Hi All,

It has been a busy week... work, friend having an adorable baby, holidays, etc... but, we had a chance to visit a sushi place in University City called Nazomi. It is located at 4150 Regents Park Row, Suite 190 in La Jolla. The best way to think about the location, is that it's next to the Marriott, behind Einstein Brother's bagels and Starbucks. There is a great European Deli at the "inner" portion of the mall, called "Continent" that's definitely worth checking out ;)

When we got there on Friday around 7:30 p.m., the place seemed very busy. There were several tables that were empty but had not yet been cleaned. We chose to sit outside (inside seating was also available). It had a good vibe, we liked the bamboo looking/wood tables. It took a while for the waitress to bring out the menu and even longer to order the food. In total, we spent about 45 minutes between ordering and eating.

We ordered 3 rolls, which came with Miso soup. If we had known the size of the rolls, we would have ordered 2, because they are large! One of the rolls, was actually a combo of 2 rolls (2 half portions). The best one of the bunch was the Dragon Roll. These rolls are definitely creative, with sauce, and with lots of flare. Maybe, a bit too much flare and too many flavors. Two of the rolls had fire coming from beneath them when they were brought out. UPDATE: SEE PICTURES!

We looked around and saw several people eating the entrees instead of sushi. In particular, the chicken catsu looked delicious, and definitely enough for two to share. The salads also looked really good, topped with sashimi.

The prices are what's expected for "creative" rolls in the area, between $10-$15 per roll, with majority of the rolls in the $11.50 range, with a "free" miso soup. If you check out the web site there's a coupon for 10% off dinner. I would definitely be interested in returning and perhaps ordering a "hot" meal and a shrimp tempura roll, but keeping in mind that this is not a place to go if you're watching the time.


Advice for the establishment:
1) More help is needed on busy nights. The tables should be turned more quickly, not in a bad way, but the tables should be cleaned right after customers leave and a check should be brought out in a timely manner.
2) Orders should be taken soon after the customer arrives
3) Not sure if this is already taking place, but the "house water" does not taste filtered, tastes like tap.

Advice for consumer:
1) There is a great European deli, called "Continent" on the other side of the sushi restaurant.
2) Make sure when you plan a visit, you have plenty of time.
3) Miso soup is usually included with your order, don't order extra, unless you want two orders!
4) Order a drink, not sure if this establishment filters the water.

Overall recommendation:
If you're not in a hurry and don't want to drive to Akai Hana in Rb, this place has good rolls and seemingly better "hot/kitchen" entrees.


Details:
4150 Regents Park Row, Suite 190
La Jolla, CA 92037-9139

Hours of Operation:
Monday–Friday
11:00 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Saturday
12:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
http://www.gonozomi.com/1281997.html

Pho Cali

Hi All,

Thank you for following and contributing to "our" blog.

I wanted to tell you about a Vietnamese place that we visited this weekend. It's called Pho Cali, located in Mission Valley. We went with our friends and their 11 month old. First of all, the place is very baby friendly. They were very quick to offer us a high-chair and the tile flooring was a practical choice. Although, there wasn't a children's menu, aside from rice. So, if you're coming with children, bring something from home. This is a very minimalistic establishment. Their menu is basically divided into 3 sections: 1) rice dishes 2) Vermicelli (noodles) 3) Pho. You also have the option of ordering spring rolls (fresh) or eggrolls (fried). Take a look at the menu on their site

Before I go on, I have to tell you that it's written on their menu that they use MSG and to notify the server if you're allergic to it. Since we are not allergic to MSG, and rarely consume it, we were not thrilled, but ok with the idea.

We ordered the fresh spring rolls (2 per order) for an appetizer. They were what we expected: soft rice-paper filled with rice noodles, bean sprouts, herbs, shrimp and pork, served with a peanut and Sriracha sauce. I honestly would have preferred the spring rolls without the pork, but we wanted to try them as stated.

For the main dish, my husband ordered the "not on the regular menu" fried rice with beef which was delicious. Perfectly fried rice with carrots, onions (specified green), a touch of garlic, and a generous portion of beef. I had the Vermicelli noodles (rice noodles) with bbq shrimp and eggrolls, # 28 on the menu. I was surprised to find out that there were only 4 shrimp served in the bowl. I expected at least a couple more since they were the (30-40 count variety). The eggroll portion was ample and made up for the lack of shrimp, about 3 eggrolls cut into small pieces. Since I LOVE fried food, I was just fine with the outcome. The food tasted very fresh. Our friends both ordered the Pho, which is the house specialty. Pho is Vietnamese beef broth with lots of toppings: herbs, bean sprouts, veggies, and optional meat. I asked for reviews and they were very happy with the taste.

