Bootlegger joins the San Diego scene

Black-eyed peas and beer at yet another gastropub

There are days when it seems we’ve reached the saturation point in this whole gastropub phase. But then another newbie joins the scene; I scan the menu, I’m intrigued, and, before I know it, I’m buried under a pile of wacko snacks.

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Tuesday, August 30,2011
Food & Drink

Chef Matt Gordon’s new restaurant embraces the Encinitas vibe

Solace & The Moonlight Lounge moves into Encinitas

By Jenny Montgomery

They’re doing some great things with seafood, which makes sense considering you could easily throw a picky patron and hit the ocean just a few blocks away.

Wednesday, August 24,2011
Food & Drink

Eclectic eats at Empire House

Tacos and burgers are given a tasty twist at homey and hip new Hillcrest spot

By Jenny Montgomery

I immediately liked the feeling of walking into the dusky, charcoal walls of Empire House. It conjures a groovy old house with mismatched chairs, some of which reminded me of sitting in a junior-high auditorium.

Wednesday, August 17,2011
Food & Drink

Pink Noodle brings Thai sweetness to Hillcrest

Tasty food and a cutesy vibe make a lovely combination

By Jenny Montgomery

Not to be confused with other outposts of pink (see: Berry, Taco), Pink Noodle in Hillcrest is the face-lifted Thai restaurant formerly known as Kitima.

Tuesday, August 9,2011
Food & Drink

Red Marlin serves deliciously democratic food

The blackened Mahi-Mahi was particularly good at this Mission Bay restaurant

By Jenny Montgomery

One of the bonuses of being pregnant—once you’re through the “all food is disgusting” phase—is the world being mostly supportive of your occasionally (OK, fine, frequently) piggish eating “needs.” “Listen to your body!” they reassure. “The baby will tell you what it needs!”

Wednesday, August 3,2011
Food & Drink

Warm service and flavors beckon at Alforon

When you get flat-bread fever, this Lebanese eatery is the cure

By Jenny Montgomery

The word that comes to mind when I think about the Lebanese food served at Alforon is “warmth.” Yes, you can certainly opt for items that’ll put some heat on your tongue, but I’m referring to the warmth of exotic spices like sumac and wild thyme.

Tuesday, July 26,2011
Food & Drink

Morning Star

Brunch is now being served at a favorite San Diego nightspot

By Jenny Montgomery

I’m particularly delighted that one of the coolest kids on the dining block has begun serving the meal that hits the sweet spot between too early and too boring. Starlite—they of the hexagonal door and killer cocktails on India Street—began dishing up waffles and eggs in May, but with its signature sophisticated panache.

Tuesday, July 19,2011
Food & Drink

Less than perfect Union

North County’s newest gastropub is flawed, but worth watching

After watching months of construction, I’m now hearing a lot of chatter about Union Kitchen & Tap in Encinitas, which finally opened in May.

Tuesday, July 12,2011
Food & Drink

A chance of meatballs

Shades’ chifteles are worthy of obsession

By Jenny Montgomery

I can’t get enough of the chifteles at Shades, the Ocean Beach neighborhood stalwart.

Wednesday, July 6,2011
Food & Drink

Flavor fave

Flavor Del Mar impresses palates, not wallets

So, I’ve entered an interesting new phase as a food writer. I’m now a pregnant food writer.