monthly favorites

5 august favorites

September 5, 2014

Puesto-la-jolla

1. I think the best way to eat Mexican in San Diego is divey, hole-in-the-wall shacks, whether they’re by the beach like Bull Taco or in a Gala Foods parking lot, like the Marisco’s seafood truck. For the longest time I didn’t know where to go if I wanted quality and a comfortable place to sit down, that is, until I went to Puesto, the upscale eatery with street food eats. The downtown location is a giant, beautiful warehouse, while the La Jolla location, which was just renovated, is more intimate and equally artistic. (The new space is designed by prolific L.A. artist Thomas Schoos.) In August I dined at Puesto La Jolla for a dinner-with-strangers type night that included a group of creative women in San Diego. Amazing tacos (try the chicken verde) plus amazing conversation made for a happy night.

pearl-hotel-san-diego

2. The Pearl, a midcentury-style hotel in Point Loma that feels straight out of Palm Springs, is one of the coolest, most unique places in town to enjoy a night out.

patio-on-goldfinch

3. It’s hard to pick a favorite feature of the new Patio on Goldfinch in Mission Hills—the small plates-focused menu, the nature-themed decor, those ridiculously pretty chandeliers, or the fact that they offer desserts both small and large at nominal prices. It’s a welcome addition with great big-city energy without the pretension.

golden-retriever-san-diego

4. We dog-sat our friend’s golden for a week, and those seven days felt like we were living at a playground (or dog park, I guess). Teddy and Tilly are so hilarious together, and they provided plenty of fun distractions.

camp-newaygo

5. We ended the month in Chicago and Michigan, the former to visit our college stomping grounds and the latter to attend our friends’ wedding by a lake in Michigan, and the two segments together made for a relaxing, balanced vacation. The best part, by far, was the day of camp activities the bride and groom arranged after the festivities, and as it turns out, I’m pretty darn good at archery. For the full rundown on our trip, head over here.

Have a good weekend!

5 thoughts on “5 august favorites

  1. Lindsey Baker-Ricciardelli

    Archana – I have been wanting to try to Puesto. The picture you took is enough to make me want to eat there. Luckily, we live in San Diego and can get really good Mexican food. Or, we can cross the border and get even better Mexican food. I used to live in Chicago and delicious chilaquiles are hard to come by. Love The Pearl too. It’s a nostalgic yet hip place to hang out.

    Reply
  2. Cara-Mia

    I feel like I need to give Puesto another chance because the first time I went, I wasn’t a fan. I’m half Mexican and kind of a Mexican food snob. If it’s not a hole-in-the wall, I probably won’t like it. (My favorite? Tacos el Gordo. Have you tried it?) I am, however, a HUGE fan of The Pearl. :)

    Reply
    1. Archana Post author

      I totally agree that hole-in-the-wall is the way to go! I would have that same snobbery if it were Indian food :) But I think for all those times you want a sit-down meal, Puesto is the best option. I haven’t yet been to Tacos el Gordo, but I’ve heard so much about it and am dying to go. (I tried one Saturday night and didn’t have time to wait in that crazy line!)

      Reply

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