Mitchell’s Chronicles Blog

  Papakanafa is a unique and delicious spot to satisfy that sweet tooth! This gem is tucked away in the suburban outskirts of San Diego. The shopping mall has many delicious Middle eastern businesses as the area is home to many Middle eastern California natives and immigrants. They serve Middle Eastern deserts and juices. They are known for their viral online Dubai Chocolate bar and Strawberry chocolate desert cup. The company started in Kuwait and has expanded into Jordan and other gulf region Middle east locations. They have put their unique spin on kunafa through infusing modern sweets.   According to the manager on my visit the story behind this brand began in 2014 when a number of Kuwaiti youths converged to share their mutual dreams. Papa Kanafa represents the crucial belief that dreams can always manifest into realities no matter what obstacles stand in their way. This place is a must try!

  Brian Malarkey’s Animae Asian Fusion  is a Michelin rated experience located in the Embarcadero Marina of San Diego featuring Japan’s finest A5 wagyu beef. The ambiance is spectacular, and the dishes are served with fine dining detail for a classy night out. The round booths in the center of the room are a great intimate seating arrangement for a date or up to 6. "Chef Tara’s cuisine is centered around the coal-fired oven and Japanese robata grill, and utilizes globally sourced ingredients to complement the sophisticated, stylish experience that compels guests to dawn their finest fashion." (1) Do make sure an reserve in advance as they stay booked year around. The unique artwork, sculptures and superb customer service will have you feeling like royalty. Not to mention the cocktail masterpieces they are whipping up with San Diego's finest bartenders. I personally loved the dry aged Ribeye. "The coal-fired octopus skewer with shishito peppers, basil aïoli ...

Delizios is what you will be saying once you experience  Seneca Italian joint in Downtown San Diego. They are within the top 3 best authentic Italian restaurants in the city. Reserve your lunch or dinner in advance because everyone is trying to get a taste of their spicy meatball! You won't be disappointed with the ambiance nor the view as the seating overlooks the San Diego, Coronado Bay on the rooftop, but dress warm. The bathrooms are pretty boogie too as they are lined in gold. The kitchen has an open concept, so you can sit at your table sipping your Sicilian wine and watch the chefs whipping up some authentic pasta or wood fire pizza. Who is Seneca one might ask? " Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger, usually known mononymously as Seneca, was a Stoic philosopher of Ancient Rome, a statesman, dramatist, and in one work, satirist, from the post-Augustan age of Latin literature." according to Wikipedia. (1) The ambiance is warm and my favorite starter is the Heirloom to...

This family-owned authentic Malaysian spot  IPOH Garden Cuisine is one exit away from San Francisco Airport. Hop off the public transit - BART and your there on El Camino Real. My office where I worked was around the corner, so I used to love grabbing lunch at this gem. The Chicken Laksa Curry is epic, and my go to which is bursting with flavor. The eggplant, herbs and Malaysian spices are memorably unique. Honestly, I love all curries from all Countries. Rather its Indian, Japanese, Thai or Malaysian count me in! The staff is very kind, and service is fast.                                                                                  (Chicken Laksa Curry) They are also known for Roti Canai dish which is fresh roti thin bread that is flaky, c...

  The first time I experienced  Tartine Bakery  & their sourdough bread, my Mother was visiting from the Midwest shortly after my move to San Francisco, CA in 2019 (Photo: Lombard Street). She was raving about it. While hosting, we eventually made it to the area where the bakery was located, after visiting nearby Haight Ashbury hippie row & Delores Park. Shockingly there was a line wrapped around the corner. She wasn't lying. These Bay area natives were serious about their bread and it became a cultural icon for the city! I moved from San Francisco in 2022 but when I come visit this is always a must! We purchased the Country Loaf traditional sourdough, delicious pastry deserts and a quiche. I can truly say I have never tasted bread so fresh, airy, dense but doesn't leave you feeling bloated. I am a health guru, so if I can eat some carbs without feeling guilty about it and know I am getting some beneficial compounds produced during fermentation than it's a wi...

  Pho Ca Dao & Grill  has phenomenal authentic Vietnamese food! This is my go-to favorite. They have 5 locations throughout San Diego, CA and its family owned and operated. If you are on the hunt for fresh, fast service and great flavor they serve Banh Mi, Bao Buns, Fresh Spring Rolls w House made peanut sauce, Vietnamese Coffee, PHO House special combination of sliced rare steak, brisket, flank, tendon, tripe and more. Pho Ca Dao & Grill is owned by Duke Huynh. According to side note (1) Duke states "I started Phở Ca Dao & Grill 24 years ago with my mother and older brother’s recipes. We wanted to have the opportunity to share a piece of our culinary culture in a way that everyone could enjoy through outstanding customer service and quality Vietnamese comfort food at the centerpiece. I started with a location in City Heights in 2001 with the name Phở Ca Dao; “Ca Dao” means folk songs, a cultural tradition that’s been passed down from one generation to the next; si...