Really Fat in San Diego

Di Suvero's Tumbleweeds in Balboa Park

Del Taco

At the risk of cheapening the blog, I'm going to include the national chain Del Taco, which you should know does not exist in Nebraska, or Iowa, or where I'm from. In fact, there's more in California than anywhere else, making it a fast food vacation must. Early on a Sunday morning I was able to get a "BIG FAT" taco with fries along with a breakfast taco that was trying to pretend it was from the street, wearin' a foil wrapper and all. To the Taco Bell at 38th and Dodge: Now you look grosser than ever. http://www.deltaco.com/

How could I not get the BIG FAT?

I'm all about fast food trying to mimic real street food.

Red Sails Inn, Shelter Island

And so we decided to go to a non-fancy seafood place. Not to belabor the point, but in Omaha this means Red Lobster. In San Diego it means checkered tablecloths outdoors with the water and yachts right there, and a waitress that may or may not have graduated high school some forty years ago. There was no innovative plating and no deluxe drink list; it was kinda like a seafood diner with crabs. Here we go: http://www.theredsails.com/

Mini Crab Cakes Appetizer with Lemon and Remoulade Sauce 

Crab Louie Salad--aka the King of Salads--Invented in San Francisco

Above Average Clam Chowder

Crab Sandwich--yep

California Sea Bass with Steak Fries and Veracruz and Tartar Sauces

D. Z. Akin's Restaurant and Delicatessen

My appreciation of the Jewish deli is somewhat newfound, and basically formed when I realized I couldn't have it whenever I wanted it. (If I'm wrong and there is a good Jewish-style deli in Omaha, now would be a good time to let me know.) At D.Z.'s, there were some fat folks literally dancing their way from the parking lot to the entrance, they were so excited. We sat down in one of the many ugly blue booths and skimmed the heavy six page menu while noshing on house-brined pickles from a bucket on the table. It was all over when the soup came. Please, let the pictures do the talking... I'm too full to think about it right now. http://dzakinsdeli.com/

Mish Mash:
Matzo ball, kreplach meat dumpling, noodles, carrots and chicken broth

Kishka with Gravy:
Made with matzo meal, potatoes and carrots, stuffed in a casing and fried,
a sort of vegetable sausage

Blinzes:
A crepe filled with a sort of cream cheese, with sour cream on the side

Potato Latkes:
Shredded potato pancakes fried and served with sour cream and applesauce

The Number 2:
Corned beef, pastrami and chopped liver on seeded rye with potato salad.
It's number 2 on the menu because it's popular, not because the liver looks like poop.
And yeah, you kind of have to dislocate your jaw to eat it.

Osteria Romantica, La Jolla

Sometimes you just want some good Italian food. Sure, the portions were more American than European, but at this point in the trip we said to hell with authenticity. Besides, our friend the Waiter showcased his exaggerated Italian accent beautifully. On the patio shaded by trees with the ocean a few steps away, I sipped on (chugged?) pinot grigio and nibbled on hot bread with a'spicy marinara. At one point the busser spilled a bunch of sauce on the table and didn't bother to wipe it up; I guess he figured we had tongues. http://www.osteriaromantica.com/

Calamari Fritti:
With fried zucchini and marinara sauce

Linguine Mare:
Mussels, Shrimp and Clams in a White Wine Sauce

Iforgetthename-i:
House-made penne with sausage and porcini mushrooms in red sauce

Back to Omaha for now, where the AC is kicking, the corn is shucking, and there are still like 600 restaurants I need to try. Woot.