Saucy Service at Brazen BBQ

Brazen BBQ
441 Washington St
San Diego
619.816.1990


Have you ever been to a restaurant and the energy was drained from the place? Well that's not Brazen BBQ! From the moment you step through the door, the friendly staff and the open dining area welcome you in for a meal. A long bucket of ice cold beer sits off to the side; trophies from various barbecue competitions lining the wall; the distinct smell of cooked meat in the air. It's enough to make you say, "Yes, I want to eat here!"

I pulled up a stool on the patio and was greeted by my server. I asked for their Signature Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich and Stone Pale Ale. The ingredients alone roped me in: tangy coleslaw, tobacco onions, and their barbecue sauce, all on a sweet brioche bun. The server agreed, I was in for a fun time!

The wooden patio is great for people watching. With a window directly connected to the bar, you never feel like you're isolated from the rest of the restaurant. I can envision this becoming a very popular patio in the summertime.

The pulled pork made its way to my table and it was amazing. Far too big to be easily palmed, this sandwich required me to use both hands to keep the coleslaw and onions from escaping. With a splash of their sauce, this pulled pork was complete! However, I noticed on the menu a specialty drink that I just had to order.

"Maria's Michelada, please." I asked.
Long pause from the waiter.
"It has a lot of barbecue sauce in it. Is that okay?"
"The more the merrier!"

Maria's Michelada consists of Longboard Lager, their B.R.A.G. barbecue sauce, Trappeys, bloody mary mix, and a fresh lime. I was either going to love it or love it. Wild horses couldn't drag me from this concoction.

When it finally came out, I mixed the drink up and took a long swig. Just as I expected, the tangy barbecue sauce married perfectly with the smooth lager. Despite my love for Stone's beer, I had to admit that this was going to be my drink whenever I visited.

With a belly full of pork and an empty glass, I walked off the patio a satisfied man. There's nothing like coming to a barbecue hungry and leaving with a smile.


RATING: 8 out of 10

Starting Fresh with All The Perks

All The Perks Expresso Cafe - La Mesa
8046 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa
619.465.6505


I was fortunate enough to be invited out for the grand opening of All The Perks Espresso Cafe in La Mesa. Full disclosure ~ one of the owners is a friend and used to be a coworker of mine.

This java-jamming gem is nicely tucked away in the quiet La Mesa Springs Shopping Center in between such local spots as Jolt'n Joe's and one of the few remaining Round Table Pizzerias in existence! With its comfy couches and simplistic decor, All The Perks isn't trying to be something it's not. From their amazing selection of sandwiches and blended drinks to their delicious pastries and variety of coffee, this little corner coffee shop is simply a great start to your day.

My cohort that day was none other than Professor Xavier ~ a gourmand with a serious knack from finishing everything on the plate. When asked if he wanted to try out the cafe, Xavier jumped up like a superhero on call.

"Thought you'd never ask!" Xavier claimed.

The staff was super friendly from the moment I entered the door, showing me around the menu and making sandwich suggestions. There was definitely a charming sense to the whole ordeal, as I was probably their tenth customer since opening and their cadence hadn't been perfected yet. But I'm sure all the wrinkles have been ironed out as of this writing.

I ordered the Ham-A-Lot sandwich. As you can imagine, this little toasted devil on rye came with a monumental amount of ham. Like, a lot of ham! Banana peppers, deli mustard, and a thin blanket of cheese dressed up this ham hero. From the first bite to the last, this savory sandwich satisfied my lunch time appetite.

From the moment we sat down until our very last bite, there was an overwhelming sense of relaxation going on. The hustle and bustle of the Coffee Shops with Big Bucks can be an in-and-out ordeal that makes the customer feel rushed and unconnected. All The Perks is the opposite of that, providing the customer was a moment of zen not normally found in the day. Xavier, a man of few words, agreed.

"Not a bad spot."

Snapped a picture with the owner Ariadna, my old friend, and wished her good luck with her venture. However, if the Ham-A-Lot is any indication as to the rest of the menu, it's not luck she'll need... it's a bigger place!


