4340 La Jolla Village Drive
La Jolla, CA
(858) 450-6666
www.donovanssteakhouse.com
Let me get this straight: I do not dine at places like Donovan often. I am a struggling college student, preferring to spend her part-time earnings on cheap eats and clothes instead. HOWEVER, I warranted my boyfriend's birthday a very special occasion and wanted to take him somewhere special. Fine dining + steakhouse = Donovan's! I made reservations via Open Table, careful to include "it is my boyfriend's birthday!" on the special notes section. On the special day, I took him to Donovan's.
His mouth literally dropped when I parked outside the restaurant. It dropped further when we stepped up to the door and discovered a door leading into a room --- with just another door! (Yes, I know the rest of you may not find this very fascinating, but this is our first fine dining experience other than House of Prime Rib in San Francisco! Give us a break.)
Once inside, we were greeted by a friendly hostess who assured us our seats would be ready in a few minutes, and also wished my boyfriend a happy birthday. It did indeed only take a few minutes, and soon we were lead into a small, intimate part of the room.
I'll cut down to the chase: our server Bobby was conversational, friendly, and very helpful. I ordered the Prie Fixe meal ($45 for appetizer, entree, and dessert), and my boyfriend ordered the 16 oz. NY Steak ($61). I changed my order to the Prie Fixe Meal after hearing the Soup du Jour -- some carrot ginger soup with crab meat, avocado, and won ton strips.
1. Soup du Jour - (as described above): simply the best soup I have ever consumed in my entire life. I've had lobster bisque at other restaurants and the flavor was always too overwhelming for me to finish. Not here! The soup was absolutely delicious, especially accompanied by the crab meat and won ton strips. I scraped every last piece off my bowl.
2. Twin Prime Rib Medallions: as steak should be. Tender, juicy, and flavorful with every bite. Cooked just how i want it -- medium rare.
3. Cheesecake - fluffy and delicious, not too sweet. Best cheesecake I've had aside from the Cheesecake Factory.
4. Boyfriend's NY Steak: the thing certainly LOOKED like 16 oz. Not bad, but I liked my steak better. :)
All the servers/staff we encountered also made a note to wish my boyfriend a happy birthday. :)
They also gave us creme brulee as it was my boyfriend's birthday! Not the mini, bite-sized bowl of creme brulee either -- the thing was humongous. Even though I was breathing heavilly and struggling to chew, I put every last spoonful in my mouth. Hands down the best creme brulee I have ever eaten in my life. A thick, caramel top..I am salivating as I type this.
The check came out to be $140 including tax and tip. Worth every penny for a meal like this, on top of excellent service! The staff will certainly cater to their guests and ensure a delightful meal. If only I was a big baller and had the opportunity to come more often...*sigh.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Grade for B-Spot: Solid C: The B-Spot (San Diego, CA)
4646 Convoy Street ste#103
San Diego, California 92111
(858) 571-6038
I think I tried the B-Spot at an inopportune time: when I was starving and not thinking straight. Let me elaborate: I've seen a few plugs about the B-Spot and all its glory around Yelp and Facebook here and there, and the following keywords piqued my interest further: "cheap", "huge", "burgers" (though I suppose that just might have been one keyword...but nevermind). In any case, I thought of the B-Spot while my stomach was growling to be fed. The boyfriend agreed to try this place with me.
Note: We often like to try new places to eat in the hopes we find a new place we like even better; unfortunately, more often than not we end up being disappointed and chastising ourselves for being disloyal in the first place.
And we tried it -- and was somewhat disappointed. I was literally shaking from my hunger and my attention was immediately diverted to the "SPECIALS' board. Now, now, I am more than aware the specials board is usually a restaurant's way of advertising their most expensive meal, that if served, generates a 300% profit margin. I usually do not fall for this dastardly ploy, but on this specific day I was just THAT hungry. The day's special was the Fish Poboy, and I do love my fish sandwiches! It promised lettuce, tomato and colesaw on top of the sandwich. Coleslaw?? I thought, On top of a sandwich???
The boyfriend ordered some burger (sadly I do not remember), but it was $4.99 WITHOUT fries (why don't their burgers come with fries? I found it very strange).
We were the only customers in at this time and subsequently our orders did not take long to make. I was very disappointed with my fish sandwich...it was literally several pieces of fried fish -from Costco's freezer section, I suspect-, lettuce and tomato, and "coleslaw". The coleslaw consisted of heavy mayonaise slapped on top of a few pieces of lettuce. The bread outside was cold and not great. I definitely felt ripped off for $7.99!
