My friend Nguyen is starting up a new business producing chili oil sauce and gave me a few prototype samples to try. This sauce is similar to the kind that you find in a lot of Chinese cuisines. The main difference and draw are the crispy bits of garlic and shallots. Hence the name, Chili Crisps.
My foodie friends had mentioned The French Oven Bakery & Cafe a few times and I finally had a chance to try it this summer! This small shop is located in the Scripps Ranch area of San Diego and provides social distancing through limiting customers in store and 6 feet markers on the ground.
Our first takeout was in early July. Dennis participated in the virtual version of the annual Scripps Ranch Old Pros bike / fun run event and claimed a free pastry offer from here plus brought home a few treats for me to try.
It's been a few months since our last foodie event, which happened to be a wonderful weekend of chocolate, food, wine and spirits at Pechanga Resort & Casino. We thought it would be nice to reminisce by sharing our photo highlights! Below is the Chocolate Decadence event. Make sure to check out the Wine Festival event as well!
Chocolate Decadence
This event featured more than 30 wine varietals that pair with chocolate and other sweet desserts. Included in admission was a souvenir wine glass, unlimited two ounce samples of wine and spirits, gourmet dessert samples from Pechanga’s acclaimed pastry chefs, live music and silent auction. This year's event was the 12th annual event and was held on Friday, March 6, 2020 from 7-10pm (general admission).
We're enjoying the warmer weather these days which encourages us to do more outdoor activities like relaxing strolls or energetic cycling routes. A compliment to that active lifestyle includes some healthy dining at restaurants such as Powerhaus Wholesome Pizza & Eats. We were invited to check out their accommodating and nutritious selection of pizzas and smoothies earlier this year. This local small business has been open for 1.5 years and is located on Garnet Street in easy breezy Pacific Beach.
Congrats on the 1 year anniversary of CAKED, a blossoming business that sells delicious homemade cookies and brownies! We first discovered this tasty treat while visiting the Miralani Makers' District, which is off Camino Ruiz in between Mira Mesa and Miramar. Besides this brick and mortar location, CAKED owner Kathy Phan also sells to customers at various public and private events.
While we may be enjoying the homebody life more than we'd like to admit, we still support local by ordering from neighborhood businesses. Another new eatery in our area is Boss Bird Kitchen on Miramar Rd. They took over the spot where Gaya Gaya once was, and Sarap Kitchen before that! Foodie friend Mary had expressed interest also so I met her for lunch during their soft opening lunch service back in February, when dining in was still the norm. There is also a revisit, takeout style, in the second half of this post.
Supporting local is our eating motto lately. Charminar Indian Restaurant perfectly fits the theme because they're in our neighborhood AND are giving back to the needy! Charminar opened mid-March when CoVid-19 precautions began affecting the restaurant industry. The restaurant's serving style was immediately changed from buffet to a la carte at the start of business!
Hey friends, it's Dennis (the quiet one behind the camera). I don't write often but wanted to share a few local business that I support. Let me know in the comments what other places I should check out!
