M "Sushi Binging" L.'s Profile
Date
3845 4th Ave
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 299-6282
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 299-6282
Ristorante Arrivederci
Category:
Italian
Neighborhood: Hillcrest
4411 Mercury St
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 278-5367
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 278-5367
Tajima Japanese Tapas
Category:
Japanese
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa
The Happy Hour tapas are pretty solid bargains. You have items ranging from $1-$5 and the portions are adequate. Most of the items are pedestrian and decent, the sashimi cracker was my personal favorite. The only major miss in this is the Happy Hour roll, a baked rolled with salmon, tuna, avocado and mayo on top, all you could taste was mayo, rice, and overcooked tuna. It was actually pretty disgusting thinking back. However for $5, you get what you ordered, but thinking back I can basically go to Sushi Deli on the same cross street and pay $10 for a combo with better sushi. I also ordered zaru soba, it wasn't too bad, but next time I'm going to order a side of shrimp tempura just to give myself some protein in it. I like soba by itself, but I also like a little protein. More chives would have
I like the interior design of this one better than Tajima 1, more spacious and comfortable seating overall. Parking can be hit or miss. Strangely enough, the parking space is larger here, but when I arrived at 6PM I had difficulty finding a single space. OTOH, I always find spaces at Tajima 1, but that's because I show up there anwhere from 10PM-1AM, but hey, they are known for their late night ramen.
I like that they have a "service button" on the wall so you can just press for service as needed. However, one disadvantage of this is, the waitresses ends up relying on that to see if I need help. I would put my empty cup of water and dirty plates on the side as a sign to the many waitresses walking by and they'd ignore it.
The difference between Tajima 2 and Tajima 1 is this one servces sushi and tapas with a smaller selection of rice and noodle dishes. Curry cannot be found here and some of the ramen selections are missing, although they do have a clam ramen that I do not recall seeing at Tajima 1. However, Tajima overall isn't known for their sushi and judging from their specialty rolls, which are nothing new or special, its not their strength.
Overall, I would come here again for the zaru soba, but certainly not the sushi. There are plenty of other better and cheaper options throughout Clairemont/Kearny Mesa. If you want to eat regular Japanese rice and noodle dihes, go to Tajima 1.
I like the interior design of this one better than Tajima 1, more spacious and comfortable seating overall. Parking can be hit or miss. Strangely enough, the parking space is larger here, but when I arrived at 6PM I had difficulty finding a single space. OTOH, I always find spaces at Tajima 1, but that's because I show up there anwhere from 10PM-1AM, but hey, they are known for their late night ramen.
I like that they have a "service button" on the wall so you can just press for service as needed. However, one disadvantage of this is, the waitresses ends up relying on that to see if I need help. I would put my empty cup of water and dirty plates on the side as a sign to the many waitresses walking by and they'd ignore it.
The difference between Tajima 2 and Tajima 1 is this one servces sushi and tapas with a smaller selection of rice and noodle dishes. Curry cannot be found here and some of the ramen selections are missing, although they do have a clam ramen that I do not recall seeing at Tajima 1. However, Tajima overall isn't known for their sushi and judging from their specialty rolls, which are nothing new or special, its not their strength.
Overall, I would come here again for the zaru soba, but certainly not the sushi. There are plenty of other better and cheaper options throughout Clairemont/Kearny Mesa. If you want to eat regular Japanese rice and noodle dihes, go to Tajima 1.
This is your absolute best and cheapest hole in the wall Indian joint you can ever find in San Diego and I love them! I'm pretty sure the owners laugh at me behind my back each time I show up famished and anxious while I place multiple take out orders, but I couldn't care less because I'm really just shameless when it comes to eating.
They have take out and AYCE options and both are cheap and affordable. A 2 item combination is $5.99 and last time I checked, their AYCE was $7.99. I've always had their chicken masala and vege korma here and both are so delicious, I would only occasionally dab into the other entrees. The lamb curry though was a little mediocre when I had it. The tandoori chicken however, was great. The naans are all made fresh and each combination comes with 2 generously sized naans.
The setting is pretty much a hole in the wall, a very small counter features about 8 selections of their curry and entrees. The place itself can sit about 20-25 people maximum, its tiny and its a family owned business. You will see the parents and their kids working here and a couple of other random workers, but its what makes me love this place even more. If you want a nice sit in restaurant with plenty of AC, this isn't your place, but if you want a great cheap Indi
They have take out and AYCE options and both are cheap and affordable. A 2 item combination is $5.99 and last time I checked, their AYCE was $7.99. I've always had their chicken masala and vege korma here and both are so delicious, I would only occasionally dab into the other entrees. The lamb curry though was a little mediocre when I had it. The tandoori chicken however, was great. The naans are all made fresh and each combination comes with 2 generously sized naans.
