I am a firm believer that restaurants are the heart of America and that the industry needs to be saved in order for the US to continue to thrive. The restaurant industry stimulates the economy in so many ways, by supporting our farmers and our fishermen, truck drivers and those that make the deliveries, the chefs, servers, and bartenders as well as their families. As Chef José Andrés of World Central Kitchen said so well “Restaurants in America are the DNA of a functioning America. We’ll not be an America as we know it if those restaurants don’t come back to be part of the American way of life.” (see his full interview with Anderson Cooper on CBS News).

The impact of COVID-19 on our food supply

The closure of restaurants due to COVID-19 did more than just directly impact their owners and staff, it completely disrupted our food supply chain! And without the appropriate distribution of resources, it doesn’t matter how much food we have because we won’t be able to get the food to the people that need it the most. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see farmers having to leave their crops to rot while the food banks are overwhelmed and our citizens are hungry because we do not have the proper means to get the food where it needs to be. 

Saving the restaurants does not just save a single industry, it will save so many from going hungry! Especially if the federal government steps in and utilizes the restaurants to distribute food to those most in need, which would help to not only stimulate the economy but also address a food crisis for those unable to work at this time. Although individuals like Chef José Andrés are lobbying to make this a reality, there are things that each of us can do as individuals to help our restaurants as well! 

Tips to support local restaurants

Here are a few things you can do to support your favorite local restaurants and your community!

Buy gift cards

Our current situation is not permanent! Although we cannot gather at this time, we will be able to come together as soon as it is safe for everyone to do so. It may look a little different when we emerge from our homes, the wait staff may be wearing masks and gloves, you may have to make reservations in advance or eat a “linner” instead of brunch or dinner to ensure your safety and the safety of others. But we will dine out again! Help give your favorite lunch or date spot a boost by paying it forward for when you can visit them in person once more. Have a friend or family member with a quarantine birthday? Restaurant gift card! Which brings me to my next point…

Order takeout

I’m sure most of us are pretty familiar with utilizing DoorDash, Postmates, Uber Eats and Grubhub at this point, especially if you have to order groceries almost a week in advance as I do with personal shoppers being in such high demand. However, don’t forget to check in with your local restaurants on their websites since they may not have the means to use those services at this time or maybe are still trying to get things set up. I’d hate for you to have to eat another blah fast food meal or order from a chain when you could step up your game with some local fare and support small businesses at the same time.

Many local eateries are offering delivery themselves as well as curbside pickup (cuz I mean, who doesn’t love an essential trip out of the house these days). While some have their full menu available, others have nightly specials served family-style or are offering a limited menu to ensure your food is high quality and as fresh as can be. You’ll want to be sure to follow your faves on social media for the latest updates because many options are while supplies last! Oh and by the way, if you are in California you can also order cocktails to go, win-win!

Tip generously 

Please be sure to always tip generously if you have the means to do so. The delivery workers and those preparing and packaging your food are working diligently to provide you with a delicious meal in the comfort of your own home while meeting the highest of safety requirements during this pandemic. Part of dining is taking care of those who have taken care of you

Post on social media!

Your local restaurants need all the exposure they can get! Many people aren’t aware that some places are still open for takeout so they may be overlooked as an option. By posting on social media, tagging the restaurant, checking in, sharing on your story, etc., you are providing free marketing for the restaurant and broadcasting to all of your followers that they are open for business. I’ve had several friends not realize that their favorite spots right around the corner from their houses are open until I mentioned it on IG. And boy were they excited! So you are doing everyone a favor really.

Even if you don’t have the means to spend money on takeout right now, posting latergrams of you and your friends brunching or of your plate of amazing french toast from months ago will still do the trick. So spread the love, post that pic, get your hashtag on, and save the restaurants! 

What other creative ways can you think to support your favorite local eateries? If you work in the restaurant industry, are there other ways that we can help support you during these times? Let me know in the comments below. 

I hope we can all gather again very very soon. Take care of yourselves and those dearest to you, and of course, wash your hands! 

Pin It for Later

The post Save the Restaurants! appeared first on The Neverland Effect.

South Beach Bar & Grill

Vibe

This is my absolute favorite taco spot for spectacular seafood tacos! Being able to see and smell the ocean while enjoying a tasty fish taco and a delicious cocktail is pretty much my idea of heaven. I mean who doesn’t love an ocean view! Just ignore the parking lot between the restaurant and the beach You might not think much of South Beach when you first walk in because the downstairs is a little dark and dingy but trust me, the party is upstairs! It’s nice and bright with a large bar and lots of seating around the corner. The patio is narrow but extends the length of the restaurant with bar seating facing the Pacific. Although kids are welcome, I’d still consider this to be a bar so daytime or early dinner is best if they are joining you. It’s also a great place to watch the game if you have a sports fan in your midst.  

