I love movies and am somewhat a “foodie” of sorts, though my pocketbook often isn’t thick enough to enjoy some places. It never fails, though, that very often a friend who is travelling and looking for a recommendation about a restaurant in a particular city will want to know if I know of a good place to eat. I love sharing my epicurean wisdom with them and have often pictured myself as a restaurant, food, and movie critic. So here goes. This is only my opinion. Most know I am often reluctant in sharing my opinion about many topics. Here ya go!! I will start with San Diego and add cities along the way. Our four favorite cities start with San … San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, and Santa Fe:
SAN DIEGO, CA (Lunch/Dinner) |
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Peohe’s (Coronado Island): Because of the incredible view across the bay to downtown San Diego. The food is excellent. This restaurant offers great, tasty and creative fish dishes. Beautiful spot. By the way, the happy hour appetizers are cheap and really good. Check time for that in advance. | |
Buon Appetito (Little Italy): Quaint spot. Sit outside if you can. Their beef lasagna is the best anywhere. Feels like you’ve been transported to Italy. | |
Miguel’s: There are a few Miguel’s in the San Diego area. This place seems to meet my craving for Mexican food. Of course, nothing is ever as good as Lupe Tortilla’s! It’s not the only Mexican place, but it’s a good one. Old Town has several options as well. | |
Phil’s: When you are talking ribs, there is no place in the world like Phil’s. They are fall-off-the-bone delicious. There are no ribs in Texas like this place. | |
George’s at the Cove (La Jolla): A gorgeous view from the patio. A great menu of creative dishes to choose from; but I have figured this out … it is such a beautiful place to sit and look out over the ocean that it doesn’t matter what the food tastes like. Spectacular view on a beautiful day! | |
Hodad’s: This ocean beach burger joint is in the middle of Surfer USA. The burgers are incredibly good, the shakes are delicious, and the fries are tasty. CNN named Hodad’s one of the Top Five burger joints in the US. Be prepared to stand in a small line. It’s worth it! You will LOVE this place. Hodad’s defines “burger joint.” If you’re looking for great burgers, fries and shakes, this is your place. Hang Ten! | |
Donovan’s: We’re spoiled in Houston with great steaks served in a nice environment, with very good side options. Nestled in the downtown Gaslamp District this delicious steak restaurant has my favorite steak in the area. It’s not cheap, but it is well worth it. Just down the street is Donovan’s Prime Seafood that serves up excellent seafood dishes. | |
SAN DIEGO, CA (Breakfast) |
We are always on a search to find the best breakfast place in any town we visit. San Diego seems to have the majority. |
Hash House a Go Go: Hash House a Go Go sits on Fifth Avenue. My favorite here is the bacon waffle. The portions are humongous.There isn’t anything on the menu you won’t be happy with. Their chicken waffle is a hit, and their french toast is excellent. The food is served in the most creative way you could ever imagine. It’s cool! | |
Richard Walker’s Pancake House: There are very few times that I have been to Richard Walker’s without standing in a long line. However, this is our favorite place. You will not believe the size of their German pancakes. You don’t want to miss their Cinnabon pancakes. Their omelets are fabulous. Don’t let the name deceive you; it’s not all about the pancakes. It is all about a great breakfast! | |
Cafe 222: This quaint cafe sits at 222 Island Avenue downtown. It has been featured on Food Network. Small cafe with big options. | |
The Mission: This very cool place sits in the East Village. We especially like their pancakes, chicken and apple sausage, and rosemary potatoes; that seems to be what all of the “Yelpers” think too. They give great attention to detail. | |
San Diego, CA (Dessert) |
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Extraordinary Desserts: (Union Street) You will be blown away the very minute you walk into this architecturally engaging store. It’s like a Disneyland of beautiful desserts. You will be smiling from ear to ear with your mouth wide open (sometimes drooling too). You have never seen such beautiful plates in all your life. These desserts will knock your socks off! They are not only delicious, they are extraordinary … as in the name. The dining is contemporary and the outside dining area is especially nice in the San Diego weather. |
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MooTime Creamery: (Coronado Island) Pick your combinations and lap up some wonderful ice cream and fixin’s. You can find MooTime on the main street, Orange, and at the Hotel Del Coronado. | |
HOUSTON, TX (Lunch/Dinner) |
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Taste of Texas – There is not a company in Houston that doesn’t have this steak house on their list of musts when entertaining out of town guest … or for that matter most of Houston has this restaurant on their list and rates it number one. Original Texas decor, all cowboys and cowgirls will enjoy the salad bar because of its fresh vegetables, fruit, and bread. The steaks are served on a sizzling platter and best when complimented by lemon pepper, melted butter and wrapped in bacon. The owners are some of the finest Christ followers I have ever met, and I am honored to call them friends! |
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Pappas Bros. Steakhouse – This steak house is one of Houston’s finest restaurants, and it is good from the salad to the dessert. The steak is aged to perfection, and all of the sides are unusually good. | |
Lupe Tortilla – Hands down Lupe’s has the best fajitas in the entire world. You will love the sizzling beef fajitas brought to your table. None like ’em! Even the hot tortillas that help you construct your fajita are so tasty. One of the precious owners says it’s all about the tortilla. I think she is right. It’s almost like fresh bread or cake. All of the food is incredible at Lupe’s. Just ask anyone. When our friends and family come into town, the first place they want to eat is Lupe’s! |
