Just a few quick one's for today:
(Another) Santana's Opens:
Right on Morena Boulevard in the old KFC location, and just .75 miles from another Santana's.(I checked).
The banner says that both locations are open. Shades of Starbucks! I'm thinking they may close the other location.
Santana's Mexican Food
1975 Morena Blvd
San Diego, CA 92110
Another new restaurant in the cursed corner:
First it was Linda Vista Food to Go, than Mi Ngoc So 1, and last Thai by Tara. I'm not sure what it is now...but the sign says "Grand Opening Aug 2/08". I'll check it out soon.
2405 Ulric St
San Diego, CA 92111
The Power of 3:
I've noticed something over the last couple years. I tend to buy books in "three's". While it's not as fascinating as say, the Number 23 enigma. The purchases have weird pattern to them.
I bought my "sushi trilogy" at the same time:
I tend to read several books at once, and have finished both The Zen of Fish and The Sushi Economy which are similar but different.
Then there my "Chinese Food" trilogy, which I also bought at the same time:
Of course, this one could get off on a technicality, since I preordered Serve the People, and it didn't arrive until several weeks ago. I just finished The Fortune Cookie Chronicles, and really enjoyed Jennifer 8 Lee's writing style. I'm still working on Shark's Fin and Sichuan Pepper, which may end up being one of my favorites.
Last year, I ordered my "Japanese Cookbook Trilogy":
The reason for purchasing Japanese Cooking: A Simple Art, has an interesting story behind it.
I don't know how, or why, but my Mom owned a copy of that book. After she passed away, it disappeared...or maybe got accidentally discarded, I'm not sure. So when I saw that the 25 anniversary edition had been published, I bought it.
This one might be stretching it, but it's kinda, sorta my "food science trilogy":
I know Sauces by James Peterson might be pushing it, but I spent 3 hours reading through it after it arrived.
So do you think this is a bit strange? I'm not trying to get all Jim Carrey on you, but I just noticed this weird habit.
I think the new Santana's on Rosecrans might be closer to another than this one. Same sign (Both Location Now Open). I think it was about 2 blocks away.
Posted by: Ambarna | Saturday, 02 August 2008 at 10:05 PM
I love your selection of books!
Posted by: kat | Saturday, 02 August 2008 at 11:59 PM
Hi Ambarna - That's crazy. "Kelly" just emailed me and told me that when asked they say they'll keep both restaurants open.
Hi Kat - Thanks...I think I have too many of them though.
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 03 August 2008 at 08:29 PM
Santana's also opened one on Scripps Poway Parkway in the old Carl's Jr. with the indoor playground (about 0.5 miles east of I-15). They call it the Poway location even though it's in San Diego.
Posted by: Sandy | Monday, 04 August 2008 at 09:55 AM
Hi Sandy - Looks like Santana's is taking over the city!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 05 August 2008 at 07:17 AM
Kirk, besides driving around and eating interesting and delicious food, traveling the world and exploring other cultures and their foods, looks like you spend a fair amount of your spare time ...reading about food! Those are great books too!
Posted by: foodhoe | Wednesday, 06 August 2008 at 07:00 PM
Hi FH - I think I spend a bit too much $$$ on food books...though it helps me to relax in the evening.
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 06 August 2008 at 07:03 PM
Kirk, cool choices. I saw a book by Elizabeth Andoh called Washoku. I think that book best explained Japanese home style cooking the best.
I can't wait to read Fuchsia Dunlop's new book. It looks great.
Jennifer 8 Lee's book was great. Really gave me a great behind the scenes on Americana Chinese food.
The Harold McGee book was one I saw in Cambridge a long time ago and one that I lusted after. So when I saw the new edition, I immediately ordered a copy.
Another book I thought was excellent is Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food. A very thoughtful look at the food industry and our perceptions of food.
My current book is Vegetarian Indian Cooking. Really cool and the recipes aren't that hard to follow and plus their delicious.
Posted by: Jeffrey C | Tuesday, 12 August 2008 at 11:52 AM
Hi Jeffrey - All 3 books are great - I don't know if you've read Jen Lin-Liu's book yet, but I'm really enjoying it!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 12 August 2008 at 12:09 PM
You weren't kidding when you said that Santana's is taking over the city. The Wendy's on Mira Mesa Blvd and Black Mountain Rd (near Bolsa) closed recently, and there's a sign for Santana's. I guess they'll be competing with the Roberto's that took over the Burger King about a block away.
Posted by: Sandy | Monday, 08 September 2008 at 05:17 PM
Hi Sandy - I guess Santana's wants to give Roberto's a run for their money...for me this is just Burrito saturation.
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 09 September 2008 at 08:17 AM