Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

The BEST AYCE Tacos in San Diego | San Diego Food + Wine Fest 2023 Taco TKO

Local WallyComment

Where can you find the BEST tacos in San Diego? Wait. I mean, where can you find the best ALL YOU CAN EAT tacos in San Diego. What are you talking about????

The San Diego Wine & Food Fest is well known as one of the best food festivals in the country. Held every year before Thanksgiving at the large grassy point behind Seaport Village, this year it’s November 8-12, 2023. It’s very cool, I go every year, and it’s totally worth it.

But that’s not what I’m talking about.

MEET THE GRAND FIESTA, AKA san diego TACO TKO

The big event at the San Diego Wine + Food Fest is held on Saturday, this year on Nov 11th. On Sundays the activities at the main event cool down but the heat is definitely ON at THE GRAND FIESTA, sometimes known as the San Diego Taco TKO. Held on a huge open grassy area in Liberty Station, in some ways it’s BETTER than the main food festival because it’s a much more low key event. This means food lines are short, the crowds are manageable, and because of this you can eat as many tacos as you can in a three hour period. So many tacos.

And trust me, the tacos being served are serious tacos and for the most part “full size”. No happy size tiny bites here, the hardest part is not filling up after the second stop. Even the street tacos were big!

Sam the Cooking Guy was the big chef last year and it was cool to see him actually cooking and serving and handing you the food. His Korean Short Rib Taco was my favorite… or was it? I mean, there were so many GREAT tacos that it’s hard to decide.

Full sized delicious Korean short rib taco from Sam the Cooking Guy

Baja California wineries were well represented as well and like the tacos it was unlimited servings. Baja is making some really nice wines. I’m a huge fan of Napa wines (of course, I write Local Wally’s Napa Tourist Guide as well) but Baja is no slouch. Some of these wines were very impressive so get ready to be surprised if you haven’t tasted Mexican wines yet.

And the lines, so short, keep going back, try them all. Cocktails as well. Whatever you want. As many as you want. Did I say already that there were barely any lines? Did I?? I mean, lines shorter than the chicken nuggets shaped liked dinosaurs sample line at Costco.

And there was live music and plenty of space to kick back and just enjoy the sunshine. Last year was my first time and it was so amazing that I think it gives the main event a run for it’s money. Oh sure, the main San Diego Wine + Food Fest is the place to be seen, the setting on the bay is so luxurious, the vibe is so hip, but sometimes you just want to hang out with friends and eat tacos and drink beer all afternoon while listening to live music. Man that sounds good!

And guess what? The Grand Fiesta tickets are only $85! Have you ever looked at your credit card statement after a movie at Cineopolis with one glass of wine and one taco? I just did and it came out to nearly $60, and the movie was terrible! Don’t do that, do this instead. Much tastier, much more fun, much more like a perfect San Diego Sunday.

There’s more info coming on the 2023 event so always check back - until them check out the pics of tacos from last year because I want you to go to this event!


San Diego's Gator By The Bay May 11-14, 2023 | Live Music, Dance, Food at a Glance

eventsLocal WallyComment

San Diego's Gator By The Bay May 11-14, 2023 | Live Music, Dance, Food at a Glance

WHAT IS IT? A multi-day festival held at Spanish Landing, the grassy area on the bay across from the airport that feature San Diego’s version of a Mardi Gras celebration with live music, food, and dancing.

WHEN IS IT? May 11-14, 2023. There are activities everyday. Thursday and Friday are evening events, and Sat and Sun are all day and into the evening.

WAIT. WHAT IS THIS AGAIN? Think of this as an non-stop music festival with multiple stages surrounded by food stands selling authentic New Orleans food (and plenty of other options). Toss in some dance lessons, cooking lessons, pop ups selling typical street fair goodies, and people really getting into it (I mean, really getting into it!) and you have Gator by the Bay.

HOW MUCH IS IT? There are plenty of ticket options but if you just wanted to check it on on a Saturday the tickets are $65 and on Sunday they are $60.

IS IT KID FRIENDLY? Yes, and kids 17 and under are free with a paid adult. Don’t worry, people have fun at this event (yes, there are adult beverages) but tops stay on, if that’s your concern :-)

I DON’T DANCE, WILL I LIKE THIS EVENT? Sure, if you like music and enjoy eating crawfish and other New Orleans delights then a couple of hours strolling the grounds is great fun. Stop for some bites, grab a beer, stand back and listen to some music, sounds like the perfect San Diego day to me.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING? If you plan on listening to music a folding chair is nice - Costco has some that fold small enough to fit into a backpack right now that are perfect for this sort of thing. Or just bring a blanket. Sunscreen, you know the drill.