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Ninfa’s (on Navigation) – Though Ninfa’s has opened multiple sites in Houston, there is nothing like the original Ninfa’s on Navigation. Mama Ninfa still has her hand in her restaurants. So, if you want authentic Mexican food, make your way downtown to the original. Everything on the menu is consistently great. I love their enchiladas and their tamales. It’s all good. | |
Note: I could go on and on about Houston Mexican restaurants. There are tons of wonderful options. There seems to be a decent one on every corner. | |
Carrabba’s Italian Grill – The original Carrabba’s is named Rosie’s Carrabba’s because this is one of the original restaurants and is located at Woodway and Voss. Rosie is usually there, and I get a hug and kiss from her every time I step in the door. The fish is excellent, any pasta is quite good; but their chicken soup has nourished many a pastor near Woodway and Voss! |
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Ciro’s Italian Grill – What a wonderful family! “Everybody knows your name” is the atmosphere when you walk in the door. We have followed this restaurant for 25 years … they move, we follow. The rotisserie chicken is fabulous, the chicken Alfredo is divine, Caesar salad is awesome, the meatballs melt in your mouth, and the Hail Kimberly salad is a restaurant favorite. Save room for the great dessert! |
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Local Foods – This is a pretty new find for us, because it is found around The Village (Rice University) area. Farm fresh food from around Houston, so if you like kale, barley, beets, and quinoa, this is your place. Great flavors for new tastes. Try it, you might like it! |
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Rudy’s BBQ – We first tried Rudy’s in San Antonio with our friends Ragan and Cynthia Courtney. It is the authentic Texas Bar B Q. Melt in your mouth great beef, sausage, and ribs, but the turkey is best of all. Very casual atmosphere … of course, it’s Texas! |
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Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen – This also started here in Houston, and now we see the restaurant all around the country. Great fish, so come hungry! | |
Gigi’s Asian Bistro & Dumpling Bar – Almost every Sunday after church, when our kids were in junior and senior high school, our family would go to Gigi’s and meet dear friends at this Chinese restaurant. Great times with stories, laughter, and great food. Don’t miss the Return of the Phoenix. A family favorite. The new location is in the Galleria and has fabulous decor. | |
FORT WORTH, TX | I’m from Fort Worth, so there are obviously some wonderful places I’ve gone for a long, long time. Many of these Cowtown favorites are listed below: |
Cousin’s BarBQue: Boots & Kay Payne started Cousins. They have been friends of our family for a long time. Their BBQ is delicious. My favorite is the BBQ chicken for its flavor and moist meaty taste. Kay will always have some Texas sheet cake or a chocolate chip cookie at the end of the line to satisfy my need for sweet after tasty ribs, brisket and other sides. This is the best! | |
Woodshed Smokehouse: The latest invention of BBQ restaurants is Woodshed Smokehouse, off of University, with a view of the river. Call me and I’ll tell you about some great options. It’s a group experience. | |
SAN ANTONIO, TX | |
Casa Rio – Many San Antonio natives might find it interesting that I first name this restaurant. If authentic Tex Mex is what you want, in a beautiful setting right on the riverwalk, then this is your place. There’s plenty for you and the doves/pigeons. Casa Rio has been there for a long, long time. Plus, there are several other great typical San Antonio favorites along the riverwalk. You can’t go wrong here. | |
The Guenther House – This is another good find in San Antonio. Wonderful atmosphere by the river, but away from downtown a bit. Known for their pancakes, the Pioneer Flour Company cooks the best pancakes, pecan rolls, waffles, and all the breakfast goodies. If the weather permits, sit outside and enjoy the peace and quiet. | |
SANTA FE, NM | |
The Shed – Now, this Mexican food is authentic blue corn tortillas, burn your mouth, delicious New Mexican food. If you are expecting Tex Mex, this is not your place. Shredded beef, blue corn tortillas, and hot chilies are on every plate. Delicious, but keep water handy . . . or have the warm chocolate mocha cake to ease the tongue! | |
Rancho de Chimayo – Again, authentic New Mexican cuisine. There might be some Tex Mex, but this restaurant is worth the trip. Located outside of Santa Fe, near the Chimayo mission, the drive and scenery are part of the experience of New Mexico. I take all my groups to this restaurant. | |
NEW YORK CITY, NY | |
Carnegie Deli – You’ve never seen or eaten such a large corned beef sandwich in your life until you have eaten at Carnegie Deli. Across from Carnegie Hall, this restaurant is a must for an authentic “New York” experience. Sitting elbow to elbow with strangers and eating fresh pickles is what gives the food an even better taste . . . the taste of New York! Don’t forget the cheesecake. It is to be shared for sure. | |
SCOTTSDALE, AZ | |
Donovan’s – This is my friend Beva Hoover’s favorite restaurant in the Phoenix area. Great steak, great sides, great atmosphere, and great service. Good experience for fine dining. | |
Palm Court – Fine dining for sure. Great food with great service. This is my friend Bill Lonsdale’s favorite restaurant. He usually paid, so I enjoyed the food very much! Thanks, Bill, for all the fond memories with you and your family. | |
Carlos O’Briens – This is a confused Mexican restaurant with an Irish last name. While in Phoenix, we would meet all of our friends at this restaurant after church. Great food and the largest tamales I have ever seen. This Mexican food has that Southwestern cuisine with shredded beef, hot chilies, but with some Tex Mex for you Gringos! | |
NASHVILLE, TN | Coming Soon |
ATLANTA, GA | Coming Soon |
CHICAGO, IL | Coming Soon |
LITTLE ROCK, AR | Coming Soon |
Suggestions by my friend Shelley Breen. | |
If you have suggestions and cities to add please add to comments. | |
“Taste and see that the Lord is good!” |
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