Café International - CLOSED

From a safe distance.

Okay, so this is another one that Miko keeps saying I should write something about, but like Manna Bakery I wasn't quite sure what to say.

We were excited to try Cafe International, thinking perhaps there would be delicious pastries from many lands!  However, as we walked up we passed the large open windows and patio seating, which was full of what looked like Bond Villain Henchmen hanging out off-duty, smoking heavily and playing cards.  I'm sure they are lovely people but we felt like we really shouldn't go in there without an invitation and/or possibly being armed.  We also decided that probably food was not their main focus, so we weren't required to within the rules.

If anyone has more knowledge of Cafe International, please advise.

Manna BBQ

 

Panchan, including AMAZING potato salad!

Salad and Miko's favorite steamed egg come with!

Good rice.

Rating: Two sideways thumbs

Date: 5/15/11

What we ordered: A1 Premium All-You-Can-Eat for each of us

Number in our party: 3

Final check amount: $74.85 + tax

Notes:

• We actually came here on 5/6, but there was such a long wait that we skipped ahead to Ichiro.
• The meat was flavorful and very good.
• The side dishes were also delicious, particularly the potato salad and the steamed egg.
• The sideways thumbs were given because we enjoyed the experience of Jeong Won better, and we would rather go there.  The meat might be better at Manna, but (1) we prefer the buffet set-up at Jeong Won; (2) there are no vegetables to grill; and (3) there are no desserts.  It was delicious, but we weren't fully satisfied at the end.  If you're a total carnivore, you would love it.

RESTAURANT INFORMATION
Address: 4428 Convoy St
Phone number: 858.278.3300
Website: http://www.yelp.com/biz/manna-korean-bbq-san-diego
Accepts credit cards? Yes
Parking: You can park in the plaza just south of the restaurant.
Ideal group size: 3-4
Available vegetarian options: Side dishes?
Noise level: 3
Who not to bring: Vegetarians 

Ichiro Happy Japanese Restaurant



Ginger eggplant appetizer



Seafood dumplings

Free salad

Combination #1

Nabeyaki udon

Rating: One thumb up (Miko), one sideways thumb (Jenne)

Date: 5/6/11

Time In: 7:45 PM

Time out: 8:59 PM

Server's recommendations: Combination #1 (tempura, California roll, and salmon yakizakana), teriyaki steak, nabeyaki udon, champon

What we ordered: Ginger eggplant appetizer, seafood dumplings, Combination #1 (Jenne), nabeyaki udon (Miko)

Number in our party: 2

Final check amount: $40.73

Notes:

• The server was adorable -- she actually clasped her hands with joy when we ordered her recommendations.  Very enthusiastic in her recommendations.
• The nabeyaki was delicious; it was probably the best udon I'd had in San Diego. The broth tasted like my mother's.  Great comfort food!  The only criticism I had was that the egg should be on top, not the bottom.  (Miko--thumbs up)
• The rice was dry and a little hard.
• The salmon was overcooked.  (Jenne--sideways thumb)

RESTAURANT INFORMATION
Address: 4344 Convoy St, Ste Q
Phone number: 858.565.8603
Website: http://www.yelp.com/biz/ichiro-japanese-restaurant-san-diego-3
Accepts credit cards? Yes
Parking: Private lot shared with a plaza 
Ideal group size: 2-8
Available vegetarian options: Veggie sushi options. With everything else, you never know if something might have bonito in it...

Noise level: 4, but only because of a rowdy party that sounded like a whole lot of fun on the other side of the restaurant.

Chopsticks: Come with the meal