OK, LET’S BE HONEST, IS THIS CRINGE-Y OR AUTHENTIC? I know where you are coming from - I once booked tickets on what I thought was a Star of India authentic sailing adventure and ended up on a fake pirate ship with “cast members” yelling lots of “ahoy, mateys”. This is not that. I’ve been to New Orleans during Mardi Gras many times and this is about as close as you’re going to get without jumping on a plane. The food is authentic, the music is authentic, and the crowd is just plain crazy (in a very fun way).

Gator By The Bay May 11-14, 2023 - Live Music, Dance, Food - Zydeco, Crawfish, Family Fun

eventsLocal WallyComment

What’s that New Orleans Mardi Gras event in San Diego called again? Oh right, Gator by the Bay. This annual event will be held May 11-14th, 2023, and the family fun event you should not miss!

GATOR BY THE BAY AT A GLANCE:

GATOR BY THE BAY is a music and food festival held on Spanish Landing, the grassy area overlooking the bay next to the airport. Expect delicious and authentic New Orlean’s foods like heaps of boiled crawfish and po’boy sandwiches along with music that will make you think you are back on Bourbon Street.

IS IT FAMILY FRIENDLY? Yes, unlike the real Mardi Gras this is a family friendly event - kids under 17 are let in free with a paid adult. There’s even early bird ticket discounts so get your tix early - here’s the link to all of the ticket prices.

DANCE TO THE MUSIC: With 7 stages of rotating music acts you’re bound to find something that makes you want to get out there and dance. What, you can’t dance? Then take a FREE dance lesson and join in the fun. Here’s the updated line up of music acts.

TAKE A NEW ORLEANS COOKING CLASS: Learn the secrets of authentic New Orlean’s cooking complete with samples at the end.

TRY SOME NEW FOODS: You’ll find all of your New Orleans favorites from spicy crawfish to powdery sugared beignets, come hungry because there is so much you will want to try. PRO TIP: If you are going to get the crawfish (you should) I recommend you bring along some disposable food friendly plastic gloves as they can get a bit messy to eat. I know, this is a bit nerdy but trust me on this! Target has a box of these for less than $5.

MORE GATOR BY THE BAY TIPS!

  1. Bring a small folding chair or blanket if you plan to listen to some music. People come early to stake out their spots so if there is a music act you want to see make sure you plan ahead. Here’s the music line up.

  2. Parking is a bit of a pain so park at Liberty Station and take an Uber in. Or ride your bike in - there’s free bike valet for the first 120 bikes. You could also park at the airport but make sure you make reservations.

  3. You CANNOT bring COOLERS, TENTS, POP-UPs, LARGE UMBRELLAS, OUTSIDE ALCOHOL or PETS. You CAN bring low back lawn chairs, blanket, personal umbrella and one small bottle of water.

  4. Buy your tickets EARLY so you can get the early bird discount.


GATOR BY THE BAY 2023 MUSIC LINE UP: SAN DIEGO'S MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION MAY 11 - 14, 2023

Local WallyComment

Planning Your Visit to San Diego’s Premiere Mardi Gras Celebration, Gator by the Bay, May 11-14, 2023

For the 20th year in a row, San Diego celebrates New Orleans with a four day Mardi Gras celebration on May 11th to the 14th, 2023. Unlike the real Mardi Gras where you have to shield your kids eyes once the beads start tossing, Gator by the Bay is a family friendly event that still retains the authentic vibe of the real thing, especially once the music starts flowing. The event takes place at San Diego’s Spanish Landing, the grassy area on the bay near the San Diego Airport. Here’s some basic info on the event.

PRO TIP: KIDS 17 AND UNDER ARE FREE WITH PAID ADULT

Last year I was a rookie, a lookie loo who came to the event not really knowing what to expect. I ate some crawfish, I got powdered sugar all over my shirt from a freshly fried beignet, and I wandered from stage to stage as the music played. Nothing wrong with that strategy, I had a great time and if you just want to do something unique and different on a sunny San Diego weekend then you won’t be disappointed.

