http://ourcitysd.com/ourFood en marcie.rothman@cypressmagzines.com Copyright 2010 2010-03-08T16:39:27+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/grand_cru_ale_from_alesmith_brewing_company/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/grand_cru_ale_from_alesmith_brewing_company/#When:16:39:27Z This tiny brewery makes  variety of  award-winning, handcrafted ales in a San Diego warehouse. Grand Cru is based on Belgian ales and is found in 750 ml bottles at many good pubs and restaurants. 9368 Cabot Dr., San Diego, 858-549-9888, http://www.alesmith.com. Best Restaurants 2010-03-08T16:39:27+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/duck_quesadilla_at_the_shores/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/duck_quesadilla_at_the_shores/#When:16:37:30Z Watch the sunset and munch on this big-enough-to-share and tasty appetizer with duck, caramelized onions and dried figs in a large flour tortilla. 8110 Camino del Oro, La Jolla, 866-644-2630,www.theshoresrestaurant.com. Best Restaurants 2010-03-01T16:37:30+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/savory_custard_at_cafe_chloe/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/savory_custard_at_cafe_chloe/#When:16:36:41Z This downtown French keeps this rich egg dish tasty with varied additions such as bits of sausage and spinach and always served with a small salad for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 721 9th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101-6481, 619-232-3242, www.cafechloe.com. Best Restaurants 2010-02-22T16:36:41+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/crab_fried_rice_at_tomiko/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/crab_fried_rice_at_tomiko/#When:19:50:35Z A generous portion of perfectly fried and seasoned rice, full of real crab meat chunks. Enjoy the rice, your favorite beverage and the hilltop view of the Pacific. There's a complete sushi bar and other Oriental delicacies. 87 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas, 760-633-3587, tomiko.com. Best Restaurants 2010-02-16T19:50:35+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/ode_to_st._valentines_day/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/ode_to_st._valentines_day/#When:16:22:50Z Whether you take the one you love on a romantic night out or spend a cozy evening at home, here are yummy ideas that will make the heart flutter Birds do it, bees do it, even mortals do it — we fall in love. What better time to show that love (besides daily) in a special way, than Feb. 14. While hearts and flowers are tried and true icons of affection, this year consider some other ways to say, “I love you.” One way to deliver that romantic message on Valentine’s Day: a chocolate bread teddy bear from Con Pane Rustic Breads & Café. Made from the bakery’s pane cioccollata (Italian chocolate bread), this tasty cutie comes boxed with a red ribbon. Not too rich, but with bits of Belgian chocolate scattered through it, this $12.95 bear will bring a smile to your true love. Order ahead: 1110 Rosecrans, Point Loma, 619-224-4344. Should an edible teddy bear not suffice, how about a lovely wine or Champagne with a selection of cheeses, pates and crackers or bread. In Carlsbad, La Costa Wine Co. will help you choose the perfect bottle to go with their lovely selection of imported cheeses and pates that you would find in fine restaurants. 6986 El Camino Real, 760-431-8455, http://www.lacostawineco.com. Venissimo Cheese with locations in Del Mar, Mission Hills and downtown, carry a wide variety of cheeses, crackers, jams and even honey (for dabbing on certain cheeses or just keeping your sweetie sweet throughout the year). Taste Artisan Cheese & Gourmet Shop can also help you with cheeses and local salumi from Knight for a platter to please the palate. 1243 ½ University Ave., 619-683-2306, http://www.tastecheese.com. Most restaurants do special Valentine’s Day dinners, many with a prix-fixe menu so check with your favorite spot for options.  But should you want to try something different, reserve a space for a chocolate inspired dinner at the tiny Eclipse Chocolat shop. They serve a four-course dinner for $100 per couple. Last year their Parisian menu was a sell-out and included a pink peppercorn pork roast, this year the food centers on chocolate and floral infusions. Well-known for their monthly chocolate dinners, they take just 200 reservations for their 27 seats on two nights, at multiple seatings. Dinner cost includes wines, plus tax and tip.  2121 El Cajon Blvd., at Alabama, 619-578-2984, http://www.eclipsechocolat.com.   