I thought the boyfriend's burger was pretty good -- meat was thick, tender and juicy, but it was $4.99 without fries.
The service was fast and friendly - I think the owner was the cashier - and the NBA playoffs were on the TV; it was nice to enjoy the game with the meal. If I do come back --not sure I will--, I will stray far away from everything but the stuffed sandwiches since everyone seems to be a-raving bout them.
San Diego, California 92111
(858) 571-6038
I think I tried the B-Spot at an inopportune time: when I was starving and not thinking straight. Let me elaborate: I've seen a few plugs about the B-Spot and all its glory around Yelp and Facebook here and there, and the following keywords piqued my interest further: "cheap", "huge", "burgers" (though I suppose that just might have been one keyword...but nevermind). In any case, I thought of the B-Spot while my stomach was growling to be fed. The boyfriend agreed to try this place with me.
Note: We often like to try new places to eat in the hopes we find a new place we like even better; unfortunately, more often than not we end up being disappointed and chastising ourselves for being disloyal in the first place.
And we tried it -- and was somewhat disappointed. I was literally shaking from my hunger and my attention was immediately diverted to the "SPECIALS' board. Now, now, I am more than aware the specials board is usually a restaurant's way of advertising their most expensive meal, that if served, generates a 300% profit margin. I usually do not fall for this dastardly ploy, but on this specific day I was just THAT hungry. The day's special was the Fish Poboy, and I do love my fish sandwiches! It promised lettuce, tomato and colesaw on top of the sandwich. Coleslaw?? I thought, On top of a sandwich???
The boyfriend ordered some burger (sadly I do not remember), but it was $4.99 WITHOUT fries (why don't their burgers come with fries? I found it very strange).
We were the only customers in at this time and subsequently our orders did not take long to make. I was very disappointed with my fish sandwich...it was literally several pieces of fried fish -from Costco's freezer section, I suspect-, lettuce and tomato, and "coleslaw". The coleslaw consisted of heavy mayonaise slapped on top of a few pieces of lettuce. The bread outside was cold and not great. I definitely felt ripped off for $7.99!
I thought the boyfriend's burger was pretty good -- meat was thick, tender and juicy, but it was $4.99 without fries.
The service was fast and friendly - I think the owner was the cashier - and the NBA playoffs were on the TV; it was nice to enjoy the game with the meal. If I do come back --not sure I will--, I will stray far away from everything but the stuffed sandwiches since everyone seems to be a-raving bout them.
Los Promos - Muy Mal: Los Primos (San Diego, CA)
7770 Regents Rd # 109
San Diego, CA
(858) 638-0003
losprimosmexicanfood.com
I have never been so disappointed with Mexican food, and this counts Taco Bell. I paid close to $10 for a Monster Surf & Turf Burrito, and instead received something hastilly wrapped in overheated tortilla which closely resembled the microwavable burritos I purchase from Food 4 Less. On top of that, it was filled to the brim with beans--- where are the other fillings?? Are you kidding me? Also, the wait was terrible -- customers who came after me received their orders first. Next time, I'll save my money and head over to Vallarta's.
San Diego, CA
(858) 638-0003
losprimosmexicanfood.com
I have never been so disappointed with Mexican food, and this counts Taco Bell. I paid close to $10 for a Monster Surf & Turf Burrito, and instead received something hastilly wrapped in overheated tortilla which closely resembled the microwavable burritos I purchase from Food 4 Less. On top of that, it was filled to the brim with beans--- where are the other fillings?? Are you kidding me? Also, the wait was terrible -- customers who came after me received their orders first. Next time, I'll save my money and head over to Vallarta's.
No bueno: KalbiQ (San Diego, CA)
twitter.com/kalbiq
Alas, KalbiQ, our relationship was not meant to last. I had such high hopes for us, and envisioned our happy life together. But you tricked me with your LIES! What happened to your tacos, which used to be *reasonably* sized on Taco Tuesday? Why have they shrunk to the circumference of a tennis ball? -- and to top it off, where is the FILLING in these tacos? I ordered two tacos, not four slices of miniature tacos with half a teaspoon of sauce. I certainly hope they aren't this size for $2.50. The short rib burrito was decent, but relatively small for $6.