The setting is pretty much a hole in the wall, a very small counter features about 8 selections of their curry and entrees. The place itself can sit about 20-25 people maximum, its tiny and its a family owned business. You will see the parents and their kids working here and a couple of other random workers, but its what makes me love this place even more. If you want a nice sit in restaurant with plenty of AC, this isn't your place, but if you want a great cheap Indi
My most memorable moment here was sitting next to a table of men celebrating their grandpa's birthday. Grandpa was in his 80s and he did not hesitate to ask for birthday hugs from me and my girlfriend. Go Grandpa, you got game!
Anyways, onto the food. I ordered the Santorini and my friend ordered the Veggie burger. The Santorini is 1/2 beff and 1/2 lamb, it was a little dry and the patty thinner than what I would prefer. I also would have preferred a little twist in the accompanying vegetables, maybe add in some cucumbers along with the usual tomato, onion, and lettuce. The tsatsiki sauce was barely there. Sweet potatoe fries were decent, but that is something that can rarely be messed up for me.
My friend ordered a veggie bruger and it was mediocre according to her. She is a fan of veggie burgers in general so I'm assuming she knows what she's eating.
I wouldn't say my visit here was particularly memorable other than charming grandpa showing his grandsons that he's got more game hen them, but its still worth a revisit to at least try some of their other burgers, but I will probably wait for yet another groupon deal.
Anyways, onto the food. I ordered the Santorini and my friend ordered the Veggie burger. The Santorini is 1/2 beff and 1/2 lamb, it was a little dry and the patty thinner than what I would prefer. I also would have preferred a little twist in the accompanying vegetables, maybe add in some cucumbers along with the usual tomato, onion, and lettuce. The tsatsiki sauce was barely there. Sweet potatoe fries were decent, but that is something that can rarely be messed up for me.
My friend ordered a veggie bruger and it was mediocre according to her. She is a fan of veggie burgers in general so I'm assuming she knows what she's eating.
I wouldn't say my visit here was particularly memorable other than charming grandpa showing his grandsons that he's got more game hen them, but its still worth a revisit to at least try some of their other burgers, but I will probably wait for yet another groupon deal.
3683 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 677-2845
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 677-2845
R Gang Eatery
Category:
American (New)
Neighborhood: Hillcrest
Maybe I'm just easily satisfied, but it tells me something when Chef Richard Sweeney is always coming out to check on the guests. I've been here twice, once for brunch and once for late night dessert and each time he's walking around checking on his guests. Service here is a complete 180 from their next door neighbor, Craptor Room. Maybe they should teach them a lesson or two? Our waitress during Pride was a freaking hilarious and awesome gal, I would love to hang out with her after work, she made us all laugh and had such a great vibe.
If you're looking for breakfast with the right portion rather than the gigantic heffer portions of Hash House, then R-Gang is perfect. The pricing is pretty affordable with brunch items ranging from $9-$15. I am hoping they will expand their menu selections in the future. I would love more breakfast items, more variations of scrambles, pancakes, and other goodies.
I ordered the Turkey Avocado Benny and asked for scrambled eggs as opposed to poach. It came with roasted potatoes that appeared undercooked at first, but once I ate it, it was actually perfectly fine. Although, I was missing the bit of char on it that i normally like. The portion was pretty spot on, not excessive, but not too little either. The turkey was moist and seasoned just enough. I wanted more avocado though and the chipotle hollandaise could use more heat to it. I ended up adding a lot of tapatio to my eggs, but also, it should be noted that I love and can eat very spicy food so what isn't spicy for me is probably spicy for others.
Other members in my party ordered the R-Gang burger which was very generous in size, not just the burgers, but the fries that accompanied it. The other entree was the roast pork scramble.
Visually, the food doesn't have the same razzle and dazzle that its neighboring brunch/breakfast joints have, but it also didn't make me want to run a marathon afterward either. If you want a simple, straightforward, and unpretentious breakfast, then R-Gang is your place. I'll be making visits in the near future to try out their renowned tatter tots, cinnamon buns, and all the various s'mores desserts they have.
If you're looking for breakfast with the right portion rather than the gigantic heffer portions of Hash House, then R-Gang is perfect. The pricing is pretty affordable with brunch items ranging from $9-$15. I am hoping they will expand their menu selections in the future. I would love more breakfast items, more variations of scrambles, pancakes, and other goodies.
