Something to Dine Out On…

I on San Diego

FOODIE FEEDBACK: It’s that time again—time for San Diego Magazine readers to feast on the county’s most comprehensive guide to the very best in local dining. And wining. And whining.

Okay, that’s not fair. It’s not whining when we ask you for your opinions. We really want you to sound off. Voting for best restaurants is one thing. Laying it all out there is something else. And so each year, in addition to our readers’ picks, our critic’s picks and editor’s picks, we give you gripes and comments, your chance to tell us how you really feel—in your own, often pointed words.

No shortage of opinions this year. And as usual, more than a few have to do with service. But dissatisfaction with local restaurants’ wine policies and pricing are a close second.

Here’s Sandra Keener:
“The recent trend of the measured pour on wine is disconcerting. Wine is a money-maker already. No reason to make it more so. And using the large wineglass with a measured pour looks like one is getting a splash, a tester, a tiny amount. And what is it with the LARGE glasses? They’re useless. Pour the wine.”

I’ll drink to that. And something else to drink to:
“San Diego is famous the world over for its beer,” says Stone Brewery’s Greg Koch. “Craft beer is increasingly taking the spotlight on the national culinary stage. Your ‘Best’ list should reflect the local craft beer culture with a Best Brewery, Best Brewery Restaurant and Best Beer List.”
In fact, I’ll chug to that.

Okay, somebody lend a hand to Lenise Andrade. “I’ve lived here two years,” she writes, “and no one can direct me to a true mom-and-pop Chinese food place. Even Chinese people tell me there’s nothing good in town.” Well, I’m not Chinese, Lenise, but for neighborhood Chinese, I love Taste of Szechwan, 670 University Avenue in Hillcrest. Great hot-and-sour soup.

And then there’s Tim Heaney, who wades in with what turns out to be a compliment for our readers’ good taste. “If someone puts down Subway or Quizno’s for the ‘Best Deli,’ or Denny’s or IHOP for ‘Best Brunch,’ please void their entries. They are not the best; no one thinks so. And your publication is thankfully not The Union-Tribune.” Actually, we don’t have to void their votes, Tim. Our readers do that for us.

But some of our readers do need to get out more. Kevin Beerup voted for Chile Co. Catering in each of our 39 restaurant categories, save one. For best chef, he chose Scott Wagner. Why do I have the feeling Scott Wagner is the chef at Chile Co. Catering?

And now, here come the brickbats for San Diego’s servers:
“For the high prices some restaurants charge, the service does not warrant them.” —Naomi Kobayashi
“Service remains problematic, even at expensive restaurants.” —Katya Newmark
“Waiters have no personality.” —Teresa Bredeson
“Overall, service in San Diego is subpar. It’s the easiest thing to fix and the most important part of any meal. Seriously, I’ll forgive less-than-perfect food if the service is excellent.” —Heidi Spurgin
“Service at 90 percent of San Diego’s restaurants is dismal, at best.” —Andrew Spurgin (Andrew and Heidi keep it all in the family.)
“I’m still not interested in what my waiter’s name is. And I’m definitely not interested in what menu entrées the waiters and waitresses would like to order.” —Arlen Caruthers

But wait. Do I hear a lonely voice sticking up for San Diego’s wait staff?
“I can’t stand it when customers go out and they don’t tip at least 20 percent. If you can’t afford to tip, stay at home.” —Michael Penn
But then, a restaurant experience is not all about the food—or service, for that matter. There’s the question of ambience. Here’s Yvonne Ho’s confession: “I have a huge crush on the chef at George’s at the Cove.” That would be executive chef Trey Foshee, I’m guessing.
And yes, everybody loves their favorite restaurant, or favorite chef, but I love Dave Arkin’s taste.
“Thanks for introducing so many different restaurants in San Diego,” Dave writes. “I love San Diego Magazine!”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: With so many of our elected officials unable or unwilling to cut spending or charge fees in these hard times, maybe it’s another solution: Scare up new revenue by turning the city’s meter maids loose in residential neighborhoods. Perhaps the city of San Diego is engaged in a fund-raising effort to fill the thousands of potholes in our neglected streets—although that seems unlikely. But in this feeble economy, somebody at City Hall has apparently figured out how to cash in on a little gold mine. In recent weeks, those happy little carts that carry meter maids have been trolling gentrified areas looking for parking scofflaws. In one Point Loma neighborhood the other day, a resident was ticketed for parking in his own driveway—and hanging 6 inches over the front sidewalk. Forty-five bucks! And yes, I paid it.

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