RATING: 7 out of 10

Dining Out: A Quick BurGR Bite

BurGR
(inside Planet Hollywood)
3667 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas
702.785.5555


Being a huge fan of cooking shows and being fortunate enough to have actually met a few of my culinary heroes, I was definitely intrigued when I saw Gordon Ramsay's BurGR restaurant at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.

With a wait time of forty-five minutes, however, I decided to try my luck at the bar area instead. Luckily for me, there was a seat opening up right as I walked over. Sorry, family-of-five waiting in the wings ~ papa needs to drink!

Honey-Pig Bao Bun

Since I didn't experience a full BurGR sit-down, I won't give a full review. However, let me tell you that the Honey-Pig Bao Buns was amazing! A slow roasted pork belly garnished with cucumber and radish strings, teased with cilantro, and drizzled with honey hoisin sauce sat beautifully on my plate as I watched a baseball game and drank my Stone IPA. 

This was a great afternoon distraction from walking up and down the strip all day. I was definitely glad that I stopped in and decided to stay a while.

Considering the incredible service I received from the bartenders and the high-quality bao bun they brought me, I would venture to say that BurGR is worth a dining trip. However, it's not so bad for a quick bite either.


RATING: 7 out of 10 (bar area)

Dining Out: Pink's on the Strip!

Pink's Hot Dogs
3667 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas
702.405.4711


Million and I found our way to Las Vegas. Knowing that we had little time between meeting up with our friends and grabbing a bite to eat, we wanted something that San Diego couldn't offer. Lo and behold, across the street from the Cosmopolitan sat the answer to our prayers ~ Pink's Hot Dogs.

I'm ashamed to admit that in all the years that I've been in SoCal, I've never once traveled up to L.A. to partake in these delectable dogs. I rectified that with an order of the Spicy Mojave Dog and a margarita.  Moments later, this monstrosity of a meal lurked from the kitchen and onto my plate. Covered in nacho cheese, jalapenos, grilled onions, guacamole, and tomatoes, this little polish dog was barely able to peek its head from around the corner.

Virtually requiring a fork lift to enjoy, this big hot dog was a welcomed experience considering I had barely landed and only had airport Shock Top in my stomach. Good til the last bite, I was thoroughly impressed by the fact that someone could dress up a dog so nicely.

Definitely a safe gamble here. Always bet on Pink's!


RATING: 8 out of 10

Cafe La Maze and its Hollywood History

Cafe La Maze
1441 Highland Ave
619.474.3222


An old neighborhood favorite has quickly found its way into my lunchtime rotation. Cafe La Maze has been open for business since the 1940's. Its diehard dedication to the glitz and glam of the Golden Era of Hollywood is still very apparent today. From the comfy booths and the black & whites on the wall to the old films and the laid back lounge, the decor screams Sunset Boulevard.

Old Hollywood on Highland

I was greeted at the door by Maria, a vivacious waitress from Mexico who spent her youth in Japan. She has a warm demeanor and sweet smile, letting her customers know they made the right choice by stopping in. She lead me to my booth and asked if I wanted 'the usual.' I nodded in agreement and quickly added that I would also be trying the Mexican Lemonade for lunch.

"Someone is looking for a relaxing afternoon!" Maria laughed.

El Jimador Silver Tequila, Bols Triple Sec, sweet & sour, Sprite, and a little lime squeeze... oh yes, I was planning on chilling this afternoon! A few moments after I placed the order, Maria brought me the drink and smiled. The bartender was quick, and didn't skimp on the tequila either! I stirred the yellow concoction and riled up the flavor. The Mexican Lemonade hit the spot, proving to be as refreshing now as a regular lemonade is on a hot summer's day.

An old Cagney/Harlow flick caught my eye as I waited for the food. The dimmed lighting purposefully transports you back to a simpler time. Cafe La Maze was originally designed as a 'final U.S. gambling spot' for the old Hollywood elite before crossing the border. I was glad that their forte turned into good food and strong drinks, though.