I ordered the Turkey Avocado Benny and asked for scrambled eggs as opposed to poach. It came with roasted potatoes that appeared undercooked at first, but once I ate it, it was actually perfectly fine. Although, I was missing the bit of char on it that i normally like. The portion was pretty spot on, not excessive, but not too little either. The turkey was moist and seasoned just enough. I wanted more avocado though and the chipotle hollandaise could use more heat to it. I ended up adding a lot of tapatio to my eggs, but also, it should be noted that I love and can eat very spicy food so what isn't spicy for me is probably spicy for others.
Other members in my party ordered the R-Gang burger which was very generous in size, not just the burgers, but the fries that accompanied it. The other entree was the roast pork scramble.
Visually, the food doesn't have the same razzle and dazzle that its neighboring brunch/breakfast joints have, but it also didn't make me want to run a marathon afterward either. If you want a simple, straightforward, and unpretentious breakfast, then R-Gang is your place. I'll be making visits in the near future to try out their renowned tatter tots, cinnamon buns, and all the various s'mores desserts they have.
1 Previous Review:
-
6/19/2011
I can only rate this place on dessert.
My friend and I were wandering around Hillcrest and wanted dessert, but did not want to opt for our usual Extraordinary Dessert or Babycakes. We decided to try out some of the local restaurants and see what desserts they offered. R-Gang was there, our waitress saw us standing at the bottom of the staircase and welcomed us in to look. We asked her what desserts they offered and she won us over by simply saying "smores fondue."
Excited and eager, we ordered the smores fondue expecting a pot of melted chocolate and marshmallow waiting for us. Sadly, it was the tiniest pot of "fondue" I've ever seen. My compact mirror is the same size as the "fondue" they gave me. It wasn't hot either. It was lukewarm melted chocolate with a dab of melted marshmallow. To dip we got strawberries, vanilla wafers, a strange marshmallow, and I forgot what the other item was. The wafers and strawberries were my favorites, but the marshmallow they gave us had a weird and odd texture to it and it just didn't work.
Still famished, we ordered the Maple Bacon Donuts w/ Candied Bacon. 3 pieces of donut holes drizzles with maple syrup with bits of candied bacon scattered around is handed to us on a plate. This was much better. The donuts were too dense however, the bacon flavor was subtle in it, but when you eat the donut with the candied bacon, the flavor and texture combination meshes well. The candied bacon was actually the best part. I loved it a ton! We could keep eating those over and over again!
Each dessert were $6 so for the price you pay the amount is reasonable, I just wish the fondue was explained a bit better as it was much different than my imagination. Had it been named "chocolate dipping sauce w/ random sweets" I would have been fine with it, but probably would not have ordered it either. Service was excellent however, they accommodated us despite coming in relatively late on a Saturday night.
Overall, a tad disappointed in the dessert, but I know Richard Sweeney has more to offer and I'm looking forward to coming here again to test out the other portions of the menu.
1328 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 847-3382
Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 847-3382
Crepes and Corks Cafe
Categories:
Wine Bars,
Creperies,
French
Neighborhood: Del Mar
DATE PLACE.
And of course, I came here without a date, but just the company of amazing friends instead. Doesn't matter though as anything that involves NUTELLA is an automatic victory in my books.
A small, cozy, and quiet atmosphere, this is an ideal date place for dessert, although they do serve savory items as well. I only came here to indulge in nutella crepes though and I was not the least bit disappointed. Relatively large sized crepes and I'm glad for once, someone didn't get cheap with the nutella! The one thing I always hate about any crepe place is that they try to skim you on the main ingredients, but give you a huge piece of crepe instead.
Each member of my party got a different nutella crepe: banana + strawberry + nutella, strawberry + nutella, and banana + nutella. We left thoroughly satisfied that we weren't sure if we could even indulge on Mexican food @ En fuego. I found myself scooping leftover nutella on my plate. I was raised not to waste food.
I will definitely come back here in the near future, its a nice alternative for dessert compared to my usual indulgences such as Babycakes and Extraordinary Dessert.
And of course, I came here without a date, but just the company of amazing friends instead. Doesn't matter though as anything that involves NUTELLA is an automatic victory in my books.
A small, cozy, and quiet atmosphere, this is an ideal date place for dessert, although they do serve savory items as well. I only came here to indulge in nutella crepes though and I was not the least bit disappointed. Relatively large sized crepes and I'm glad for once, someone didn't get cheap with the nutella! The one thing I always hate about any crepe place is that they try to skim you on the main ingredients, but give you a huge piece of crepe instead.
