Road trip to So Cal

Of all the fine dining in Seaport Village, this one is probably my favorite. Then again, it's not that hard to become my favorite, the restaurant must simply have the best fish and chips over and extremely long time (i.e., they must taste the same after my 4-year hiatus from the village). That said this restaurant does indeed have the best fish and chips. The best I’ve ever eaten? No, not quite, that honor goes to the Yorkshire Fish Shop in EPCOT, but the Edgewater grill is much less expensive all things considered.

One of my other favorite things is the view. While it lacks the over the water views of the San Diego Pier Café, it offers a nice view of the water and an even nicer view of the boardwalk and all the people passing by. If you can wait for patio or at the very least near patio seating, do so, it’s worth the wait.

However, this restaurant isn’t without its problems. Service is lack luster; we were offered another table’s diner all evening, then given their much pricier bill. And the Mahi Mahi with the mango salsa was dry and flavorless, a disappointment for an expensive item especially for a restaurant near the ocean that specializes in seafood. I expect that quality in Tucson, but not in San Diego.

Overall though, this is the best fine dining with a view in Seaport Village. Just stick to the fish and chips, or possibly the pizza (though I couldn’t have any, my little brothers cheese pizza looked amazing!), and you’ll be fine. Don’t forget to walk in with slightly lowered standards—this is a tourist destination, this is not the place to get a taste of local San Diego cuisine. With that in mind, try it out. This restaurant and the village is within walking distance of many hotels, save the money you would have spent on parking and use it in the shops.

In search of lunch on Memorial Day, we weren’t that picky; short line with a table and chairs was all we needed, and the Sea Port Village Deli certainly delivered that. It even delivered icy virgin daiquiris—not the best I’ve ever had, but they were cold. By the way, given the choice go for the strawberry over the mango, it tastes much better.

 

However, the main problem here was that they didn’t seem to listen to a word of your order. My dad ordered the club sandwich, or the carousel as they called it, with mayo, and they delivered it with mayo and mustard. Who puts mayo and mustard on the same sandwich? A burger, maybe, but a sandwich? Likewise, I ordered the corned beef, which was good and reasonably portioned, except for the disgusting amounts of mustard they added after I stated I wanted the corned beef plain. In addition, they didn’t know the ingredients for their bread, so eating was a bit of a hold your breath and hope for the best sort of deal. Luckily, I have mild milk allergy, but for those with severe allergies, I recommend avoiding the place all together.

 

The deli delivered a chair and a table with a nice view. Good, if not exactly what we ordered sandwiches, an average tuna salad, and cold drinks. It did its culinary job, but there are better choices.

Usually I’m extremely weary of any restaurant that resides within a hotel. They usually have bland food and are terribly overpriced. So when we returned to the hotel after a long day of walking around San Diego for the Embassy Suites cocktail hour I was incredibly dismayed when my dad announced that he was tired and just wanted to go to the hotel restaurant. Though I am thrilled to report, it was one of the best dining suggestions of the entire trip

The food at the Pacific Fish Co. was absolutely amazing. For example, I had the Chinese chicken salad, which came with juicy chicken, incredibly fresh salad, and dressed ever so delicately in this Asian vinaigrette (it’s the first time in at least 5 years I’ve been to a restaurant where they didn’t smothered the poor salad in dressing). The crunchy Asian noodles weren’t greasy and they still managed to taste fresh. The mandarin oranges busted with flavor, not the rubbish ones from a can most restaurants try to get away with. It was a hefty portion too, easily splittable if you haven’t worked up too much of an appetite.

my parents split the salmon, Asian style (I know this isn’t exactly what they called it but it was something like that) and it looked positively amazing, and this is coming from someone who hates any fish that isn’t fried. My brother had the kids mac-and-cheese which again is enough for two to three small children and is fresh not just the Kraft style most places serve

I cannot speak highly enough about this restaurant. For what it lacks in view, it makes up for with food quality and service. This is an absolute must eat for San Diego.

I am an absolute sucker for a good milk-free dessert, luckily for my waist line there are aren’t a ton around or they're rather far away. Like Tutu’s in Simi Valley, Ca and their real Hawaiian shaved ice. What makes a real Hawaiian shaved ice? Ice shaved so finely it melts in your mouth, no bothersome crunching required. And flavors like Hawaiian tropical punch, coconut, cherry, strawberry, and even passion fruit that make your mouth water without being too sickly sweet. The medium may look big but I recommend not sharing, trust me you won’t want to, it's that good. The shop really brings out the aloha spirit too, selling hard to find Hawaiian soft drinks, unusual tropical ice- creams, and fast friendly service. When in Simi valley do as the locals do and check this place out, you won’t regret it.

Here’s the website for directions, complete menu and pictures Tutu’s

A trip to downtown San Diego is never really complete without a visit to Seaport Village, with its quaint shops and bayside boardwalk. But after a few visits, I’ve begun to feel I’ve seen it all, so now it’s a matter of what still piques my interest.

Hot Licks is always worth a quick wander through (and I mean quick; the store is tiny!). It’s a store that specializes in hot sauces and essentially anything that would make your face turn beet red. I can’t say I’ve ever bought anything, but I always get a kick out of the spicy Mexican candies.

Another favorite of mine is the Whitt/Krauss - Objects of Fine Art. Everything may be expensive and overpriced, but it’s fun just to walk through a gallery right by the bay. The only way they could make it any better would be to put it in the bay. Then again, there is a risk of seasickness, so maybe it should stay where it is.

If you’re in a bit of a goofy mood, stop by the village hat shop. Here you can find anything from dainty Sunday hats to hats shaped like birthday cakes. Ample mirrors allow for plenty of laughs. There’s also Crazy Shirts right next door. Family-friendly surfer wear with a twist. Look for shirts dyed with chocolate, wine, and even money.

No vacation is complete without a visit, so don’t forget to put Sea Port Village on your list.