Menu

Seafood tacos are the jam at South Beach, although they do have a few vegetarian options like fried zucchini and seasoned tofu as well as some good ol’ carne asada and chicken tacos. Otherwise, it’s all grilled or fried seafood. Fried options include baja (beer-battered cod of course), calamari, oyster, or shrimp. The grilled choices are swordfish, shark, garlic chile shrimp, wahoo, lobster, mahi mahi or yellowtail. My personal favorites are the fried oyster tacos and the lobster. But the choice that will really make the difference in the flavor of your meal is whether you select corn or flour tortillas. Although both come with monterey jack, corn tortillas include chipotle salsa, green cabbage, avocado, and a lime & cilantro crema. On the other hand, the flour tortilla tacos come with pico de gallo, red cabbage and a rancho crema. 

Snapshot

Neighborhood: Ocean Beach 

Type of restaurant/vibe: bar & grill, casual

Type of tacos served: seafood

Average cost of taco: $4.50. All tacos, except lobster, are $2.95 on Tuesdays

Alcohol served: full bar

Hours: Sun – Mon 11am – 10 pm, Tuesday 11 am – 1 am, Wed – Sat 11 am – 12 am 

Dog-friendly: yes, on the patio but it’s kind of tight and seating is limited

City Tacos

Vibe

City Tacos’ high energy vibe was evident before we even walked in the door since you could hear the music while waiting in line outside. Once you walk in you see the staff rocking and rolling trying to get as many taco orders processed and tables cleaned for everyone to enjoy their experience without having to wait very long. The decor matches their fun-loving vibe with Instagram-worthy murals, a foosball table and plenty of outdoor seating. And my favorite part (before even getting to taste the tacos!) was that they had a VJ! So not only was the music great with all kinds of classics, oldies, and today’s hits to sing along to, you also got to watch the music videos while you enjoyed your meal. It made the whole dining experience that much more fun! 

Menu 

City Tacos has something for everyone in your crowd! The menu options vary just a bit depending on the location. Their “house favorites” are more fusion-style like the Mexicali which is steak, onions, and peppers served over mashed potatoes. They have a wide variety of seafood tacos, my favorite being the Puerto Nuevo, fried lobster tail over pinto beans and topped with tomatillo sauce and fried rice noodles. The El Especial is definitely something special with shrimp, squid, and octopus! They also have several traditional and vegetarian options, when a few vegan and paleo tacos as well. 

Snapshot

Neighborhood: Multiple locations. La Mesa, North Park, Imperial Beach, Encinitas, Sorrento Valley, Pacific Beach. 

Type of restaurant/vibe: fun, casual

Type of tacos served: traditional, seafood, fusion

Average cost of taco: $3.85. House Favorites are $3 all day on Taco Tuesday!

Alcohol served: beer, wine, kombucha 

Hours: Sun – Thurs 11 am – 10 pm, Fri – Sat 11 am – 11 pm for La Mesa, other location hours vary

Dog-friendly: yes, on the patios

The Taco Stand

Vibe

No San Diego taco lineup is complete without mentioning The Taco Stand! This Baja-inspired taqueria is a Southern California staple with 4 locations throughout San Diego, from Encinitas to downtown (there are also locations in Miami and soon to be Vegas if you need some tacos while there too!). Although it can be a long wait and have limited seating at times, it is oh so worth it! We have family that lives downtown and they refuse to get tacos anywhere else. The tacos are made to order just behind the glass, which can be fun for the kiddos in your party, especially if you can snag a front-row seat at the counter. 

Menu

First of all, the tortillas are freshly made, so extra points there for sure! The Al Pastor is a fan favorite for sure with rotisserie marinated pork, cilantro, onions, cilantro sauce, and pineapple. Otherwise, they have an assortment of traditional, vegetarian, and fish tacos for your enjoyment.  And if you are feeling adventurous, they even have a cactus taco! Aside from their amazing tacos, they also have the best salsa bar with a variety of choices to make your tacos even more delicious. 

Snapshot

Neighborhood: Downtown, North Park, La Jolla, Encinitas

Type of restaurant/vibe: casual, laid back

Type of tacos served: traditional, seafood, baja

Average cost of taco: $3.50

Alcohol served: beer

Hours: Mon -Thurs 9 am – 9 pm, Fri 9 am – 11 pm, Sat 11 am – 11pm, closed Sundays for the Downtown location, other location hours vary. Encinitas is a good late-night option on Friday and Saturday since they are open until 1 am!

