Special offer

Culinary Tours - "A Taste of San Diego" Food Tour Around San Diego, California

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty of California, Inc. CA DRE #01490977

Being a foodie, I gravitate toward new restaurants, dining out, and just eating in general. San Diego surprisingly has quite a selection of restaurants, many of which are not celebrity chef eateries, nor on the list of the Best Places to Eat on Zagat. But if you are interested in culinary tours in San Diego, A Taste of San Diego tour is well worth your time and money, and lots of fun, to explore some of the non-mainstream places to eat.

Beef and Chicken Teriyaki at Seau's REstaurant in San Diego California

A Taste of San Diego is a culinary tour in San Diego that will surprise, and delight you - here's why!

A Taste of San Diego culinary tourA Taste of San Diego is not a tour of the tourist spots, or the restaurants owned by celebrity chefs. In fact, chances are you won't have heard of these places and they likely aren't in the guide books, with few exceptions.

But the locals know. And these restaurants have been in business for a significant amount of time in most cases (one as long as 76 years!!)...without the benefit of websites (again, a few exceptions), glitzy interiors, and food that looks like it stepped off the pages of Gourmet with prices to match.

So, if you:

• Are looking for a fun way to discover some great food in some hidden spots in San Diego (plus see some interesting areas of the city)?

• Want to give a special friend or family member and great gift (Christmas is coming, you know).

• Are you visiting from out of town and want to have some good food that is NOT a chain eatery loaded with tourists?

• Want to try some foods you may never have had...

Then book a culinary tour with A Taste of San Diego.

The marina at Point LomaI have the great pleasure of doing just that yesterday, courtesy of owner/founder Annette Legaspi. We met at Seau's: The Restaurant in Mission Valley, the first restaurant on the tour to talk and for the video interview I did (check it out below).

And of course I got to sample Mama's Combo (chicken and beef teriyaki with rice, a special recipe of the Mother of owner Junior Seau [NFL All-pro linebacker with the New England Patriots and formerly with the San Diego Chargers, and of the Junior Seau Foundation), their special offering for A Taste of San Diego tour attendees.

There are two tours offered: (1) TOUR 1 from 9:30 - 2:00 with breakfast and lunch, hitting 7 - 8 area restaurants; (2) TOUR 2 from 3 til 6 with 5 or 6 restaurants. You can make your reservation for A Taste of San Diego tour on their website.

Here is the tour I did (the restaurants MAY vary depending on the tour day and time given when the restaurants operate). And by the way the food was great, and more than I could eat by myself (it's best shared with another person):

Seau's (Mission Valley) - about 14 years in existence; Mama's Combo

Nicolosi's Italian Restaurant (Allied Gardens) - 57 years; Torpedo Sandwich

Chicken Pie Shop (North Park) - 76 years; chicken pot pie

Chiquita's (City Heights) - 42 years; carne asada crispy quesadilla

Pt. Loma Seafood (Pt. Loma) - 32 years, with great views of the marina and downtown; ceviche

El Indio (San Diego) - 69 years; fruit burrito (dessert)

Some other restaurants you may find on the tour include Los Quatros Milpas, Penchita's,, the Old Town Mexican Café, and El Coyote Grill. 

A Taste of San Diego is a fun way to explore some out-of-the-way places with really good food. Fancy , it's not. And if you want trendy, forget it. But if you want to sample "a meal of tastes" from some long-standing places that aren't in every guide book, and experience some of the local color, a culinary tour of San Diego with A Taste of San Diego will bring a smile to your face and a very full stomach. Don't eat before you go - trust me.

 

For a discount of 20% use code JD2010 for purchases of $150 or more, good until June 30, 2010.

 

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If I can provide more information about San Diego real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

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All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

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Trisha P Realty Group
Realty Executives - Leavenworth, KS
"Holding the Keys to Your Dream Home"
Oh that sounds like fun!
Dec 18, 2009 01:12 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Lloyd - well as I noted, my tour was a courtesy in exchange for the video, photos, and the article, which I was happy to do. I think I got the better end of the deal. But then the article ended up on page 1 of Google within a bout 1 hour for several key words.

Lenn - kind of a take off on the typical tours that you find in many cities for tourists. Andf there are actually a number of these in other cities as well, but often they are on foot.

Lane - I think it a terrific and fun thing as well, but especially since it is not ht eusually type of tourist trap places.

Terry - and I would go back to any of them for a full meal. Plus the participatns really seem to like having the tours come in.