Each member of my party got a different nutella crepe: banana + strawberry + nutella, strawberry + nutella, and banana + nutella. We left thoroughly satisfied that we weren't sure if we could even indulge on Mexican food @ En fuego. I found myself scooping leftover nutella on my plate. I was raised not to waste food.
I will definitely come back here in the near future, its a nice alternative for dessert compared to my usual indulgences such as Babycakes and Extraordinary Dessert.
Overpriced Mexican food. That's all you need to know.
Mexican food is ubiquitous in San Diego, had it not been for a groupon and the fact that Crepes & Corks is a few steps away, I would not have ventured here. Its overpriced and certainly not worthwhile for Mexican dining. If you want Mexican food, venture off down to South to a random hole in the wall and its not only better, but probably half the price. Its not that the food is bad, its just I can get so much more somewhere else.
That said, the atmosphere is quite lively and fun though for a late night in Del Mar. I think people come here more for the bar, atmosphere, and the fact that it opens until 2AM rather than the food itself. The service was a miss, the waitress we had was competent, but also seemed disinterested and ready for her shift to end. It was a Friday night though so I can understand if she was just waiting for the clock to tick away.
Would I come here again? Only if I had another groupon deal.
Mexican food is ubiquitous in San Diego, had it not been for a groupon and the fact that Crepes & Corks is a few steps away, I would not have ventured here. Its overpriced and certainly not worthwhile for Mexican dining. If you want Mexican food, venture off down to South to a random hole in the wall and its not only better, but probably half the price. Its not that the food is bad, its just I can get so much more somewhere else.
That said, the atmosphere is quite lively and fun though for a late night in Del Mar. I think people come here more for the bar, atmosphere, and the fact that it opens until 2AM rather than the food itself. The service was a miss, the waitress we had was competent, but also seemed disinterested and ready for her shift to end. It was a Friday night though so I can understand if she was just waiting for the clock to tick away.
Would I come here again? Only if I had another groupon deal.
I absolutely hate the service here and its the main reason why it gets such a poor review from me.
Never ever phone in your orders, they have insane difficulty understanding what you're saying. I say "pineapple" and she says "mango" I say "almond" and she says "taro." I once spent 15 minutes clarifying with one of the employees over and over again what drink orders I wanted. They also don't start your order until you physically show up so there really is no point in phoning it in ahead of time. They also seem to struggle heavily with large orders, its like you should accommodate them and order 1 drink at a time so they won't get confused. Finally, one of the unnamed girls here has a major attitude whenever she is helping you. Very sarcastic and snobby, I've even seen her roll her eyes at customers before right in front of their faces. The one in Kearny Mesa is clearly the more experienced branch and its obvious this is the B team working in Mira Mesa.
They also recently jacked up their prices big time. I was shocked at how expensive my last order was. I ordered 2 drinks and it was $12! What is this? Asian Starbucks?
Never ever phone in your orders, they have insane difficulty understanding what you're saying. I say "pineapple" and she says "mango" I say "almond" and she says "taro." I once spent 15 minutes clarifying with one of the employees over and over again what drink orders I wanted. They also don't start your order until you physically show up so there really is no point in phoning it in ahead of time. They also seem to struggle heavily with large orders, its like you should accommodate them and order 1 drink at a time so they won't get confused. Finally, one of the unnamed girls here has a major attitude whenever she is helping you. Very sarcastic and snobby, I've even seen her roll her eyes at customers before right in front of their faces. The one in Kearny Mesa is clearly the more experienced branch and its obvious this is the B team working in Mira Mesa.
They also recently jacked up their prices big time. I was shocked at how expensive my last order was. I ordered 2 drinks and it was $12! What is this? Asian Starbucks?
7380 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 571-2926
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 571-2926
Tea N More
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa
Tea N More is my personal favorite out of my 3 usual choices for boba. The atmosphere is tranquil and cozy, but is this the best boba place ever? Hardly. Still, I like coming here because of the more open and laid back atmosphere and they haven't jacked their prices on their teas yet.
I like their boba selection, its not too bad, their crepe desserts are okay. They take a long time to prepare their crepes and I think its because they are constantly shorthanded. I saw a guy do the cashier, boba, and crepes by himself on a busy night before. The drinks here are relatively cheap compared to Tea Station & Tapioca Express.