San Diego’s own Mardi Gras Celebration, Gator by the Bay

But I also noticed that those in the know, those who have done this before, brought their own beach chairs and staked out spots at one of the various stages and kicked back sipping a cold one until the music started. Yes, they PLANNED out the day and if you want to get the most of your time at Gator by the Bay you might want to do the same thing.

PRO TIP: BRING A SMALL CAMP CHAIR LIKE THIS ONE YOU CAN GET FROM COSTCO - I HAVE IT AND IT PACKS DOWN SO SMALL AND LIGHT YOU WON’T MIND CARRYING IT. (Not a paid ad, I just love it!)

What kind of music? You can expect Zydeco, blues, Creole and Cajun, rockabilly, salsa, and New Orleans jazz, all punctuated with strolling buskers and even a Mardi Gras marching band as they parade through the crowds.

Gator by the Bay, May 11-14, 2023

GATOR BY THE BAY MUSIC LINEUP PREVIEW

Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience

Thursday

Zydeco Roots, Creole
For nearly 40 years, two- time GRAMMY award winning, 8th generation Louisiana Creole, Terrance Simien, has been shattering the myths and often misinformation about what his indigenous Zydeco roots music is — and is not.

Cedric Watson et Bijou Creole

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Cajun, Creole & Zydeco

One of the brightest young talents to emerge in Cajun, Creole and Zydeco (Louisiana French) music over the last decade, Cedric Watson is a heralded four-time Grammy-nominated fiddler, singer, accordionist and songwriter.

The Revelers
Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Cajun, Zydeco, Country and Blues

Grammy nominees The Revelers’ sound is a spicy jambalaya of swamp pop, Cajun, Zydeco, country and blues, celebrating the delectable flavor of southwest Louisiana.

Rusty Metoyer & the Zydeco Krush

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Zydeco

Lake Charles native Rusty Metoyer is one of Southwest Louisiana’s premier stars. Metoyer and his unique brand of Zydeco music raise the bar.

Michael Doucet & Tom Rigney

Sunday

Cajun, Roots, Blues

Two of the finest roots music fiddle players on the planet! Two-time Grammy winner Michael Doucet, along with Tom Rigney, join together for an incredible performance.. Backed by Rigney’s hot band, Flambeau, the show will feature material from their latest album “Roll On”.

People really get into it at Gator by the Bay!

Earth, Wind & Fire to Play San Diego Rady Shell June 18, 2023

Local WallyComment

Earth, Wind & Fire are BACK and playing San Diego Rady Shell 2023

The music of Earth, Wind & Fire is more alive than ever as they continue to inspire new audiences and thrill those who have been with them from the beginning. Like the elements in their name, Earth, Wind & Fire’s music has withstood ever-changing trends in the world and shows no sign of vanishing as they continue to create joy and uplifting tunes that will forever reach a sacred universal atmosphere. Better than ever, the group brings its iconic sound to The Rady Shell on Sunday, June 18, 2023. Tickets for this concert range from $45 to $220 and are now on sale at www.theshell.org

I am about to show my age but I don’t care. When I was in high school the hottest band was Earth, Wind & Fire. If you wanted to slow dance you asked your buddy at the turntable to cue up the song “Reasons” but whatever you do do not dance any where near Jim O’Young who would belt out the falsetto at the top of his lungs . I mean, it was impressive he could do that but damn it’s not romantic.

The Rady Shell is San Diego’s top outdoor concert venue, a bit like a better version of The Hollywood Bowl. Better because ours is on the bay and has incredible sound, like really good sound! Add to that really good food and beautiful people watching and man oh man a summer’s night doesn’t get much better. Well, perhaps adding Earth, Wind & Fire will make it better and that’s where I will be on June 18th, 2023, and you should be there too even if you didn’t slow dance to Reasons in high school.

THE BEST Barbeque Restaurant in La Jolla, CA: BUBBA'S SMOKEHOUSE

Local WallyComment

Fall off the bone baby back ribs at Bubb’s Smokeshouse in La Jolla

at a glance:

BUBBA’S SMOKEHOUSE | 888 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 | (858) 551-4227

A casual family run BBQ restaurant in the heart of La Jolla serving “fall off the bones” ribs, tender brisket, BBQ sandwiches and burgers. A short walk to the coast for one of the tastiest picnics you’ve ever had. A La Jolla hidden gem! Open daily from 12PM to 8PM.

Menu

Co-owner Ali serves us some delicious BBQ chicken. It’s good, really good!

Where to Find Good BBQ in La Jolla and San Diego?

