When I get “that craving” sometimes I get it bad. Like, stop-whatever-we’re-doing-I-need-it-now bad. Ramen, sushi, dumplings, potpie, you name it. Who knows what trigger, brain chemistry or planet alignment is behind such a feeling that manifests like a tiny Hulk post-hibernation.
One time, it was very late and I was with a few friends at someone’s house. I said, “Oh my gosh, I can totally go for some ramen right now!” They were digging what I was putting down, so next thing I knew I was in a packed car at 2 A.M. driving to a little ramen/sushi spot in Mission Hills. It was a great night. Oh, and the ramen was really good too.
That’s the thing about food. It’s great. It’s wonderful. It’s everything needed to satiate voracious cravings and more. A lot of times, though, it’s more than that. It’s something that gets you out of the house, away from that screen and engaged with incredible people. Not to mention, if you read certain Off the Eaten Path food blogs, the experience can be in a brand-new place. What can be more exciting? (Unless you're an extreme introvert. Then there's always the to-go option. #nojudgment)
I am thrilled to announce that shameless plug above is heading to the big screen! By that, I mean however big your television is.
Some of you know, I’ve been writing about my favorite places to grub around San Diego for several months now. A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with my NBC 7 higher-ups and we thought this “eat beat” would be a great opportunity to celebrate San Diego’s cultural diversity. Not to mention, it may inspire more people to step out of their comfort zones and explore parts of San Diego they wouldn’t have otherwise.
Our first segment airs this Friday, June 17 at 4 p.m. on NBC 7 San Diego. Three others will air the Fridays after that around the same time.
The first piece is on...wait for it…drum roll please...CHINESE FOOD!
My photographer and good friend Enrique Lopez traveled around San Diego’s Convoy area exploring the sweet, the savory and the burn-your-face-off spicy that doesn’t come in a white to-go foam box. People! Please believe me when I tell you there's a whole new world beyond orange chicken, fried rice and fortune cookies with pandas on them.
First, we taste some Cantonese food from Jasmine Seafood Restaurant on Convoy Street. Cantonese flavors generally come from China's southern areas, notably Guangzhou. We didn’t actually go into the main restaurant, but rather its express section in the back. It’s a great place to pick up lunch or dinner for the family at home. It’s quick. It’s very affordable and all the dim sum is handmade - rolled, folded, steamed and baked to perfection. Steamed BBQ pork buns anyone?
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Next, we fire things up at Spicy City Restaurant, which is also located on Convoy Street (surprise, surprise). We're talking total annihilation here, but in a good way! During rush hour it's not unusual for the restaurant to have a line out the door.
Many popular Szechuan dishes start with Chinese peppercorns. They look innocent enough (like dried juniper berries), but did you know they were banned in the U.S. for years? Pan fried with spicy peppers, the spice creates a flavor the Chinese call "ma la" or "numbing and spicy."
It's hard to describe. Maybe like eating electricity or Novocain. Or like, when you were a kid and silly enough to stick your tongue on a 9-volt battery to feel that buzz on the tip of your tongue. It's sort of like that.
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Candice Nguyen is a news reporter at NBC 7 San Diego whose career moves have taken her to several places around the world. She believes there's no better way to celebrate different cultures than to learn about their unique cuisines. In her personal blog, Off the Eaten Path, Candice writes about her favorite places to grub around San Diego and beyond.