Top chocolatiers and dessert makers Valentine’s Day would not be complete without a mention of many of San Diego’s top chocolatiers and dessert makers. You’ll always find room for chocolate espresso kisses from The Elegant Truffle in Point Loma, or something special from Extraordinary Desserts in Bankers Hill and Little Italy or Heaven Sent Desserts in North Park. Chuao Chocolatier in Encinitas, University Towne Centre and Del Mar Heights creates uniquely flavored chocolates with chocolate from the Venezuela.  Chocolat Cremerie’s locations in Hillcrest and the Gaslamp feature Italian inspired desserts, crepes and more should you want to indulge for brunch. The Elegant Truffle, 1111 Scott St., Point Loma, 619-222-1889 Extraordinary Desserts, 2929 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619-294-2132 and 1430 Union St., Little Italy, 619-294-7001, http://www.extraordinarydesserts.com Heaven Sent Desserts, 3001 University Ave., North Park, 619- 793-4758, http://www.heavensentdesserts.com Chuao Chocolatier, http://www.chuaochocolatier.com Chocolat Cremerie, http://www.chocolatsandiego.com Best of the City 2010-02-09T16:22:50+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/wraps_off_the_saji_at_mamas_bakery_lebanese_deli/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/wraps_off_the_saji_at_mamas_bakery_lebanese_deli/#When:22:23:37Z The saji is an ancient oven used to cook Mama’s made-to-order flatbreads filled with everything from falafel to marinated chicken roasted eggplant.  All wrapped with pickles, romaine lettuce, tomatoes and tahini. 4237 Alabama St. at El Cajon Blvd., 619-688-0717, mamasbakery.net.   Best Restaurants 2010-02-03T22:23:37+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/tuna_salad_from_point_loma_seafood/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/tuna_salad_from_point_loma_seafood/#When:00:31:36Z Point Loma Seafoods opened as a fish market in 1963. It first started smoking and processing sport-caught fish, and then began to sell hot food in the 70s. It is reknown for its homemade chowders and fresh shrimp. But, there's something quite addictive about its fresh tuna salad available as a sandwich, salad or by the half pint. It’s made with fresh, baked tuna, mayonnaise and some other secret ingredients. 2805 Emerson St., Point Loma, 619-223-1109, pointlomaseafoods.com. Best Restaurants 2010-01-26T00:31:36+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/new_york_steak_at_the_fish_market/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/new_york_steak_at_the_fish_market/#When:23:49:04Z Foods We Love: If you're the one in your party who isn't really in the mood for seafood, The Fish Market's only red meat item is actually delicious. People may look at you strangely for ordering it among all the fins, shells and claws, but you're the one who's eating it, so you'll have the last laugh. 640 Via De La Valle, Solana Beach, 858-755-2277; 750 N. Harbor Dr., 619-232-3474, thefishmarket.com. This year we are introducing one food that we love every week. Look for our cover feature on 40 Foods We Love in the Winter issue, on newsstands February 1st.  2010-01-18T23:49:04+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/foods_we_love_el_indios_tortilla_chips/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/foods_we_love_el_indios_tortilla_chips/#When:19:51:06Z Since 1940, El Indio has been one of San Diego's most popular mexican restaurants. While it claims to be the birthplace of the “Taquito” (or rolled taco), it is their paprika-covered tortilla chips that we love the most. The unique chips are made with paprika, lemon, corn and salt — simple but addicting. While you can buy them at some grocery stores, we recommend you get them fresh from the restaurant with an order of guacamole. 3695 India Street, 619-299-0333, http://www.el-indio.com 2010-01-13T19:51:06+00:00 http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/foods_we_love_sun_city_italian_ice/ http://www.ourcitysd.com/index.php/site/foods_we_love_sun_city_italian_ice/#When:00:54:13Z This year, we will be identifying a food item every week that we absolutely love. This week — Sun City Italian Ice. This is a new take on the traditional ice cream wagon. Enjoy a variety of light gelato-style Italian ice flavors from a street vendor that serves its tasty treats from an environmentally friendly electric car. More than 20 flavors including black cherry, chocolate, mango, peach, tangerine. Italian Ice is made similar to ice cream — mixing the ingredients and pouring them into a batch freezer to combine the two and get a velvety texture. It contains no dairy and is fat-free. Now, where can you find their cute electronic cart?  call 619-544-0200, suncityice.com. Best of the City 2010-01-05T00:54:13+00:00