Jeff

Dec 18, 2009 01:25 AM
Debbie White
Southeast Alaska Real Estate - Juneau, AK
I Sell Alaska!

Jeff - My husband and I really enjoyed San Diego during NAR and will likely overnight there from now on when we travel to and from Mexico.  We were really impressed!

Dec 18, 2009 02:19 AM
Robert Hammerstein
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate

Jeff - these are great localism posts...,. Great job... you are getting very handy with that video cam...

Dec 18, 2009 02:55 AM
Patricia Aulson
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate - Exeter, NH
Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes

Yum....I'd love to do this tour.  I'm hungray just looking at the picture.

Patricia/Seacoast NH

Dec 18, 2009 03:03 AM
Melody Russell
eXp Realty of California Inc. - Scotts Valley, CA
Expertise in maximizing the value of your home!

What a wonderful idea!  You have a fascinating blog.  How did you end up on page 1 of Google so quickly?

Dec 18, 2009 03:18 AM
Richard Lecinski
Long Realty Company - Oro Valley, AZ

Planning a trip to San Diego in spring so your post is very timely. Thanks

Dec 18, 2009 03:45 AM
Nevin Williams
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation - Cary, NC
Senior Mortgage Advisor

Jeff - You are a man on the move!  Holy cow you know about all kinds of stuff!  I may have to tkae this tour in January...I love to eat!

Dec 18, 2009 04:09 AM
Kathryn Acciari
Central One Federal Credit Union - Shrewsbury, MA
Mortgage Loan Originator

Jeff, this is wonderful.  When I travel, one of my fav things to do is find a cooking class.  A culinary tour sounds even better!

Dec 18, 2009 04:31 AM
An Bui
DocuSign - Seattle, WA

Wow - I wish I had more time when I was in San Diego for NAR. I clearly missed out! Thanks so much for sharing!

Dec 18, 2009 04:34 AM
Linda Jandura
Raleigh Cary Realty - Apex, NC
Realtor, North Carolina Buyer & Seller Specialist

Jeff- what a wonderful idea this lady came up with. A great thing for the locals to do as well as tourists. Sounds like a great time.

Dec 18, 2009 04:38 AM
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

What a GREAT blog post!  And a good idea . . . the food tour!  Loved the video too!  Thanks for letting us know . . . and this is more than just a "me, me, I like" blog.  It gives the readers so much more then your review.  GREAT LOCALISM BLOG!!

Dec 18, 2009 04:49 AM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Jeff a great way to interact with the community is to get face to face. Very nice job!

Dec 18, 2009 06:18 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I visit San Diego every other year (my husband's family is in Chula Vista) and I've actually eaten at a couple of places on your list, but now I have more to look forward to next visit, which I hope will be in the spring.

Dec 18, 2009 07:05 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Jeff, a culinary tour, now that is something I could really sink my teeth into :)

I am a bit of a foodie myself, and I would love to see something like this started up around here.

Dec 18, 2009 08:28 AM
Bill Gillhespy
16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL
Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos

Evening Jeff,  I still get hungry for those chicken pot pies !   Hope your Holiday Season is the best ever !

Dec 18, 2009 09:09 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Russell - I think you'd enjoy it. I would go again, perhaps for the breakfast/lunch tour.

Joyce - you should If you get to town let me know in advance if you are gpoing to have some time.

Trisha - fun AND tasty. I would think visitors would have a blast with this as well.

Jeff

Dec 18, 2009 11:06 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Debbie - it is a wonderful area and so much variety, Plus we are 2 hours or less from LA, the desert, winde country, and the mountains. Glad you stopped by to visit - thanks. If you come through town again please let me know.

Robert - hey, thanks. I keep working on it. I do no editing aat all, which is something I should be doing.

Patricia - ha ha. I was starved when I started, and although I ate less than half of each dish I was porked by the time I was done. ENough for dinne (a small one) and lunch the next day.

Melody - well it's all in thekey words. Culinary tours was the primary. Food tours was another. And using them multiple time but in a way that is readable.

Jeff

Dec 18, 2009 12:36 PM
Jean Hanley
Coldwell Banker Kivett Teeters - Hemet, CA
Specializing in Folks Who Want To Buy/Sell Homes

Mmmm, I have actually never heard of this tour, yet I spend a lot of time in San DIego.  One of my favorite places is in Ocean Beach right on the water at the end of Newport Avenue called Shades.  great food and drinks to boot.

Dec 20, 2009 10:41 AM
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May 29, 2012 07:47 PM
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