"Edible art" is an idea often attached to Japanese high cuisine like sushi or kaeseki. But the notion that Japanese food is inherently precious and high-end is exaggerated at best. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka and Musashiya, both inside the Mitsuwa Marketplace (4240 Kearny Mesa Road), … [Read more...]
WORLD FARE: Hot pot’s ‘drier’ cousin at Sizzling Pot King
Hot pot is having its moment. It's a moment that was, perhaps, crowned when Anthony Bourdain sang its praises and wielded it like a weapon in Eric Ripert's direction on the Sichuan episode of Bourdain's Parts Unknown CNN show. But the brothy, dip-it-yourself stuff depicted in … [Read more...]
THRILLIST: San Diego’s 10 Best Neighborhoods for Dining Out, Ranked
San Diego’s city fathers and mothers (not to mention planners) are keen on telling us that ours is a “City of Neighborhoods.” They lied when they said it, and they lie now. San Diego is not a city of neighborhoods, never was, and cannot be for many reasons: Southern California … [Read more...]
WORLD FARE: No carts means better food at Emerald Chinese Cuisine
Becoming an adult is one part taking on responsibilities, one part shedding foolish romantic notions. When it comes to dim sum restaurants, one of those "foolish notions" is the romance of rolling carts. Losing them may be a blow, but it's not just a nod to commercial reality. It … [Read more...]
WORLD FARE: Exotic regional Chinese at Shan Xi Magic Kitchen
Less then a year ago I didn't even know Shaanxi cuisine was a thing. Then Xian Kitchen opened in the Convoy District and my eyes and palate were opened to Chinese flavors and textures I did not know. Now, we have a second Shaanxi restaurant, and Shan Xi Magic Kitchen (4344 Convoy … [Read more...]