this is one of the best burgers in town. But I had never heard of them. That's one of the problems in San Diego - it's so big, so spread out, that it's impossible to have the insider scoop on every neighborhood. But that's exactly what BITE does - it shows you where the locals in that neighborhood eat, their favorites.

Our next stop was Berkeley Pizza North Park, a Chicago Style pie that has a crispy, buttery crust and lots of fresh toppings. Really great, authentic, and popular with the neighborhood locals. 

Deep dish Chicago style pizza at Berkeley Pizza North Park

Deep dish Chicago style pizza at Berkeley Pizza North Park

By now I was clearly stuffed. They call this a walking tour but you really only walk a mile and a half, maybe two total, over the entire afternoon so it's not like you're burning up calories like this was the Rock and Roll Marathon. So come hungry. Come super hungry, in fact.  But come on, our leader shouted, let's move on to the next stop!

We did a short pitstop to taste some lemonade at a coffee shop and then headed over to Splash Wine Lounge, a cool place where you can purchase a wine sample one ounce at a time. You insert a card, you push a button, and out comes your taste. It's a really great way to try some unusual wines. I wish Trader Joe's had this! And yes, food, more food, so much food that I could barely take a bite but there I was diving into a great flatbread. So. Stuffed! BITE San Diego says that this is supposed to be "bites', not a buffet, but really you need to be John Candy to not leave this tour feeling like you got more than your money's worth of deliciousness.  

So tourists, if you want to do something really unusual, if you love food, if you want to learn more about San Diego than the basic tourist stops, then pick a neighborhood and spend a few hours exploring the food scene with BITE San Diego. And locals, you'll love it too. Go discover a part of San Diego you might have overlooked - gather some friends and spend the afternoon on a BITE San Diego tour. You'll love it!

Alfonso's of La Jolla Reopens in Solana Beach (and boy are we happy!)

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Alfonso's of La Jolla (now open in Solana Beach)

437 South Highway 101,  Solana Beach  |  (858) 454-2232

The original Alfonso's of La Jolla

San Diegan's are lucky. Mexican food, real Mexican food, has always been at your a part of your world. Not so for those of us who transplanted here. I came to San Diego to go to SDSU (Go Aztecs) way back when, originally from the Bay Area where tacos where filled with hamburger meat and tamales came out of cans. I am not kidding!

Ultra crunchy chips with the best salsa - seriously, I would drink this salsa with a shot of vodka and a straw!

Flashback to La Jolla 1977 when my hair was long, my car was an MGB, and Supertramp was my band of choice. My buddy Barry lived up the street in a rental with 4 or 5 other guys and one night we stumbled down Prospect in search of cheap eats, ultimately seduced by Alfonso's of La Jolla, a restaurant that looked like it had more in common with Tijuana than La Jolla. It was that night I had my first carne asada taco, grilled strips of marinated steak topped with guacamole and salsa fresca and double wrapped in a fresh tortilla.

It was life changing. Literally one of the best things I have ever eaten.

Over the years I revisited Alfonso's of La Jolla, always to eat there first and then heading across the street to Chucks Steak House to listen to live jazz and then to Bratskeller for a Zombie before driving back to State. Hey, I'm not saying this was a good plan, I'm just telling you that a trip to La Jolla always meant a stop at Alfonso's to get a carne asada taco. And a margarita. A good margarita.

So nearly 40 years later (holy cow!) when I heard that Alfonso's was closing I was more than bummed. But here's proof that there's a God, or at least a Taco God, because Alfonso's not only reopened, they opened near my house! Their new location in Solana Beach is open, airy, a bit more urban contemporary than the original restaurant but with the same owner and same waiters. And there's even parking, something that was hard to find in La Jolla.

Alfonso is back!

Alfonso's of La Jolla captures the north county beach vibe.

This is it! The Carne Asada taco at Alfonso's of La Jolla

I went on opening day and ordered a carne asada taco and a margarita. Heaven! Throughout the years I've eaten perhaps 10,000 carne asada tacos, give or take, and none of them are even close to Alfonso's of La Jolla. Their new location has music at night on the weekends, happy hour specials, and a North County beach vibe that's sure to make this a popular spot with locals and tourists. Go. This Weekend. And you tell me if this is not the best Carne Asada Taco in San Diego.

The Vibe: Beach friendly

The Price: Very reasonable - a couple of fish tacos, rice and beans, $12, less than ten bucks gets you 3 rolled chicken tacos with rice and beans, a serious bargain.

Margaritas: Lots of options, the house margarita still the best value for a real margarita with enough punch to make you happy!

Wally Says: North County has some very good Mexican restaurants - Fidel's, Tony's Jacal, La Especial Norte - but none of them beat Alfonso's carne asada taco!