Los Palmitos Taco Shop

Wanting something different for lunch I ventured out. I have been driving by this place for a while, figured why not..

First, let me say it is your usual taco joint from the outside and inside. Complete with Ranchera music leaking from the kitchen..

Menu was pretty much the usual fare with some seafood items and street tacos. I decided to try the adobada street tacos, 3 to an order. Came with a side of nachos and a trip to the salsa bar. The red sauce was nice. The pickled carrots were great and they had grilled jalapenos too! The jewel of the bar had to be the habanero salsa. Spicy and tasty, clearly home made, and perfect on the chips.

The adobada was not the best I have ever had, I think that title belongs to El Gordo's in Chula vista. It was the best adobada I have had in the Clairemont area. And so were the street tacos. I'd give them the edge over the taco truck on Balboa.

Quick, tasty fun! I will be back.

5145 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA
92117

Alchemy

Ravel's Bolero is how I felt on Monday while eating at Alchemy.

First off, the place is quaint, cozy and comfortable. Staff was courteous and efficient. And the bathroom has a killer cast concrete sink ;)

Where do I start. We ordered a round of appetizers.

Chiogga Beets: I loved the beets and sheep's milk cheese. The salad it was on top of was gritty and unwashed. I wanted to love it. I was just OK..

Samosas: Just ok. Good flavor on the filling. Crust was a little thick and heavy. Again, I wanted to love, but it was also just OK.

Clams with chorizzo: Again, nice presentation, but again, just OK.. Nothing special, but I liked the chorrizo with the clams.

At this point I was feeling a little down. Like driving a car you fell in love with and realizing it wasn't very good. Wasn't sure what the mains were going to hold for us.

Stuffed Tomato: Bobbi and I shared this. Amazing. Great flavor. Great couscous. Awesome tomato. Light, airy, filling. Really loved this!

Half Chicken: Jidori chicken with a crispy skin. Sis and Mom shared this and it was fantastic. Best chicken I have had, my sis agreed! Perfectly cooked, not greasy, and full of flavor (Something chicken usually lacks on it's own!) And the twice baked purple potato was killer!

So from so so to oh wow. And dessert was no let down, the Cranberry Bread Pudding was killer, and I normally don't like bread pudding and my sisters Profiteroles were stunning! Rich, sweet, creamy goodness without being heavy!

I will revisit, it was quite the crescendo.

Alchemy San Diego

Saffron

Stopped here on the way home from the airport. Me, Mom and my Sis.

Ordered Pad Thai and Green Curry Chicken. Both fresh, quick and delicious. I like the organic rice too. The salad rolls were perfect and simple.

Feeling the need for quick Thai takeout. Do not pass this gem up!

Saffron San Diego

Lefty's Pizza

One night after work my friend Molly invited me to dinner. She wanted pizza and said we should go to Lefty's Chicago Pizzeria for a slice and some beer. The atmosphere was quaint and filled with memorabilia from the city of Chicago. I felt comfortable there and really enjoyed the time with my friend.

Lefty's offers both a selection of thin crust and the traditional Chicago style crust. While the thin crust is tasty, it is obvious that their specialty is the Chicago style (thick) crust. The thick crust pizza is a decadent treat which, in moderation, satisfies completely. Unlike other thick crust pizzas I have tried, Lefty's crust is flavorful and a true part of the pizza experience. It was nice to taste a crust which was not just a vehicle for the sauce, cheese, meat, and veggies. Thankfully, the crust is the focal point and does its namesake proud. While the thin crust pizza was 'okay' the Chicago style crust was amazing and worth the trip. If you are looking for a great place to hang out with friends and indulge in some high calorie pie, then Lefty's is the place to go.

Lefty's Chicago Pizzeria

Murph's Gaslight

If you are ever in Burmuda Dunes airport, and your hungry, I mean really hungry, then stop at Murph's. Simple family style pan fried chicken (yes, PAN fried), corn bread, mashed potatoes, carrots kinda fare. And lots of it. Yum!

Just don't go between July and September. Cause it is hot in the desert. And they close.

(Helps to have a friend with a pilot's license if your going to pull this off in an evening from San Diego, I'm just saying.. )

Murph's Gaslight