For a Pho establishment this place is not cheap. Rice and noodle dishes are around $7.00 each and the Pho is around $6.00 for a bowl. While we enjoyed our food, I can't say that I would rush back. Maybe, because I feel like you have to be in the mood specifically for Pho, it is quite good, but a unique taste. I think this location would profit from offering more variety. Vietnamese cuisine is so diverse and delicious, yet so many of the San Diego restaurants don't offer what I call "saucy" dishes: lemongrass chicken, spicy chicken, lemongrass shrimp, etc. Vietnamese food is not all soups, rice, and noodles, and I wish that was better represented in San Diego.

If you've visited Pho Hoacali Express on Mira Mesa Blvd (also an RB location), it is almost an identical experience with almost identical prices. My overall review is somewhat neutral... the place is clean and if Pho is your thing then it's worth checking out.


Advice for the establishment:
Offer more Variety. Diversify the menu

Advice for consumer:
1) If you cannot find parking behind the restaurant, park next to Best Buy or in the Pier One parking lot.

2) This place is very humble and "not fancy". If you're expecting an elegant atmosphere, this place is not for you.

3) This place is an ideal quick lunch or dinner

4) Pho is GREAT for a hangover. It definitely possesses therapeutic principles.

5) Vietnamese drinks and coffee (with condensed milk) are served here.

Overall recommendation:
If you're in the mood for soup or a simple quick bite, check out Pho Cali!

Details:
(619) 542-1062

1400 Camino De La Reina #105

Mission Valley, CA 92018

open 7 days a week

9:30AM- 9:30PM

http://pho1cali.com

Hash House

Hash House A-Gogo is an icon in San Diego. Located at 3628 5th Ave, it's a place where the portions are huge and the presentation is mouth watering. The place serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; breakfast being my personal favorite. Be prepared to wait, ranging from 20 minutes up to an hour and a half! My suggestion for this establishment is not an easy one; they need to E-X-P-A-N-D. While this might be a costly move, it would be a smart one. Take advice from Phil at Phil's BBQ! A small place turned to a BBQ empire. Anyways, I diverge...but make a point. The problem that I've been encountering with Hash House is the service. Since it's such a small place with a huge demand (the lovely supply and demand), the waiters try to turn tables TOO quickly. The food is definitely good, and the portions are huge, but the service needs to be improved.
We recently dined with 2 other couples (6 people total). Between the 6 of us, we ordered several items off the menu. The French toast was outstanding. Huge portion with thick slices of well flavored triangles. Nuts were also a great addition as a topping. I do have to advise, that there was a lot of cinnamon in the batter. I actually adore cinnamon, but for those that don't care for it, should abstain from the dish. Another couple ordered the pancake. Imagine the biggest skillet at your house being used to make one giant pancake. This was a particularly appealing breakfast item! It was thick, moist, and a true example of what an OVERSIZED pancake should be! I ordered the Roasted Chicken Hash. Basically, an oversized portion of potatoes, roasted chicken, onions, and asparagus topped with your choice of eggs. Potatoes could have definitely been improved, they were not cooked through. Overall, we enjoyed our breakfast with good OJ and Lattes.

Advice for the establishment:
EXPAND

Advice for consumer:
1) Put your name down and go run errands, otherwise, be prepared to wait

2) Come with a group

3) Order a singe item for 2-3 people

4) Order the lemonade

5) Ask for your potatoes to be cooked "extra crispy"; otherwise you might be stuck with ones that are undercooked.

Overall recommendation:
If you haven't been, you must go!

Details:
Hash House A-Gogo

http://www.hashhouseagogo.com/

3628 5th Ave

San Diego, CA 92103-4220

(619) 298-4646

Eating through the great San Diego

Welcome!

I wanted to create a blog about eating at various places in San Diego.  Occasionally, I will feature places from my travels. San Diego is such a diverse place with so many food options. Everyone knows that I do not discriminate! I eat at all places from "a small hole in the wall" to an occasional splurge. I hope you contribute your own comments and reviews. In addition, I want this to be a place of sharing. Not just sharing opinions, but providing a place where chefs (both big and small) can come to learn ways to improve their cuisine. If I publish a less than favorable review, I'm going to suggest a way to improve. Perhaps, one good thing that came from the corporate world is that you can't complain and not provide a solution. With this in mind, "our" blog is a place that can be used by both the provider of food and consumer. I hope you enjoy it and find it useful. Please share your reviews, recipes, and suggestions. Happy cooking and savoring!