Kafe Sobaka’s dumplings are a delight

But the new Golden Hill eatery could use a little fine-tuning here and there

By Mina Riazi

Kafe Sobaka's humor-spiked menu brings together Russian, Georgian and California cuisines.

Friday, May 3,2013
One Lucky Spoon

Three great ice-cream sammies

Frosty dessert sandwiches at Pappalecco, Nunzi’s and Lighthouse

By Mina Riazi

The best way to handle summer heat is with an ice-cream sandwich in each hand. Here are three of my favorite places to get them:

Friday, April 19,2013
One Lucky Spoon

Grill House Café’s beef kebab is a winner

New Iranian restaurant in Miramar serves a lusty meal

By Mina Riazi

Despite being barely 18 months old, Miramar's Grill House Cafe is no drooling baby. The Iranian eatery has grown past the shaky crawling stage undergone by many newbies and settled into an easy stride.

Saturday, April 6,2013
One Lucky Spoon

Flavors of East Africa’s Kenyan-inspired cuisine

Come to University Heights for the laid-back atmosphere, but stay for the sambusas

By Mina Riazi

There are few foods more delectable than sambusas. Perhaps it’s because the pudgy, pyramid-shaped pastries elicit the kind of anticipation and excitement you feel when opening a present

Friday, March 15,2013
One Lucky Spoon

Isabel’s Cantina rekindles my devotion to eggs

Pacific Beach hangout does magical things with rosemary

By Mina Riazi

Isabel's Cantina sits on a wide residential street in P.B. The squat building would be easy to miss if it weren't for the scaly, decorative dragon frozen mid-dive above the doorway.

Friday, March 1,2013
One Lucky Spoon

Il Postino’s ragú is a belly-tapping delight

North Park ‘postman’ delivers hearty Italian fare

By Mina Riazi

The restaurant's menu is a multi-paged affair split into sections like "Carne Rossi" and "Pesce." Some may find its heft overwhelming, especially if starting with an empty belly.