You don’t normally think about BBQ when it comes to dining in La Jolla. I mean, La Jolla is fancy with ocean view dining and Michelin star restaurants. Can a rack of baby backs compete? If that rack of ribs came from Bubba’s Smokehouse then the answer is a resounding YES.

Bubba’s Smokehouse makes BBQ that rivals the best in San Diego, smoked low and slow and unlike Phil’s, San Diego’s most well known BBQ joint, they don’t smother everything in sauce. Fall off the bone ribs won’t win many competitions (the best BBQ ribs retain a “bite” to them) but are certainly a winner in flavor for the majority of BBQ lovers. They were good, really good!

The big test for BBQ is always the beef brisket and beef ribs. Both of these require plenty of time and the right amount of smoke, not too much, and Bubba’s nailed it. Juicy, succulent, and extremely tender, some of the best I’ve and I’ve had plenty - it’s my go-to order all around the US whenever I go for BBQ Bubba’s passes the test with flying colors.

Giant beef rib on top of baby backs and brisket

And while the ribs and chicken are the stars here, don’t overlook their sandwiches like The Bubba, filled with pulled pork, chopped brisket, and a hot link sausage for God’s sake, all covered with your choice of BBQ sauce. Excellent burgers and homemade mac n cheese, bbq beans, and crispy sweet potato fries, people around me were even raving over the salads, which is something I’ve never heard at a BBQ joint.

Take a great rib and make it better!

While the restaurant is pleasant enough with their 50’s music vibe and friendly staff, the pro tip is to get everything “to go” and to take the short 5 minute walk over to Ellen Browning Scripps Park where you’ll find a large grassy area overlooking the ocean, the ultimate picnic spot. Spread out a blanket, hand out some napkins, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better dining experience in all of San Diego. Save that Michelin star dining for later - let’s go get some ribs!

Owner Jeff Nicoletta telling me about the giant beef ribs

Don’t look for a run down BBQ joint, this is La Jolla after all!

Dine in or take it out to the beach, which is my pick

I love how the main sauce is on the side, unlike some places in San Diego where the sauce takes over the meats

Even the sides were great!

San Diego Holiday Events 2022 - Rady Shell, Grinch Stole Christmas, Holiday Concerts for the Family

Local WallyComment

The holiday season is officially upon us and this year, there’s no better way for San Diegans to embrace the holiday spirit than with special performances by the San Diego Symphony at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park and Holiday By the Bay activities at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront! 

Holiday Programming at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park 

  • Dec. 9 - 11| Noel, Noel - The San Diego Symphony’s signature holiday show, this performance features the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, San Diego Master Chorale, San Diego Children’s Choir and an all-new story and script. 

  • Holiday Movies In Concert 

    • Dec. 17 | How the Grinch Stole Christmas In Concert - Watch CindyLou grow the heart of the infamous Grinch in this classic Christmas tale, accompanied by the San Diego Symphony 

    • Dec. 21 | Love Actually In Concert - Enjoy this modern holiday classic following the holiday season through the eyes of an unforgettable cast of characters as the San Diego Symphony performs its unforgettable score. 

Holiday By the Bay at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront 

From Dec. 2 - Dec. 30, enjoy special holiday activations at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. With adults-only options and fun for the whole family, it’s a great place to stop by before a show at The Rady Shell or book for a holiday staycation! 

  • Life-Sized Gingerbread House (Opens Nov. 25) - Visit the hotel lobby to view a grand Grinch-themed house – honoring the anniversary of San Diego native, Dr. Seuss.  

  • Fridays 4-6 p.m., Saturdays 4-7 p.m. | Naughty or Nice Happy at Odysea Lounge - Enjoy $2 off on seasonal spirits at the Odysea Lounge. 

  • Fridays 7-9 p.m. | Holiday Movies (Promenade West) - Enjoy free showings of family-friendly holiday movies - a great way to end an evening after a dinner at Hudson & Nash! 