Maria brought out the prime rib sandwich with fries, and I placed an order for a Cadillac margarita. Might as well, the glass of Mexican Lemonade was only occupied by ice cubes by now. The waitress winked and then brought me out some creamy horseradish.

While it's impossible to convey what constitutes as a 'good steak,' I can definitely tell you that the warm baguette, perfectly seared prime rib, and creamy sauce marry together nicely. The portion is perfect for lunch and the fries compliment the meal.

I finished off the entree and was greeted with dessert ~ my Cadillac and a shot of Grand Marnier. A lot of places boast a good margarita, but there's nothing more satisfying than a spot that gives you shot on the side so you have the option of combining the spirits together or taking it separately.

Fulfilled by the meal, I sipped my drink and watched the rest of the movie on the screen. Maria never once rushed me and checked in every now and again to see if I wanted another round. When I finally got up to leave, she came over to the table told me to have a relaxing afternoon. In a room full of patrons, she took the time to acknowledge one of her customers leaving.

Good food aside, this is the reason to come here; the service is amazing and they make you feel like you're part of Cafe La Maze. You can have your new restaurants and fast food places, I'll take this spot over them any day. Let's face it ~ great service never gets old.


RATING: 8 out of 10

The Unofficial SD Craft Beer Fest 2013 (First Round)

Living in one of the best cities for local breweries, I decided to setup a taste test for a few friends. Inviting over two close bar room beer buddies, Million and Natalie, the stage was set for the First Round of the Unofficial SD Craft Beer Fest 2013.

The four contenders

Purchased at the local overpriced liquor store up the street, I picked up four 22 ounce bottles of San Diego favorites: Orange Avenue Wit from the Coronado Brewing Company, Trippel Ale from the Green Flash Brewing Company, a Double IPA from Ballast Point, and a tried-and-true standard IPA from the good folks at Stone.

Million showed up about twenty minutes before Natalie, so I decided to reward his punctuality by cracking open the Orange Avenue Wit. From the beginning, we both noticed a strong citrus aroma that was overwhelming to the palate. The spices that accompanied every sip were greatly appreciated; however, the taste of orange was too much to ignore. Rather than subtle hint of the fruit, like in a bottle of Shock Top, the raw citrus blast insisted upon itself. We polished off the bottle and gladly moved onto the next contender.
Million: 6 out of 10
Chris: 4 out of 10

Natalie finally showed up and we poured out the Trippel Ale. Within the first few sips, it was clear we were no longer on Orange Avenue. The hops were strong from start to finish, leaving a slightly bittersweet aftertaste at the end. Both Million and I loved it, though it took Natalie everything she had to finish off her glass. For a casual drinker like her, the Trippel proved not to be her cup of tea.
Million: 7 out of 10
Natalie: 5 out of 10
Chris: 7 out of 10

Moving onto our third San Diegan beer of the night, I topped off everyone's glass with the Double IPA. Natalie immediately felt a return to normality as she guzzled down her glass, citing that this beer was more of her speed. I must admit that the Double IPA felt familiar; like a stronger Bud Light, but with more flavor. Million did the opposite of what I was expecting and claimed it had a 'weird aftertaste.'
Million: 6 out of 10
Natalie: 7 out of 10
Chris: 7 out of 10

The final drink of the night was a standard Stone IPA. Renowned for its simplistic yet satisfying taste and wide variety of flavors, Stone is the premier San Diego Brewery (in my humble opinion). By the first tasting, however, my cohorts agreed that we had arrived at the king of the competition. The beer was flavorful without being pungent; strong without being overwhelming. We all arrived at the same conclusion by the last drop... Stone had satisfied our thirst!
Million: 8 out of 10
Natalie: 9 out of 10
Chris: 8 out of 10

The final verdict is in...!

By the end of the Unofficial SD Craft Beer Fest 2013, we were ready to reward ourselves with a case of Stella Artois. The night was a success as we all agreed that the winner was the Stone IPA. We ended the night responsibly as everyone fell asleep on the couch. The group vowed for another round in the near future, with the Stone IPA making another appearance and three brand new contenders.