I still love The Daily Aztec and this week they give us a food critic who is allergic to wheat!

Well, gluten as a matter of fact, which Kristina Peltin lets us know is included in wheat, barley, rye and flour (and seems to be in absolutely everything). How does she eat? And an even bigger question: Why send her to review a Pancake Place? Do The Daily Aztec Editors hate her?

Yes, they thought they could get the best of their gluten intolerant go getter, undeclared Freshperson and she thinks she can just jump in and work for a publication of this caliber! We'll SHOW HER. In fact lets send her to Richard Walker, he'll break her, he hates free publicity and will make it unnecessarily difficult to do a story on his Pancake House (filled with gluten! Muwa ha ha!!).

But no, Kristina Peltin may not be able to have a BLT on Wheat Bread, but she is a fighter (and more importantly, a writer). I actually really liked her article, which didn't exactly review Richard Walker's Pancake House, so much as, well tell you a little more about Richard Walker then you would probably care to know.

"I talk to, like, a dozen people a day; I'm sorry I have no clue who you are or what you want," he said.
"OK, that's fine," I replied. "Well, I called earlier about reviewing your restaurant for the paper for San Diego State-"
"OK, are you here?" he asked.
"Well, almost," I said. "You told me earlier to call when I'm on my way."
He gave an obnoxious fake laugh, then said, "Well why don't you call me when you're actually here."Click.

He's the man who makes the pancakes. Maybe he should lay off the gluten.

Would you like some flouride with your tap water you're probably not drinking you environment hating clean water liking bastard!

It's all over the news sites, San Diego now has fluoridated water. Supporters of the addition say that adding fluoride will help to curb caveties in young children. Critics site the "mass medication" of the drinking public and the spotty side effects.

Wealthy Dentist has some interesting facts.

A recent Wealthy Dentist survey asked dentists if they are in favor of water fluoridation. The clear majority (85%) support fluoridation, with many citing it as one of the top 10 public health innovations of the 20th century. The minority (15%) voiced concerns about the possible side effects of fluoride.

"Best preventive measure in modern history," exclaimed one general dentist. "All areas should be fluoridated," opined an Illinois pediatric dentist. "There is a reason it was rated one of the top ten health policies of the century," commented a New York orthodontist. "Water fluoridation is the most effective low risk and low cost method of reducing dental decay rates for children in any size community," said one Illinois dentist.However, some health advocates are not convinced that fluoridation is worth the risks. It's widely accepted that too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis, a condition characterized by brown stains on teeth. But some point to more serious possibilities, linking fluoride to health problems such as bone cancer, kidney and liver problems, and reduced IQ.

Opponents are also concerned about the social implications of involuntary mass medication. "It is forced medication of questionable benefit, and its source is chemical waste from fertilizer processing plants....eeeeeehh!" exclaimed a Washington dentist. "There is evidence that fluoride in the water may not be as effective as we have been led to believe," commented another dentist. "I do not like the idea of forcing fluoridated water on people. If you want to add fluoride to people's diets, there are other ways to accomplish this without adding it to our drinking source."

Since many of us live in the generation of "water bottles" what with it becoming an almost sign of if you are in or out (I do love me the Voss water bottles you can order at VIP tables in Vegas) this might not feel like the most alarming change for the general public. But with restaurants jumping on the tap water band wagon... it's just about that time for VIPs demanding their pitcher of tap water.

Abbie on: Lists, Lists, Lists, Lists

Abbie On: liking restaurants that don't have websites (or it's just a lucky trend we stumbled upon with this entry).

Abbie Berry

I love to eat. Who doesn’t?

My favorite places for grub in San Diego:

1. Turf Supper Club - 1116 25th Street, San Diego, CA 92102

I love the Turf Club. The place is usually pretty busy and you may have to wait for a table but it is so worth it. The drinks are tall and strong. The service can be questionable but I go in with low expectations. The menu is limited. Steak, Chicken, Burger, Mushroom or Salmon and you grill it yourself on the community grill. The only other edible menu items available are garlic bread, a small salad and cheesecake for dessert.

The place is decorated with artifacts from the race track. The booths are tiny and cozy. The food is tasty (and I make a mean steak). The jukebox is always going strong and the last three times I was there, I heard Prince’s Purple Rain. Grab a few friends who like to grill and head over tonight.

2. Mamma Mia - 1932 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

This place is run by an authentic Italian family. They must be a family of seven or more. They run around the place speaking Italian and barking orders. If you call to make a reservation, you may find that you still have to wait for your table.

The restaurant looks like a little house. They also have a small patio on the side of the building. Plan ahead: You need to bring your own bottles of wine. The service is terrific. The owner treats you as if you are a guest in his home. All of the women are “Bella” to him and don’t forget the kisses on the cheeks! The food is scrumptious. Enough said. Don’t forget to try the Tiramisu.

3. Ono Sushi -1236 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103

Ono Sushi is trendy and right in the heart of Hillcrest. They recently remodeled their bar to make it more spacious. You can sit at the sushi bar, at the cocktail bar (which has a small adjoining patio) or in the restaurant. If you’re sat in the back room, there are two special tables where you can cuddle up with your date. They even have pillows for you. If cuddling up at dinner sounds good to you, this is the place to try it. The service is great. Some of the staff has been there for years. This is the best sushi in San Diego. Make sure to order the Ono Sushi Roll. I also love the seaweed salad. In fact, I want some right now.

4. Lotus Thai – There are two locations: 906 Market Street, San Diego 92101 and 3761 6th Avenue, San Diego 92103

I can go to this place one a week and never get sick of it. Both locations have a beautiful interior. I personally feel that the service is better at the downtown location and the food is better and more consistent at the Hillcrest location. I prefer to mix it up. The appetizer platter is the way to go. The soups are yummy as well. My boyfriend loves the Lemongrass chicken and you can always go with the classic Pad Thai. The atmosphere is peaceful and you can’t go wrong dining with a big group or on a date. Try the chai iced tea.

5. Pepe’s Italian – 1830 Sunset Cliff’s Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107

Another family run restaurant. My first visit was probably nine years ago. At that time, they served the entrées on paper plates and the beverages in paper cups. The plates are now plastic but the food is the same. When you walk in, you seat yourself. The place is small but quaint. Pepe’s in owned by a family and the mother is an artist. The walls are decorated with her paintings of beach scenery. The menu varies from pizza to pasta to specialty items. I suggest the beef ravioli. They aren’t open every day, so make sure you call ahead before you head over. (619) 221-1926.

Yummy.

For me.

*Photo Courtesy of Pepe's Italian Webpage*

The Zagat is back!

Back in 2001 The Zagat decided to stop making guides for "cities that were considered second-and third-tier dining destinations" but guess what, it's back! This is a big deal. From Sign on San Diego:

“I think it is huge for any restaurant whether it is in a perfect location or in a less-ideal one like ours,” said Steve Barr, restaurant manager of the WineSeller & Brasserie, a Mira Mesa establishment that was the highest-rated San Diego restaurant in Zagat's recent 2008 America's Top Restaurants guide. “Those who read Zagat, whether they are local foodies and wine connoisseurs or from out of town, will travel to the places with the best ratings, and they don't care how far it is.”

So bust out your dough, buy your guide and get to crackin'! You always hear about those weird New York people "checking their Zagat" before heading out for a date... on second thought...