    • Saturday, Dec. 3 - Elf 

    • Saturday, Dec. 10 - The Santa Clause 

    • Saturday, Dec. 17 - A Christmas Story 

    • Saturday, Dec. 24 - How the Grinch Stole Christmas 

  • Fridays 5-9 p.m., Saturdays 4-6 p.m. | Write a Letter to Santa (Promenade West) 

  • Fridays + Saturdays 5-9 p.m. | Stocking and Ornament Decorating (Promenade West) 

  • Saturdays, 6-7 p.m. | Storytime with Ms. Claus (Promenade West) 

  • Sundays, 9-11 a.m. | Breakfast with Santa (Hudson & Nash) 

  • Dec. 24 + 25 5 - 10 p.m. | Christmas Pre-Fixe Specials at Hudson & Nash

Andaz San Diego: Black Friday Sale, 2022, Promo Code for 15% Off

Local WallyComment

Want to stay in one of San Diego’s Coolest boutique hotels? Want a 15% discount? Book a future stay at Andaz San Diego in the bustling Gaslamp Quarter, where contemporary living spaces epitomize Californian cool. The historic building—originally opened in 1913 for the World’s Fair celebrating the completion of the Panama Canal and is surrounded by vibrant nightlife. Guests can enjoy the unique rooftop with a pool and The Rooftop by STK for drinks and food, as well as the STK restaurant on pro

The San Diego Andaz Hotel is California Cool and Located in Trendy Gaslamp District

GET THE FREE PROMO CODE FOR 15% OFF

Book between now and November 30, 2022, and get 15% off for stays until April 30th, 2023. The discount promo code is UNLOCK. To use it go to ANDAZ SAN DIEGO and book your stay!

Birch Aquarium's Oceans At Night 2023: Tickets and Info for Adults 21+ to Explore Ocean Mysteries at Night

Local WallyComment

Looking for something new to do in San Diego? Birch Aquarium announces Oceans at Night, a monthly signature event for guests 21 and older interested in learning about the wonders and mysteries of the ocean after dark. This adults-only event is a great opportunity for locals to unwind and take a stroll around the aquarium after hours. Plus, there will be live music, craft cocktails, tasty bites, and epic ocean views!

Oceans at Night kicks off Jan. 26. Tickets for this fun event will go on sale Dec. 2.

The new monthly series celebrates the wonders and mysteries of the ocean after dark. Oceans at Night features interactive experiences highlighting ocean phenomena that occur at night including bioluminescence and biofluorescence, while creating a fun, adults-only atmosphere with live music, a glow lounge with life-sized games, glowing nighttime dives and epic ocean views. Glowing cocktails and food by The French Gourmet will also be available for purchase. 

“We’re thrilled to be launching this new signature event, giving locals an opportunity to unwind and experience the aquarium like never before,” said Executive Director Harry Helling. “We often think of the ocean as silent, colorless and uninteresting at night. But there is a secret language of light in the deep ocean that we are just beginning to understand. I hope our guests are just as excited by the ocean at night as we are.”

Each event is designed to connect guests with the aquarium's current exhibits and the scientists who study these ocean phenomena. With the aid of specialized lighting and glasses, guests will have the opportunity to explore the aquarium in a new light, seeing how some animals — including Crystal Jellies, Pacific Spiny Lumpsuckers, Strawberry Anemones and corals — transform in the dark. 

Oceans at Night kicks off on Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Events will be held on select Thursdays throughout the year. Tickets are $27 for members, and $30 for the general public.  

For those wanting to take a deeper dive into the event, an upgraded experience will be available. During this immersive 45-minute offering, guests will see how Weedy Seadragons glow red in the dark. It will also include an interactive experience with bioluminescence that can be enjoyed at home. Plus, aquarium staff will have a variety of different corals fluorescing in a rainbow of colors. The cost for the upgraded package is $67.50 for members and $75 for nonmembers. It includes one complimentary beverage and all of the other Oceans at Night activities. Limited capacity is available. Advanced purchase is recommended. Upgrades at the gate cannot be guaranteed. 

Tickets for Oceans at Night will go on sale Friday, December 2 at 10 a.m. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for a full schedule and additional information.

Sam the Cooking Guy WINS 1st Place at the San Diego Food and Wine Festival

Food FestivalsLocal WallyComment
Sam the Cooking Guy San Diego Wine and Food Festival

Sam the Cooking Guy at the San Diego Wine and Food Festival

Best Bites at the San Diego Wine and Food Festival 2022

Sam the Cooking Guy takes 1st place in the highly competitive battle for the best bite at the 2022 San Diego Wine and Food Festival with a deceptively simple yet ultimately delicious BRAISED OXTAIL ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICH.