Dog-friendly: no

Puesto

Vibe

Puesto serves up bougie tacos at their two chic, lively locations in San Diego. The spacious two-story downtown location is located in The Headquarters building which is the restored police station and the other (smaller) location is in the heart of La Jolla Village. Their decor pays homage to their Mexican roots with lots of bright, vibrant colors and patterned tiles but with an edgy twist!  They have large graffiti-like spray-painted murals by local artist Chor Boogie throughout the restaurants which echo Puesto’s overall trendy vibe. They will also be opening their largest location (10,000 sq ft!) in Mission Valley very soon complete with a brewery featuring Mexican lagers.

Menu

Although the tacos are on the pricier side, $19 for 3 tacos plus upscale prices on most of them, you can see why their tag line is “trophy tacos” when looking at the overall selection. I mean, it was the first time I’d seen a filet mignon taco on a menu! There are 2 different style shrimp tacos, a lobster taco, a few gluten-free and vegetarian choices and several “traditional” with a Gringos beware though, just because the words “spicy” and/or “jalapeno” are not used in the description, it does not guarantee your mouth will not be on fire. We had some sensitive palates in our party and out of all the tacos were ordered, only the Tamarindo Shrimp wasn’t overly spicy (in fact it was on the sweet side). With that said, this may be more of a date night taco spot rather than a family dinner spot given the menu options and price point. 

Snapshot

Neighborhood: Downtown, La Jolla, and coming soon in Mission Valley

Type of restaurant/vibe: trendy, upscale

Type of tacos served: gourmet, artisanal, seafood, vegetarian

Average cost of taco: $7.15. Taco Tuesday -$3.50 per taco + applicable upscale charges (so that’s 7.50 for a lobster taco) – 3pm to close! 

If alcohol is served: full bar

Hours: 11 am – 10 pm downtown, 11am – 9 pm in La Jolla

Dog-friendly: yes, on the patios

Taco Surf

Vibe

Taco Surf has been a popular taco shop in Pacific Beach since 1989 and is a favorite among locals. My boyfriend tells everyone coming into town not to believe the hype of the other PB taco spots and just go straight to where they have the best hole-in-the-wall greasy tacos and drunk food, his favorite being the potato roll tacos. Located just steps away from the ocean, Taco Surf carries the beach vibe indoors with its impressive display of surfboards that line the walls and ceiling. The owner is a collector so there are definitely more than a few boards to admire!

Menu

Whether you’re craving crispy, soft, or rolled tacos, Taco Surf has you covered! The crispy tacos are mostly of the traditional variety with chicken, turkey, beef, or potato. There are a lot more soft tacos to choose from which include traditional (carne asada, carnitas, adobada, pollo asado) and pescatarian options (fried or grill fish, shrimp). They have limited choices for rolled tacos with only beef, chicken or potato, but the rolled potato comes with guac! They also have a “Chicken Little Taco” for the wee ones. 

Snapshot

Neighborhood: Pacific Beach

Type of restaurant/vibe: casual, laid back

Type of tacos served: traditional, crunch, soft, rolled

Average cost of a taco: $3. Crispy beef, chicken, potato, turkey, and soft tortilla fried fish tacos are $2.50 on Taco Tuesday.

Alcohol served: none

Hours: 8:30am – 10pm

Dog-friendly: No

Las Cuatro Milpas

Vibe

Las Cuatro Milpas has been serving up authentic tacos in Barrio Logan since 1933! Their longstanding history as a San Diego favorite is evident by the consistently long line out the door and sometimes even around the corner. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! Although the line may be long, you better have your order ready when you get to the counter because they serve you cafeteria-style and those ladies are on a roll! They made 7 tacos and 3 bowls of beans and rice appear before us nearly instantly. And be prepared because they are cash only! Las Cuatro Milpas takes no-frills to the max with zero decor other than mirrors, picnic tables, and checkered table cloths, letting the food speak for itself. Be prepared to potentially share a table with others since it’s always so packed. 

Menu

So their extensive taco menu includes pollo or carnitas on a corn tortilla. Yup, that covers it! I mean, why mess with success right?! I’m typically more of a flour tortilla kinda girl, but I much prefer the deep-fried corn tortilla tacos at Las Cuatro Milpas, if for no other reason than to try to hold your taco together longer with all that juicy goodness inside. You can also order a side of rice and beans (which comes in a single bowl and requires you to top with onions IMO) that also come with freshly-made, warm flour tortillas, but it’s pretty much a meal in itself! The tacos are large and two can easily satisfy. My teenager wasn’t able to finish her second along with eating only half of her rice and beans (and she can typically put some food away). For what Las Cuatro lacks in variety, they make up for in flavor and recipes that have stood the test of time. P.S. I’ve heard some pretty great things about their menudo too! 

