Curating San Diego through Cuisine

Hey everyone! I am freezing, so that means only one thing : I’M BACK IN THE WINDY CITY. Coming from palm trees, sandy beaches, and bare feet, California is where I left my body heat (LOL). Working to live has never been the idea I had in mind for myself. It is obvious through my curiosity for adventure that I will most certainly work to curate life through food, fashion, and culture. My trip was short in reality, but sparked an itch that I know won’t stop : the travel bug.

The best way to fully submerge yourself into a culture is food, locals, and more food. I was blessed with a tour guide who lived in San Diego for many years ( Thanks, DAVE! ), and friends to kindly take us around to have a good time. Here are my food highlights:

Landing in San Diego with just about the whole day to spare, we rushed over to what I was told was “the best fish taco joint” in San Diego: Oscars in North Pacific Beach. The hole in the wall place that reminded me of the Violet Hour in Chicago from the outside (mural painted on the outside & no sign), told  me I was far from Chicago. There were two men inside, one taking orders and the other cutting a huge octopus for tacos. I went with the red snapper and butterfly grilled fish tacos….which were to die for. With a melody of three sauces to try from (chipotle,  red, and spicy tarter) I was in heaven.

 

Saturday began the excursion to three different parts of San Diego (seen in my next blog post) starting with brunch at the O’Bistro Cafe in Ocean Beach. A raspberry mimosa and a smoked salmon salad did the trick at the outdoor cafe.

Smoked Salmon Salad

Chicken and Pesto Penne

Old Town is the oldest part of San Diego, and a bit on the touristy side mixed with delicious authentic Mexican food. I had one of the best bowls of Caldo de Res I’ve ever had unexpectedly, and a famous San Diego burrito. Caldo de Res is a soup with veggies such as corn and carrots soaked in a beef broth, with chunks of beef  and lime squeezed on top. Through the windows in many of the restaurants, you could see women making fresh tortillas and chickens roasting on spits. 

Burrito in Old Town

 

Some of the BEST Caldo de Res I’ve ever had

My trip couldn’t have ended without trying carne asada fries…I know it sounds like a heart attack waiting to happen, but I tried them anyways.

 I just about slept the whole way home after eating that whole plate! A great trip filled with delicious food. My tour guide was correct, Chicago Mexican food does not even compare to San Diego Mexican food.

Happy Eating,

This post was purely on the food I enjoyed, expect an adventure post soon 🙂