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...]
WORLD FARE: A different kind of Chinese at Xian Kitchen
You know it's a different kind of Chinese restaurant when there's no rice on the menu. And Xian Kitchen (4690 Convoy St.) in the Convoy District is definitely that: a very different kind of Chinese restaurant. Thick and wide hand-pulled noodles? Absolutely. Rice? Not a … [Read more...]
WORLD FARE: Unheralded barbecue at Sieu Sieu BBQ & Noodle House
Ask 10 people about the best barbecue in the world and you’ll probably get at least 11 answers. It’s likely that none of them will say China. There’s a word for that: ignorance. A harsh indictment? Perhaps. Reality? No doubt. One trip to Sieu Sieu BBQ and Noodle House at the … [Read more...]