http://www.sdcitybeat.com/sandiego/articles.sec-51-1-food-drink.html Build your own burger or choose from one of the creations they’ve already dreamed up for you.]]> There’s something timeless and humble about a fish sandwich, and with the recent uptick in fast-and-fresh fish houses in San Diego, there’s no shortage of variations to try.]]> I was pleased to discover the cavernous confines of Via Moto in Santee. The sprawl of Mission Gorge Road may not be the hippest of locales, but if you’re looking for something tasty that starts with the letter “p,” be it pizza, panini or pasta, this is the place in East County. ]]> In terms of layout and dining style, imagine the fanciest Chipotle you’ve ever been to—with far tastier eats. ]]> Less than a mile away and triple Yakitori’s size, Hinotez exudes more of a restaurant vibe than that of a boisterous izakaya (Japanese for “pub”). ]]> Over the years, I’ve found that San Diego’s dim sum options aren’t plentiful, but there are some lesser-known gems.]]> The narrow, humble space is warm with colorful art and lively patrons equally engaged in food, drink and conversation.]]> It’s best to leave your craft-cocktailing, farm-to-tabling, dining predispositions at the door and enjoy the no-frills meat-and-booze den for what it is]]> Malarkey’s front-of-the-house post—near the kitchen’s expo area over which he keeps a watchful eye—garners handshakes and hugs from locals who echo the sentiment that Gingham is tailored just-right for downtown La Mesa.
]]> Aside from the rumored delish Italian fare served small-plates style, I was equally curious about what all the growing fuss amounted to.]]> Tortas are arguably the unsung hero of Mexican street food, competing with tacos in a popularity contest they’ve seemingly lost in the states. ]]> I’ll return if just for the breakfast “pot pie” ($8.50)—a buttery, flaky, perfect puff pastry cradling down-home-tasting sausage gravy, a mix of vegetables and sunny-side-up egg. ]]> We started our seated dining experience with Brown Butter & Lemon popcorn, a welcome change from the ubiquitous “let’s cover something in truffle oil” appetizer.]]> Pollos Maria in Oceanside is trying to be more than just a place serving up greasy, overdone Mexican favorites. Its specialty is broiled chicken, and the folks there have kindly installed a large, plate-glass window looking onto the grill, through which you can watch the master broiler (my term).
]]> Husband and wife team Bratzo and Daniella Basagoitia have clearly poured their hearts and creativity into their restaurant, and the menu has all sorts of fun treasures to mine.]]> My new favorite thing to eat (and say) is Bul Gogi Dup Bap, a relatively common yet utterly delicious dish of sirloin marinated in a sauce—possibly angel tears—that’s both rich and savory but with an overall impression of satisfying sweetness.]]> Though there are still bumps and kinks to work out, it appears to me that the new team is busting its hump to turn Urban Grind back into an open gathering place with quality products and friendly employees.]]> The Range shares a corner with The Ruby Room nightclub and has a bright, shiny disposition. There’s plenty of seating upstairs, downstairs and along the bar, as well as in a more private—and, ironically, caged-looking—area called “The Chicken Coop.”]]> The sautéed bay scallops are a beautiful pile of tender nubbins of the sea, paired with fatty chunks of bacon and a huge smear of whole-grain mustard. ]]> The warm and bright dining room is open without feeling cavernous. The wooden beams supporting the ceiling lend a gorgeous rustic feel, and the zebra wood tables keep the natural theme going with a modern look. ]]>