BEST FRIED CHICKEN EVER! They source Jidori Chicken from Southern California, only using humanely raised poultry from small, local farms, allowed to roam freely on pastures and eat preservative- and antibiotic-free food. And I could taste the difference. The chicken was healthy, nice-sized and juicy (even the white meat). There were 6 options for sauces: kimchi BBQ, Baja hot sauce, cracksup, ranch, mustard, and Sriracha 1000 island. So so good!
SPICY AND JUICY! Firebird—Spicy fried thigh, cool ranch, crispy onions, pickles, potato roll
BEST FRIED FRIES EVER! Mexican Poutine—Schmaltz fries, pollo asado, jalapeño cheese wiz
YUM! Mini biscuits—Miso-maple butter
One thing I loved about Southern California was the outdoor eating, casual but trendy.
For more information, visit http://www.crack-shack.com.
In-N-Out Burger
Maybe it's not healthy but who cares! I love their burger! It's simple and to the point when you just want a classic burger.
There are many items on their secret menu. I asked for "well done fries." They were just a little crispier. CRUNCH!
For more information, visit http://www.in-n-out.com.
Carnitas' Snack Shack
I love pork and I am happy to see more and more places dedicating their love to pork. They gave so much carnitas on the taco! The house made guac was so refreshing. The pork belly fell apart and was so rich in flavor.
Snackshack Guacamole & Chips—Crispy chips, house made shack guacamole
Carnitas Tacos—Guacamole, pico, lime
Pork Belly App—Braised pork, sweet-spicy glaze, frisée salad, apples, radish, lemon vinaigrette
Look at this beautiful outdoor seating!
Next time I'd like to try the Triple Threat Pork Sandwich (pork loin schnitzel, pulled pork, bacon, pepperoncini relish, shack aioli).
For more information, visit http://carnitassnackshack.com.
Extraordinary Desserts
I must have done something right in my life so whomever is in power up there led me to this dessert place. It was heaven. It was NOT cheap but it was WORTH every penny. The cakes were artistically made with passion.
Chocolate Tiramisu—A perfect blend of chocolate and coffee. Espresso soaked chocolate cake layers surround a dark chocolate mascarpone mousse. This handsome layer cake is finished with alternating stripes of chocolate ganache and espresso whipped cream.
Apple Crostatas—The Crostata is a baked tart and a form of pie. Each is filled with almond cream, pastry cream, and fresh seasonal fruits. Yes, it was decorated with real flower petals and edible gold leaf.
For more information, visit https://extraordinarydesserts.com.
The Taco Stand
The Taco Stand had a more modern take on tacos. Overall, it was good but I wished the fish was bigger on my Baja Taco. The Mar Y Tierra Fries was unique and insanely good!
Baja Taco—Battered fish, cabbage, cilantro, tomato, onions, chipotle sauce
Al Pastor—Rotisserie marinated pork, cilantro, onions, cilantro sauce, pineapple
Mar Y Tierra Fries—Grilled shrimp with flamed grilled angus steak (100% certified angus beef), fries, guacamole, sour cream, cheese
For more information, visit http://www.letstaco.com.
Oscars Mexican Seafood
There were so many taco places and I had a hard time deciding which ones to try given the limited time in San Diego. I was happy that I didn't skip Oscars. It was a local favorite and I could see why. The seafood was so fresh that I could almost taste the ocean. The freshness made a big difference when it came to seafood.
Taco Special (Smoked Fish, Shrimp, Scallops)—Served with Cabbage, Onion, Tomato, Cilantro, Avocado & Cheese
For more information, visit http://www.oscarsmexicanseafood.com.
The Baked Bear
What an awesome and fun place for ice cream sandwiches! I smelled joy when I walked in.
1. Pick the cookie or brownie.
2. Pick the ice cream.
3. Warm up the ice cream sandwich (optional).
4. Happiness. Chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream.
Top cookie: White Chocolate Macadamia Nut; Bottom cookie: Snickerdoodle (Yes, you can mix and match!)
Ice cream: Salted Caramel Fudge
Life is short, eat cookies. :)
For more information, visit http://www.thebakedbear.com.
Shorehouse Kitchen
Brunch done right! I loved the food and atmosphere. They offered free self serve coffee while you waited for a table.
Coffe was smooth and strong. I asked for macadamia nut milk. What a nice treat!
Buttermilk Pancakes. At first, when I was pouring the syrup, I wondered why it was watery. The waiter informed me that it was pure organic maple syrup. The sweetness was prefect on the fluffy pancake. Delightful.
Angus Short Rib & Hash Brown Potato Cakes—Cabernet Braised Angus Beef with Eggs and Toast. That short rib hash brown was so flavorful.
For more information, visit http://www.shorehousekitchen.com.