$.35 for credit card transaction fee? Your lives deceive me no more, as I am well aware it is illegal for merchants to charge a credit card surcharge in the state of California.
Sorry, KalbiQ, it's me -- not you. It just wasn't meant to be.
Alas, KalbiQ, our relationship was not meant to last. I had such high hopes for us, and envisioned our happy life together. But you tricked me with your LIES! What happened to your tacos, which used to be *reasonably* sized on Taco Tuesday? Why have they shrunk to the circumference of a tennis ball? -- and to top it off, where is the FILLING in these tacos? I ordered two tacos, not four slices of miniature tacos with half a teaspoon of sauce. I certainly hope they aren't this size for $2.50. The short rib burrito was decent, but relatively small for $6.
$.35 for credit card transaction fee? Your lives deceive me no more, as I am well aware it is illegal for merchants to charge a credit card surcharge in the state of California.
Sorry, KalbiQ, it's me -- not you. It just wasn't meant to be.
Siam Nara (San Diego, CA)
8993 Mira Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92126
(858) 566-1300
siamnara.com
This place was, say, an accidental discovery. I was on my way to get my frozen yogurt fix next door when I noticed a large crowd congregated outside a thai restaurant. I tried to peek in through the throngs of people; and you know what they say: if there's a big group of people waiting to eat at a restaurant, it must be good!
As such, the boyfriend and I decided to try it for our anniversary on a Friday around 6pm. There was no wait and the restaurant was half-empty, yet they decided to squeeze us into an inconveniently placed table where the sun outside nearly blinded my boyfriend by hitting him square in the eye.
"If another table clears up, we can change your tables," they promised. I looked around and there were plenty tables open (guess they didn't want to waste a four-person table on us two). Another one did, and we requested to be placed there, but they told us a reservation for four had just come in and they would place us elsewhere soon. Soon never came...ah well, the sun eventually set and my boyfriend's full vision was restored.
I was indecisive about what to order so I asked the waitress...but of course she would recommend the most expensive item on the menu...
We ordered:
-chicken skewers ($8) - you cannot mix and match the skewers (i.e. put 2 pork and 2 chicken ;( ). These were okay...fairly expensive when you only get four. I would not recommend it.
-pineapple fried rice - $12. It comes in half a pineapple, and this was delicious. They give you a fair amount of chicken, but I would want more pineapples. It is PINEAPPLE fried rice, after all.
-some curry my boyfriend ordered. It was slightly spicy and pretty good! ($8)
-thai ice tea ($2.50). Very good, but they cheap out by putting a lot of ice. They also try to trick you by asking if you want more without mentioning there's no free refill! Sneaky sneaky.
Overall, a pleasant experience. Attentive service as our waters never ran empty and they were prompt in taking away our empty dishes (except for their stingy seating...). Very nice decor. However, our meal totaled to about $40, which is just too expensive for thai food. Perhaps I will come back to try their lunch specials, and get more bang for my buck.
San Diego, CA 92126
(858) 566-1300
siamnara.com
This place was, say, an accidental discovery. I was on my way to get my frozen yogurt fix next door when I noticed a large crowd congregated outside a thai restaurant. I tried to peek in through the throngs of people; and you know what they say: if there's a big group of people waiting to eat at a restaurant, it must be good!
As such, the boyfriend and I decided to try it for our anniversary on a Friday around 6pm. There was no wait and the restaurant was half-empty, yet they decided to squeeze us into an inconveniently placed table where the sun outside nearly blinded my boyfriend by hitting him square in the eye.
"If another table clears up, we can change your tables," they promised. I looked around and there were plenty tables open (guess they didn't want to waste a four-person table on us two). Another one did, and we requested to be placed there, but they told us a reservation for four had just come in and they would place us elsewhere soon. Soon never came...ah well, the sun eventually set and my boyfriend's full vision was restored.
I was indecisive about what to order so I asked the waitress...but of course she would recommend the most expensive item on the menu...
We ordered:
-chicken skewers ($8) - you cannot mix and match the skewers (i.e. put 2 pork and 2 chicken ;( ). These were okay...fairly expensive when you only get four. I would not recommend it.
-pineapple fried rice - $12. It comes in half a pineapple, and this was delicious. They give you a fair amount of chicken, but I would want more pineapples. It is PINEAPPLE fried rice, after all.