In case you don’t know Sam the Cooking Guy, long time San Diegans might remember his start back on public access TV. He was picked up and dropped by Discovery Health Channel, then went on the Today show where he told Hota and Kathie Lee to be quiet, pretty gutsy for this little known chef (and appreciated by the audience). He now mainly cooks on his YouTube channel and recently opened two restaurants in San Diego’s Little Italy, Graze, a casual eatery and bottle shop, and Not Not Tacos, an eclectic take on creative tacos.

Sam calls his culinary approach the “every man approach to cooking”. He’s like your neighbor down the street who invites you to watch the game and then brings out food so good that people crowd around the BBQ instead of the TV. His accessible food is just f-ing delicious (he also drops a lot of F bombs on his channel, just warning you).

As for his winning dish, this Italian Beef Sandwich is a good example of his genius - I mean, it’s a freaking beef dip sandwich but it was so good it won the taste buds of hundreds of foodies who all agreed that this was the best thing to eat at the San Diego Wine and Food Festival. I liked it so much that I was hoping to find it on the menu at one of his restaurants. No such luck with that but I did find a recipe on his YouTube channel that looks surprisingly similar that I think I’ll try out this weekend.https://www.thecookingguy.com/cookbook/2022/10/6/italian-beef

The San Diego Wine and Food Festival

But wait, I’m getting so far ahead of myself. So Sam wins the festival, but what is the San Diego Wine and Food Festival? In a nutshell, it’s one of the best foodie events in the entire country. You know that grassy area behind Seaport Village on the San Diego Bay where people normally fly kites? Well for one Saturday every November it gets converted into booth after booth of wine, food, and cocktails with live music, live food, and that perfect San Diego Vibe.

In the days leading up the The Grand Tasting you’ll find restaurants hosting multi-course gourmet dinners, there’s typically a trip to Baja to discover their wine and food scene, and there’s plenty of wine, lots and lots of wine. And on Sunday, as if you have not had enough, there’s the Grand Fiesta which features a Taco Knock Out competition, more wine, more cocktails, more beer, and yes, live music.

If all of this sounds intriguing then mark your calendars for next year, perhaps sometime in October when they announce the dates and events, and GO!

OK, enough of this chit (chat), let’s get a close up of the winning bite from Sam the Cooking Guy at the 2022 San Diego Wine and Food Festival.

Yes, I took a bite before I remembered to take a photo, but hopefully you can imagine just how tender the oxtail beef was. Succulent, beefy, drippy, oh man it was good.

later that same weekend….

Sam the Cooking Guy making tacos at the San Diego Wine and Food Festival’s Grand Fiesta

The Grand Tasting Event was held on Saturday. The next day there was Sam again at The Grand Fiesta taco competition where his Korean taco killed it! You can get these at his Not Not Tacos restaurant and I suggest you do that. The flour tortilla has that homemade chew to it, the Korean flavors really worked here. Love it. More please. (Hey, does Sam look a bit like the Tin Man in the shot below?)

What Else was really, really good at the San Diego Wine and Food Festival?

I always go to the San Diego Wine and Food Festival with good intentions to take notes, chat with the chefs, you know, act like a real journalist (hey, I did go to journalism school after all). And I always fail as soon as the gates open and I see all this delicious wine and food laid out in front of me and I run like a third grader to be first in line (I used to get in big trouble for that sort of thing). Too hard to take notes, memory too poor to remember. So this year I decided that my top winners would go to the places I went back to two or more times. That says something - to get back into a long line instead of moving on shows that I really liked what I just ate.

So the winners are:

Second Plade: JRDN: Suzuki Nigiri with guajillo ponzu, drunken fingerlime, black aioli, and negi green onion.

MY TAKE: The perfect one bite, tangy and melt in your mouth texture, this one nearly took first place in my book. Go check out JRDN at Tower23, a Pacific Beach location known for their incredible seafood and sushi. Official Website for JRDN

Third Place: HIGH PIE: Flaky crispy hand pies with different fillings from the restaurant that’s housed in the Top Gun house!

MY TAKE: Trust me, these little hand pies are incredible. Can you blame me for going back again and again for these delightful hand pies, some filled with cherries, some with apples and ice cream(!), each one just out of the fryer and piping hot? Oh, and there’s blueberry and pumpkin at their shop. I like these so much they’re going to be on my Thanksgiving menu this year :-) Official Website for High Pie

Scenes from the San Diego Wine and Food Festival 2022

So those are my top picks, but there were more delicious bites everywhere, a festive crowd, you really need to go next year! Here’s their official website for event info but for now check out some of the highlights of my day.