fattyChat: San Diego Whirlwind

I had some lovely friends in town for the weekend, and to say we ate would be an understatement. We ate, and ate, and ate, and ate, and ate.. It's safe to say I didn't have a single second of hunger. Having S and A in town got me thinking, what do I want them to experience (food-wise, of course) in the short few days they're here? What would a trip to San Diego be incomplete without?

So this got me thinking, and I thought I'd put together my list of favorites if you are a visitor, or if you're having visitors, or even if you live here and are looking for new places to try.

I like to ask for input on the types of cuisine that my visitors are going for, and this time the theme was Mexican food, because of course if you're in San Diego, you simply have to have some Mexican food. So my top recommendations are...
Tacos El Gordo (off H Street in Chula Vista, can't vouch for the other locations): If I had to only pick one place to take visitors, it would be here. There are 4 different stations: from the right side, adobada, carne asada, and grilled green onions & jalapenos, and then the miscellaneous meat varieties (non-spicy pork, beef head, beef tongue, etc). The adobada is a must; carne asada is second must. If you're feeling daring, I'd recommend the lengua (tongue).
Senor Mangos: tortas, smoothies, and fresh fruit treats. Highly recommend the lomo torta, and the torta mix. Love the acai smoothie. Escamocha fruit cup = yum.
Mariscos German Taco Truck (on University): fish tacos. or any seafood tacos.
Sergios: best california burrito, in my opinion.
Rigoberto's (the one next to JJ's deli on Miramar) or Cotixan: carne asada fries. I also recommend the pollo asado nachos at Rigoberto's.

Moving on by cuisine...
Vietnamese (Pho, Bun, rice plates): Pho Ca Dao
Thai: Amarin Thai (Hillcrest or Mira Mesa)
Chinese: Pearl (dim sum), Dumpling Inn (some good ol Taiwanese comfort food), Minh Ky (Chinese/Vietnamese, dirt cheap, get the chow fun or the dumpling and wonton noodle soup)
Indian: Punjabi Tandoor (love love love the Chicken Makhni)
Korean: Convoy Tofu House (tofu stews)
American: Phil's BBQ
Italian: Trattoria Acqua (*love* this place, but be prepared to spend some money), Buon Apetito (delicious but also on the pricier side), Lorna's (more moderately priced, casual option)
Seafood/Fresh Fish: Bay Park Fish Co. (tuna melt is a must), Blue Water Seafood & Grill, The Fish Market (for their Cioppino)
Japanese/Sushi: Izakaya Sakura (if you like Japanese tapas and don't mind paying more), Santouka (ramen), Chopstix (ramen), Zensei (sushi & sake bombs(!)), Sushi Deli 1 (super cheap + fun rolls, but don't expect grade A fish or rice), Tadashi (AYCE)
-Note: I haven't really found a place that I'm really really in love with for sushi yet, so if there's a place that you absolutely *love*, please let me know! Otherwise, my search continues. Nozomi and Wasabi Sushi have really fun rolls, but again, it doesn't really blow me away.
Sandwiches: Spirits of St. Germain (yes, this is a liquor store. yes their sandwiches are amazing.)
Brunch: Parkhouse Eatery (first choice, note: make a reservation!), The Cottage, The Eggery, Bibby's Crepe Cafe

Some "novelty" places:
Viva Pops: stop by here for some amazingly delicious and fun popsicles
Gaglione's: amazing cheesesteaks & garlic fries
Mama's Bakery & Deli: cheap, lebanese shwarmas and wraps
Devine Pastabilities: torpastas (pasta stuffed in a holed out Torpedo Roll
Gelato Vera: if you go to Blue Water, you have to go here. Even if you don't go to Blue Water, you should come here and experience the veraccino. Gelato + coffee + ice = heaven. Try the spumoni one. You just have to trust me on that.

Oh, and if you've never been before, go to Valley View Casino around 2:30-3:30, sign up for a players card, a dinner time slot, and get their free lobster buffet for signing up. I'm not typically a fan of buffets, but this one was amazing. And it makes for a great afternoon of fun :)

Well, that's all I can think of for now! Leave a note if you have more suggestions! I'm always looking for new places to try.

Update: some food pictures from the weekend!

Sprinkles!