I wish they'd vacuum the floor and clean their couches more often. I know that sentence alone makes this place less appealing, but I still prefer coming here because of the cozier atmosphere. Magazine racks, a shelf with comic books, old school sticker machine, cards, and board games available upon request. Hate their bathroom though, its one that is shared by everyone in this strip mall. You gotta grab the lasso with the bathroom keys attached to it and I'm always afraid to touch it because I'm sure plenty of people who haven't washed their hands have smeared their germs all over it. Ew.
I like their boba selection, its not too bad, their crepe desserts are okay. They take a long time to prepare their crepes and I think its because they are constantly shorthanded. I saw a guy do the cashier, boba, and crepes by himself on a busy night before. The drinks here are relatively cheap compared to Tea Station & Tapioca Express.
I wish they'd vacuum the floor and clean their couches more often. I know that sentence alone makes this place less appealing, but I still prefer coming here because of the cozier atmosphere. Magazine racks, a shelf with comic books, old school sticker machine, cards, and board games available upon request. Hate their bathroom though, its one that is shared by everyone in this strip mall. You gotta grab the lasso with the bathroom keys attached to it and I'm always afraid to touch it because I'm sure plenty of people who haven't washed their hands have smeared their germs all over it. Ew.
4646 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 636-7889
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 636-7889
Tapioca Express Tea and Coffee
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa
I frequent 3 boba places in the Kearny/Clairemont area and out of the 3, Tapioca Express is my least favorite solely based on environment.
Firstly, the parking lot is atrocious and always packed thanks to some of the neighboring popular restaurants. Why is it that Convoy, a street rich with Asian culture is also so poorly designed? I tend to park on the side street when its a busy night, but if its a slow day then I park in the lot itself.
Secondly, the environment is just loud loud loud. Occasionally, it feels like you're inside a club and I find myself shouting at my friends across the table from me. By the time I leave, my voice is as hoarse as Lindsay Lohan after a night of crack snorting and alcohol binging.
Finally, the drinks itself. I'll give them credit, their drinks aren't too bad, their food is absolutely awful though. I'll snack on the smaller items, but the entrees are disgusting. I had curry chicken here before and it was so disgusting I only finished 1/3 of it. The chicken was overcooked and dry, the curry sauce was runny, and the pieces of chicken itself were full of cartilage. Yuck.
I come here only when its convenient otherwise I go to Tea N More.
Firstly, the parking lot is atrocious and always packed thanks to some of the neighboring popular restaurants. Why is it that Convoy, a street rich with Asian culture is also so poorly designed? I tend to park on the side street when its a busy night, but if its a slow day then I park in the lot itself.
Secondly, the environment is just loud loud loud. Occasionally, it feels like you're inside a club and I find myself shouting at my friends across the table from me. By the time I leave, my voice is as hoarse as Lindsay Lohan after a night of crack snorting and alcohol binging.
Finally, the drinks itself. I'll give them credit, their drinks aren't too bad, their food is absolutely awful though. I'll snack on the smaller items, but the entrees are disgusting. I had curry chicken here before and it was so disgusting I only finished 1/3 of it. The chicken was overcooked and dry, the curry sauce was runny, and the pieces of chicken itself were full of cartilage. Yuck.
I come here only when its convenient otherwise I go to Tea N More.
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"If only I got paid to eat!"
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Review votes:
107 Useful, 35 Funny, and 62 Cool
Location
San Diego, CA
Yelping SinceSeptember 2008
Find Me InHillcrest, La Jolla, Downtown, Clairemont Mesa, RB, Oside, LA, Vegas
My HometownSan Diego, CA
When I'm Not Yelping...Working, Chilling, Playing, Eating, Sleeping
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI don't fake my food orgasms
Current CrushChristina Hendricks and Mila Kunis
That is all you need to know and that is all you need to order assuming you're not allergic to seafood, lactose intolerant, or have an aversion to the deliciousness of shrimps, scallops, leeks, and tomatoes.
I ordered this amazing plate of pasta and inhaled it like a hungry Italian husband. Midway through, my stomach started forming a little muffin top and I asked myself, "Should I stop eating or I should bag the rest to go?" My fatass said, "EAT IT NOW!"
The leeks are shockingly a nice addition to this pasta. They add a ton of leeks, but it doesn't overpower the flavors of the shrimp and scallops, but it makes it slightly lighter for me when I eat it, along with the tomatoes. 3 pieces of shrimp and some bay scallops was just enough protein for me. The black linguine was cooked perfect al dente,
Atmosphere is a cozy cafe style environment, waiters with Italian accents, and just a nice little place. Parking is awful here, the parking lot next to it looks somewhat shady so I opted for street parking or if you don't mind paying a couple bucks, go to the Rite Aid or Jamba Juice lots which are 1 1/2 block away.