Sessions Public

On the eighth day God created bacon lollipops, or at least He created imaginative chefs who dream up such decadent delicacies. Yes, you read it correctly, bacon lollipops. God Bless America!!!!!

Terry and I were out and about Sunday afternoon when we pulled up to Sessions Public. Open less than a month this new bistro is a testament to the culinary creativity which seems to be the norm here in San Diego.

As we usually do Terry and I shared a meal. We started with pork belly sliders; topped with a Thai barbeque sauce, white beans and corn. Tart baby pickles, garlic aioli along with french fries deep-fried in duck fat rounded out our decadent dish. It tasted better than I expected because while it sounds heavy and rich it was surprisingly light and packed with flavor. I loved every single bite!

For “dessert” we had bacon lollipops. Actually, they were supposed to be our appetizer, but the waitress forgot to place our order, so we considered it our dessert. Imagine good quality bacon, dipped in tempura batter, then deep-fried. The lollipops came with a chili lime sauce, which was tangy enough to cut through the richness of the bacon and batter but flavorful enough to add a completely different dimension to dish. It was perfection on a plate and something I will have over and over again.

I do hope that this out of the way bistro finds its place in the San Diego restauraunt scene . It would break my heart if this gem became another culinary casualty.

Sugarbowl

I was lead to believe that the culinary selection in Edmonton, Alberta was less than stellar. That theory was blown out of the water the moment I stepped into a funky little eatery called the Sugarbowl. I think my source’s information was grossly outdated and most certainly bias. In the future I will not be so gullible and trusting of so-called “local experts.”

After a tour of the University of Alberta, Terry and I made our way around the corner and into a quaint bar and grill. Being that it was a beautiful day the doors and windows were open exposing the entire front side of the restaurant to the sun and the gentle breeze. As we enjoyed the elements, we perused the menu. It is easy to love a menu that is three-quarters beer and one-quarter food. Between the ambiance, good weather, and the menu selection we totally enjoyed our pre-dining experience.

While I enjoyed a Strombow and Terry enjoyed a Big Rock Traditional, we decided to split the special. Served on a pretzel bun we enjoyed a ham and cheese with a side of sweet potato fries. The food was good and satisfied our hungry tummies. I wouldn’t call the meal spectacular, but it was reasonably priced and well above average bar fare.

Nothing better than spending the day with my guy and having a delicious meal.

Blue Plate Diner - Edmonton, Canada

My sister was kind enough to share this jem with Bobbi and I on our trip to Canada.

Very casual, comfort food kinda place. Lunch started off with prompt service. Waiter was one of the better servers I have had the pleasure of meeting. Nothing went without attention.

Loved the ambiance, tables not matching, kick nacks on the walls all with a modern flare. But it isn't the decor that brings a person back to a joint. It is the food!

Bobbi had the duck salad. Perfectly cooked duck, on a fresh bed of greens with a nice vinegarette. Lovely flavor, perfect portion. And DUCK!

I had the Grilled Veggie Sandwich. Served open face, it was a slice of heaven. And the side salad was one of the best I have had, nice tart dressing that was just perfect for the dish!

Mom had the buffalo burger with sweet potato fries. Flavorful. Juicy. Everything you want, nothing you don't. (Just miss being asked how you want it cooked. In Canada, burgers are served done. You never get asked. No exceptions.)

Finally, Sis had the Indian lunch platter. Nice curry style dish, had a little of the chicken and it was tasty.

So.. If you find yourself in Edmonton, please do not pass this gem up. Fun, fresh comfort food with a twist. Lunch was amazing, next time I want to try dinner!

Thanks Sis for the awesome lunch!


Blue Plate Diner

Tractor Room

Wild Boar stew. Corn Bread. Rabbit sausage. Drinks. White Stripes. And a 10 month anniversary.

What you have there is a recipe for a perfect evening. Honestly, it has been a while since I have has such a fantastic meal. Full of flavor, color, texture. If you have a desire to try something a little different, you owe yourself a trip to the tractor room.

Starter: Pheasant cognac and Rabbit sausage skewer with crispy polenta. Cooked to perfection, each sausage was different. Not fatty, not dry. The polena was a perfect accompaniment for the sausages and we really enjoyed this dish!

Mains: I had the Wild Boar stew. Bobbi had the Gooseberry glazed salmon. Both of these dishes were delightful. The boar was juicy and seasoned to perfection. The back bacon in the dish was a nice touch, just enough salty to make this perfect. The salmon was cooked to perfection and the glaze just worked. The side acorn squash could have been desert, drenched in maple and bacon. The words to describe this whole meal, fun and perfect!

And.. The White Stripes were in the corner enjoying the place too! Yeah.


The Tractor Room

3687 Fifth Ave,
San Diego, CA.

High Dive

Friday I was in no mood to cook.. And needed a beer and a burger in the worst way.

Decided to try the food at a local bar down the hill. The high dive. Been there for just beer in the past, always a nice, casual place. never tried the food. My bad.

Ordered the The Spicy Reed.. "Half pounder stuffed with cream cheese and jalapeno topped with grilled onions smoked bacon, mushrooms and swiss cheese."


Need I say more? It exceeded the description. By a lot. And the fries. Not sure what they do with them, double fry 'em? Batter them? Something. But whatever it is, they were among the best I have had in San Diego. 


Will be back next time I feel the urge for beef and bun.

High Dive Website

Mesa Grill

Mom and I went to Las Vegas on Tuesday to get her car fixed. While we were there we did our usual mall run, looked at the sights, and did some research to find a restaurant we wanted to try. We have been to gems such as Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak and Emeril Lagasse's creole / cajun restaurant Emeril's. Both were beyond excellent. This time we decided to visit a restaurant owned by one of mom's favorite Food Network chefs; Bobby Flay.

The name of his place is Mesa Grill and, as clearly apparent from the name, the food is inspired from the flavors of the southwest. Mom had a smoked chicken and black bean quesadilla with avocado and toasted garlic creme friache, and I had the new mexican spice rubbed pork tenderloin with ancho chile sauce and a sweet potato tamale. Both dishes were as close to perfection as they could be. Each had the perfect balance of spices and fresh ingredients allowing for the chef's vision to be truly realised. The servings were generous and the prices were reasonable. Our experience at Mesa Grill was so delightful that the next time we go to Las Vegas we may break our tradition of finding a new restauraunt and go back to Mesa Grill. Amé la comida!!!!

Mesa Grill - Las Vegas

Anasazi Steakhouse and Gallery

Tonight, for dinner, mom invited Terry and me out for a lovely meal. The best way to describe the Anasazi experience is to call it a steakhouse with a twist. They serve the usual selection of meats but the twist comes when the meal is served. Each dish has the choice of being served precooked on a regular plate or on a hot rock. The rock is about 700 degrees and acts as your own personal searing pan. We all chose to have our meals served on the hot rock and boy am I glad we did. I felt like each of my senses were truly activated during the meal. I saw my meat beautifully displayed on the rock, felt the heat radiating from my dish, heard the sizzle of my food as I cut and cook it myself, smelled the steam and smoke wafting up from my dish, and tasted premium food cooked exactly to my liking (because I cooked it myself). It was a truly interactive event that only added to my enjoyment of the meal. Now, every time I go to visit mom in St. George, I am going to make a stop and give myself, and my senses, a treat.

Nummmmm!

Anasazi Steakhouse and Gallery