-some curry my boyfriend ordered. It was slightly spicy and pretty good! ($8)
-thai ice tea ($2.50). Very good, but they cheap out by putting a lot of ice. They also try to trick you by asking if you want more without mentioning there's no free refill! Sneaky sneaky.
Overall, a pleasant experience. Attentive service as our waters never ran empty and they were prompt in taking away our empty dishes (except for their stingy seating...). Very nice decor. However, our meal totaled to about $40, which is just too expensive for thai food. Perhaps I will come back to try their lunch specials, and get more bang for my buck.
Cookies Rule Everything Around Me: CREAM (Berkeley, CA)
2399 Telegraph Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510)649-1000
creamnation.com
Sigh, Berkeley really does have it all. If I attended Cal, surely I'd be poor and fat with so many tempting treats around...
I first noticed Cream (Cookies Rule Everything Around Me? What's up with the slogan?) walking through Telegraph for some eats. My first thought - they replaced Beard Papa with a cookie place? After noticing it was ice cream sandwiches, I was eager to try some on the walk back. After all, I am an avid fan of Diddy Riese near UCLA (where I had my first ice cream sandwich) and I am just an all-around sucker for sweets. Cream offers, chewy yet nicely toasted cookies encasing half a scoop of creamy ice-cream.
Good experience, will definitely be back to satiate my late-night dessert cravings!
P.S. The cashier told me I couldn't take pictures (why? It's not like ice cream sandwiches are such a novel concept...)
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510)649-1000
creamnation.com
Sigh, Berkeley really does have it all. If I attended Cal, surely I'd be poor and fat with so many tempting treats around...
I first noticed Cream (Cookies Rule Everything Around Me? What's up with the slogan?) walking through Telegraph for some eats. My first thought - they replaced Beard Papa with a cookie place? After noticing it was ice cream sandwiches, I was eager to try some on the walk back. After all, I am an avid fan of Diddy Riese near UCLA (where I had my first ice cream sandwich) and I am just an all-around sucker for sweets. Cream offers, chewy yet nicely toasted cookies encasing half a scoop of creamy ice-cream.
Good experience, will definitely be back to satiate my late-night dessert cravings!
P.S. The cashier told me I couldn't take pictures (why? It's not like ice cream sandwiches are such a novel concept...)
So You CAN Go Wrong With Pasta: Leucadia (San Diego, CA)
7748 Regents Rd
San Diego, CA 92122
(858)597-2222
leucadiapizza.com
My boyfriend and I came here after foolishly deciding to try something new (we get into these fits of madness where we try a new restaurant, mistakenly thinking it will miraculously become a new favorite. It never does.). We also had a dollar stretcher coupon from UCSD for free spaghetti with any purchase of an entree.
And so we ordered the Santa Fe pasta based on its description: Pieces of tender chicken, mixed bell peppers, onions and pasta. Mixed with our creamy-spicy Santa Fe Sauce, topped with Cilantro.
"This sounds good!" I suggested. My boyfriend nodded in agreement.
It wasn't good. This mysterious Santa Fe sauce tasted odd and left an unpleasant aftertaste. And not to toot my own horn, but my boyfriend claims I make better spaghetti. However, they do give you big portions.
They gave us a generous portion of garlic bread, but it was your average, run-of-the-mill garlic bread.
I don't think I would come back here again, simply because the food is not up to par and it isn't too cheap either. There are much better pasta places around. Step it up, Leucadia!
San Diego, CA 92122
(858)597-2222
leucadiapizza.com
My boyfriend and I came here after foolishly deciding to try something new (we get into these fits of madness where we try a new restaurant, mistakenly thinking it will miraculously become a new favorite. It never does.). We also had a dollar stretcher coupon from UCSD for free spaghetti with any purchase of an entree.
And so we ordered the Santa Fe pasta based on its description: Pieces of tender chicken, mixed bell peppers, onions and pasta. Mixed with our creamy-spicy Santa Fe Sauce, topped with Cilantro.
"This sounds good!" I suggested. My boyfriend nodded in agreement.
It wasn't good. This mysterious Santa Fe sauce tasted odd and left an unpleasant aftertaste. And not to toot my own horn, but my boyfriend claims I make better spaghetti. However, they do give you big portions.
They gave us a generous portion of garlic bread, but it was your average, run-of-the-mill garlic bread.
I don't think I would come back here again, simply because the food is not up to par and it isn't too cheap either. There are much better pasta places around. Step it up, Leucadia!
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