Lazy Sunday

What a great Sunday! I spent the day not really giving a toot about anything and ended up having a really great day - well rounded and balanced.

Things I did today

Parked in East Village and got a coffee and muffin at It's a Grind.

Went to the Park at the Park (at Petco Park.) - this is one of the great treasures in the city. For the dad of a toddler, this is one of the cleanest, newest and well maintained parks in San Diego. For a baseball fan, it is a rare opportunity to sit in front of an empty major league ballpark. Great place to take photos. People watching galore. There are great places to eat around Petco, so an impromptu picnic is not out of the question. As a local tourist, it is a great launching point to explore the Gaslamp Quarter & East Village.

Took a stroll into the Gaslamp District and paid Borders a visit. I saw a book for my kid that he adored. I found myself a John Feinstein book on the NCAA Final Four for a buck - so happiness was had for under $6.00. Killed an hour with my kid reading the board books and checking out the bargain book section.

After walking back to our car, we drove to El Sol Mexican Food on University (just east of Florida St.) for the fabulous Cheeseburger and Fries ($5.50!) that Nacho serves up from that magic kitchen. This burger is as good as any in the city. The patty is well seasoned and not at all greasy. The two cheeses give it that extra delicious moisture. And the price is awesome! The one drawback are the fries, which often tastes like rolled tacos. Oh well, my little kid likes them. I mask the flavor with some of the different condiments provided in our sack.

We decided not to eat there, but to drive someplace and mack out al fresca. I had the idea of going over to Morley Field and watching some tennis. Morley Field Tennis Complex is a surprisingly good place to eat with a rambunctious kid. The concrete steps that serve as the seats are tall and imposing for a two year old.

Quietly watching a coach and his charge, we macked our delicious burgers and enjoyed the sun and cool breeze.

Making our way back home, blissfully stuffed, we decided to close out our lazy Sunday with an afternoon nap.


Mix CD for a Lazy Sunday

"Something Often"

1. My Love - The Bird and Bee
2. Fidelity - Regina Spektor
3. There You Are - The Sea and Cake
4. Fighting In a Sack - The Shins
5. Rusholme Ruffians - The Smiths
6. Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
7. Keep the Car Running - Arcade Fire
8. Oxford Comma - Vampire Weekend
9. Samba Tranquille - Thievery Corporation
10. Pauvre Lola - Serge Gainsbourg
11. Let Me Go Home - Camera Obscura
12. Another Sunny Day - Belle & Sebastian
13. LDN - Lily Allen

This is ON THE REAL!

On a Japanese Kick

Right now, I am on a Japanese food kick. The proper portions, dedication to flavor, fresh ingredients, and attention to preparation and presentation - these are just a few reasons that when I get in my car late at night, I stop heading to the taco shops around town and search for a taste of the east!
These are three of my favorite restaurants in the city:

Hane - best new sushi restaurant in the city...maybe be the best new restaurant in the city. Chef Roger is doing something really special here in Bankers Hill. Warning, Hane may raise your expectations and raise the bar of your sushi palate. Not cheap, but why would you want cheap raw fish? Order off the menu and try the Chef's Choice Menu for $65 or $85 per person. Worth every single penny for edible art.

Hane:
2760 5th Ave #105, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 260-1411

Check out more Hane info here:
http://tinyurl.com/n7ylfh
Photos of my first Hane experience: http://tinyurl.com/m7xe63

Yakitori Yakyuduri - great spot for skewers, porridge and other delectable small plates. Open late, which is great. Prices and portions encourage you to try things outside of the norm, like beef tongue and grilled chicken gizzards. The small teriyaki bowl is surprisingly filling. The chicken wings are divine! Great ambiance. Serves beer and sake.

Yakitori Yakyuduri
3739 6th Ave
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 692-4189

Check out more YY info here:
http://tinyurl.com/kub8tz

Tajima - another favorite late night haunt. Tajima is in the epicurean epicenter of awesomeness that is Convoy & Balboa. For people who complain about San Diego not being a soup city, I offer these haters great ramen from this hot spot. They offer a variety of soups- from fat to thin noodles, to soy sauce broth to the house flavored broth. Tajima offers great curries, and teriyaki. All the prices are reasonable, service is fast and efficient. Food is good to great. This place is open late, is usually jammed packed, and one of the true great midnight snack spots. Open until 3am on some nights.

Tajima
4681 Convoy St # 1
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 576-7244
Check out more Tajima info here:
http://tinyurl.com/l85xjv

Eating all these Japanese dishes at these Japanese restaurants makes me want to save up some Yen and head to the land of the rising sun. In the meantime, I have to make do with what my fine city has to offer. Until then, Konichiwa bitches!

This is ON THE REAL!

Have any tips of Japanese restaurants in SD? email me at edwinreal@gmail.com