Here's another H(anging) i(n) t(he) 'H(ood) post.
Sometimes things work in rather mysterious ways. For some reason, I was feeling like taking a nice walk and I hadn't been to Dan Diegos since before Covid. So I figured it would be a good walk, about two-thirds of a mile and I headed on down. "ST" had sent me a recent email recommending the Lamb Sandwich at Dan Diegos so that was the purpose of my visit. But when I arrived, I was waylaid by the special of the day.
The sign said "Bobby Burns Night - Dinner: Haggis with Neeps and Tatties". Shades of Scotland! I consider DDs to be sort of an Irish pub, so the last thing I would expect would be a Burns supper, which celebrates Scottish Poet Robert Burns, author of such works as Address to a Haggis. But here it was...and here I was.
The folks here have always been quite friendly and all the folks sitting at the bar seemed to be regulars. And they were quite curious to see me order the Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties. The woman working the bar told me that the chef had been working weeks trying to get the Haggis "right". And I was more than happy to be the first to order it.
So, how was it? Well, it nicely seared, this had a ton of oatmeal in it. I'm not sure if it had much offal as the flavor was quite mild....no, this was definitely not like what we had at Drover Inn along Loch Lomond. It was nicely seasoned, with some earthy tones, and quite filling. Sort of like "Haggis not to Harm"? The neeps (mashed turnips) were good as were the "tatties" (mashed potatoes), though I wasn't a fan of the gluey-bland gravy. I didn't need the mustard or horseradish sauce at all.
To be perfectly honest, I'd have this again. Perhaps I'll call before going to see if they have it. Or maybe I'll have to try the Lamb Sandwich.
This was a fun, serendipitous meal, surrounded by nice folks.
"Auld Scotland wants nae stinkin ware,
That jups in luggies;
But if ye wish her gratefu' pray'r.
Gie her a Haggis!"
Address to a Haggis - Robert Burns
Dan Diegos Pub
2415 Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
And I do have a question for you. In terms of distances, what do you consider "your 'hood"? Is it a few blocks, a half mile, a mile, or (god forbid) over a mile?
I'm thinking I would try the lamb sandwich, but I'm glad you enjoyed it and it brought back great memories, right?
My "hood" is Tierrasanta, kind of slow and quiet which is okay by me. I mentioned a couple of months ago that our Chinese restaurant closed, finally it is reopening as a Vietnamese restaurant called Mom's Pho & Grill. Soft opening Sat 1-28, Grand opening Mon 1-30, 9am-8:30pm. Its in the Smart & Final shopping center 10645 Tierrasanta Blvd. I hope we'll have a good new place to eat out that is close to home.
Posted by: Laurie | Thursday, 26 January 2023 at 08:23 PM
Hi Laurie - Yes, I remember you mentioning the Vietnamese Restaurant was replacing Taste of Mandarin! I'm hoping it is good. I'll try to get there soon...though let me know what you think, ok? Thanks again for commenting and letting me know what going on in Tierrasanta!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 26 January 2023 at 08:32 PM
Hee hee, love that more people are celebrating Burns Night! Matthew and I host a Burn's Night Supper every year, but I always just make a vegetarian "haggis" since it's impossible to find a proper one in the states, but of course the real point of the evening is the whisky ^o^ (to answer your question...for me a mile in all directions from my house is in my neighborhood ^^)
Posted by: Lynnea Fleming | Thursday, 26 January 2023 at 09:38 PM
My goodness, that's wonderful Lynnea! Ok, so I guess I need to consider at least a mile.
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 26 January 2023 at 09:58 PM
about a mile? or so:)
Posted by: kat | Friday, 27 January 2023 at 03:05 AM
My hood is well over a mile with nothing within walking distance. I wonder how many people ordered the haggis?
Posted by: Sandy | Friday, 27 January 2023 at 10:14 AM
It's about a mile to the nearest shopping center in my hood (SF Market / Rite Aid). If I really need to add miles I'll venture to K Sandwiches / Mien Trung.
Posted by: Junichi | Friday, 27 January 2023 at 11:21 AM
Usually half a mile (Hey, it’s a mile round trip!) in my north east corner of Kearny Mesa, so Convoy is a bit of a hike, but I have done that as well. Our one trip to Dan Diegos got mixed reviews. I stole my BF’s tartar sauce for my fries. Better than most.
Posted by: Kathy Q | Friday, 27 January 2023 at 12:07 PM
There seems to be quite a few places in that mile Kat!
Bummer Sandy! I wish there were more places near here. I saw someone do a takeout order of haggis. I'm hoping they sold a good amount so that they'll keep it on the menu!
Man, all the way to Mien Trung Junichi! That's a haul!
Well, yes, it is a mile round trip Kathy! ;o) DDs has been a bit hit and miss on my previous visits as well. I gotta try that lamb sandwich.....
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 27 January 2023 at 12:56 PM
I guess that lamb sandwich will have to wait until next time.
Posted by: Som Tommy | Friday, 27 January 2023 at 05:33 PM
Yes, I'll get that next time...if there's no haggis ST! ;o)
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 27 January 2023 at 07:44 PM