The dish started with the familiar: a comforting crunch and a flavor not entirely unlike that of French fries. But that didn’t last long. As my teeth sank into the interior, I became lost. Was it meaty or crunchy? It wasn’t either, but rather somewhere in between. I couldn’t … [Read more...]
WORLD FARE: Eating Nemo at Tacos Nemo
It’s well settled fish tacos neither originated in San Diego nor emerged from Ralph Rubio’s head like Athena from Zeus’. Nor is it likely they originated in San Felipe where Rubio found them on a 1974 Spring Break trip. The truth of their origin is somewhat South of San Diego and … [Read more...]
WORLD FARE: Japanese style comfort food at Santouka and Musashiya
"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: Chef John’s: master of the fryolated arts
The best fish and chips in town come from a Korean fine-dining-trained chef at a former fast food joint in the part of Lemon Grove where you’re more likely to get a used car than a meal. Perhaps it’s not the most classic fish and chips in town. For that, Shakespeare’s Pub & … [Read more...]