Taste of San Diego

After a long not so fabulous week, a much needed getaway to San Diego was exactly what I needed where I did a lot of my favorite activity...EAT!  Here are some highlights:

Phil's BBQ
So I had to try Phil's BBQ since I heard nonstop raves about this place...especially their ribs and onion rings.  I was horrified to see a line that wrapped around the building since it's first come, first serve with the wait being 1.5 hours. Me being a food nut was totally down to wait but not everyone agreed so we got it to go.  Yes, the ribs were amazing..meat just falling off the bone...but worth the 1.5 hour wait? I'm not so sure.  The actual BBQ sauce was really nothing special and the huge onion rings were ok...I prefer them to have more flavor coming from the onion.  Surprisingly, I loved the Macaroni Salad (probably because it didn't have that much mayo in it).  The beans and corn on the cob was pretty good too.  Overall, I'd definitely go again...but take out only!

Dining out...look at that line behind us!

Meat that just fell off the bone.

Bluefin Fusion Restaurant

I went here for lunch and it was pretty empty.  The simple/modern decor was nice although prices were slightly overpriced.  Good time here but I've been to way too many good sushi places for this to stand out in my mind.  Here are the highlights:

The Ex Girlfriend Roll - 

This was really great! Spicy tuna surrounded by real crab and wrapped with rice paper (less carbs) with salmon, tuna and yellowtail in special sauce on top.

Agadashi Tofu -                                        Sashimi Sampler -

Normally an agadashi tofu lover, I never saw it presented like this with the tofu and sauce separate...I wasn't a fan; not enough flavor.  The sashimi sampler was pretty and tasty...albacore, salmon, yellowtail, tuna, red snapper.

Cafe Sevilla

An amazing tapas restaurant located in the gas lamp district.  If you want to sit in the restaurant area it was 1.5 hour wait without a reservation so we squeezed into the bar area.  Amazing food, live music, lively crowd...a perfect start to a night out!

Olive Bread -                                                            Ceviche -

Maybe I was just super hungry but that Olive Bread was AMAZING, especially with the sauces.  The Ceviche was so fresh and just the right amount of citrus.

Brocheta Mar y Tierra (shrimp, beef and lamb) - couldn't really tell which one was lamb.  The chicken wasn't that impressive...I'd go with the shrimp or beef.

Good food, good company...what else can one ask for?

The day after a night out...time for Bun Bo Hue at Nha Hang Mien Trung! So spicy I cried the whole time LOL

Splashes Restaurant - Ocean Side View!

So since I'm a pig, my passion is to eat good food.  Lucky for me, my Google reps occasionally wine and dine us after a business meeting. Splashes Restaurant was both delicious and had an amazing backdrop...I would totally come back here!

Splashes Restaurant @ Surf & Sand Resort
1555 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone: (949) 497-4477
http://www.surfandsandresort.com/restaurant.html

The Beautiful View

 The PG/Google Team

The "AMAZING" food!

 Artisan Cheese Plate 18
(Coastal and American Cheeses, Fig Bread, Cherry Compote)

Shrimp Cocktail - These were soooo good! Super big and juicy.

Ahi Trio Tasting 20
(Seared Rare with Yuzu Sauce, Tartare with Avocado Mousse, Spring Roll) - Delicious plate, especially the seared tuna and tartare (it had Avocado which made it pretty mushy but still really good with the crispy onions)

Crab Cakes - Although they were still good, I've had better and enjoyed them the least out of all the starters I had.  

Seared Viking Village Scallops 37
(Butternut Squash Risotto, Brown Butter Sauce, Crispy Sage) - This was my entree! The waitress said it was "Amazing" and it was! The risotto was so tasty I couldn't stop eating even though I was stuffed!

Pan Seared Ahi Tuna 38
(Ginger and Lemongrass Braised Carrots, Lentil Confetti, Citrus Sauce) - Good seasoning but nothing too special although Amy said the carrots were "delish!"

Grilled Beef Tenderloin 42
(Horseradish Gnocchi, Heirloom Carrots, Pinot Noir Sauce)  - Notice that the plate is half eaten...because this was THE BEST entree I tried tonight...order it medium rare!

Always room for dessert!

Tahitian Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée - My favorite!

Pecan Sandy Cookie, Fresh Berries

Espresso Cheesecake

Warm Chocolate Decadence

After a few drinks of wine + all this food = food coma for me. =)