Snapshot

Neighborhood: Barrio Logan

Type of restaurant/vibe: casual

Type of tacos served: authentic, traditional 

Average cost of taco: $1.95 (cash only!)

Alcohol served: none

Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 3 pm, 6 am – 3 pm Saturdays, closed Sundays. 

Dog-friendly: no

Is anyone else hungry now? I sure am! So I know I couldn’t have possibly covered all the amazing taco shops in San Diego in a single post, so I want to hear from you! Where’s your go-to spot to get your taco fix? Do you prefer a hole-in-the-wall or something a little more upscale? Traditional or fusion? Let me know where I should eat next in the comments below! 

Pin It for Later

The post Where to Find the Best Tacos in San Diego appeared first on The Neverland Effect.

Punch Bowl Social

Our most recent excursion was to Punch Bowl Social, and it did not disappoint! If you’re looking for a great date spot, an exciting event venue, some rainy-day activities (we’ve actually had a lot of those in San Diego lately, believe it or not!), or just feel like bowling in an aesthetically pleasing environment while sipping on a cocktail, this is the place to be! Located in East Village near downtown San Diego, it boasts a whopping 23,500 square feet and two stories of fun and games.

Activities include:

• Bowling – They even have lanes on the 2nd floor behind the upstairs bar!
• Private Karaoke Rooms
• The longest foosball table I’ve ever seen
• Giant Jenga
• Cornhole – aka Bags for you non-Southern/Midwest folk.
• Shuffleboard
• Bocce Ball
• Arcade Games – But honestly, I’ve seen more in a Round Table Pizza, so definitely don’t go for those.
• Darts
• Board Games
• Ping Pong
• Drinking while you play! – They have 3 full-service bars and are known for their punch, hence their name. Their Old Fashions aren’t bad either!
• Getting your grub on – Full-service diner with high-quality craft food if you’d like to take a seat, or you can order an app to snack on while you lounge and/or bowl. (Their pork belly nachos are what’s up!)

While many of the games come with a fee, they are pretty reasonably priced in my opinion. For example, an afternoon bowl costs $10 per person per hour, including shoes. That’s on par with, if not cheaper than, most bowling alleys around town anyway. Karaoke is $35 for up to 4 and $45 for 5-8 singers. Plus, several of the games are free!

Ideal Time to Arrive

If you’d like a totally kid-free experience after 10 pm is your best bet when it’s 21+. Peak hours seem to be between 7-11 pm on weekends so afternoons might be best if you want to maximize your time. We went for a Saturday afternoon date around 2, managed to get a lane upstairs without having to wait, and received excellent service while we bowled. We definitely noticed it getting more crowded around 4 pm and since there was a wait time for the games we wanted to play we decided to enjoy our beverages in one of their comfy lounge areas while we people watched.

We’re looking forward to returning for more fun and games soon! Heck, we might even bring the kids next time Hope you can check it out soon!

Also, hoping this will be the first of a long series of blogs on delightful date venues. I’d love to hear what your favorite spots/activities are. Let me know where we should check out next in the comments below!

Pin It for Later

The post Date Ideas: Punch Bowl Social appeared first on The Neverland Effect.

A fan favorite is their Plant Lab bar where you can make your very own terrarium creations. Pots and hanging glass orbs range from $7-30 dollars and then you pay as you plant! In addition to their wide variety of succulents, they also have air plants and cactus. You can make your mini garden pop by adding mosses, colored sand, and gemstones.

Although Pigment offers workshops from time to time, you do not need a reservation to take advantage of the Plant Lab. Just be sure that you start planting at least an hour before closing time so you have plenty of time to browse through your options and create your masterpiece. If the task seems a little daunting to you, never fear, they have some adorable ready-made landscapes starting at $25. I personally took advantage of the terrarium bar for my DIY obsessed tween’s birthday. It was the perfect project for her guests before her birthday dinner. Plus, it doubled as their party favor!

If you would like to book a Planting Party for 6 or more you can reserve a spot with the guarantee of the private party area and a dedicated Green Team Educator for $250. Small group with a flexible timeline? Feel free to walk-in and wait your turn to get your plant on.

Don’t forget to take a photo in front of their beautiful living wall before you leave the building. Kudos to their marketing team on organic exposure, I mean, who doesn’t want to take advantage of a great photo op in front of an insta-worthy backdrop! Snap, hashtag, share!

I hope you get a chance to check out this little Southern California gem.

Pigment
3801 30th St., San Diego
events@shoppigment.com

Do you have a shop in your hood that offers DIY projects or the opportunity to learn a new skill? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

Pin It for Later

The post Plant Bar at Pigment appeared first on The Neverland Effect.