San Diego's Downtown Dining District Offers a Gaslamp Gourmet ExperienceBy Madelyn MillerWhat is both historic and trendy at the same time? The Gaslamp District of San Diego. I think you could spend months downtown and eat at a different delicious restaurant every meal. Start with breakfast at New Leaf Restaurant at the Actually, I wish my mother (who is an excellent cook by the way, and I do not have to say that because she does not read my website) made breakfast and veal meatloaf like
I had been eating steak all week it seemed, so the chef suggested several fish dishes, each more wonderful than the next. I loved the Lacquered Tai Snapper (a favorite dish with regulars, and I understand why). This artistically
The chef de cuisine, Bobby Skiber, had an interesting background, and actually made it to San Diego in a roundabout way because of the military. It is nice to know our military is indirectly doing such good things for gourmet palates. HOW TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SAN DIEGO Secret San Diego Access San Diego Moon Handbooks Gayot The best of Los Angeles and Southern California DON’T MISS Exploring downtown. The Gaslamp Quarter encompasses more than 16 blocks, stretching from the Convention Center at Harbor Drive to Broadway, with Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Avenues as its main drags. The northern end of the district is anchored by Horton Plaza. This small square with its beautiful fountain acts as the front yard for Westfield Shoppingtown Horton Plaza, an outdoor mall with a kaleidoscopic design in a striking blend of colors and styles, featuring some 140 shops, theatres and restaurants. For more info call the Gaslamp Quarter Association 619-233-5227 WHERE TO STAY Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter WHERE TO EAT New Leaf at Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Chive Nearby things to do Pala Casino Resort and Spa The Grapeline’s Wine Country Shuttle
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This is one of the most charming downtown areas I have visited, and the urban renewal has captured the best of both the old and the new. 
Hilton Gaslamp Quarter Hotel. The banana bread pudding looks like a dessert. It tastes like a dessert. If you ever heard the saying—Eat dessert first--, it was developed for this breakfast dish. I know more people would eat
breakfast if they could just have this delicious treat by Chef Hanis Cavin instead of soggy cereal.
Chef Hanis. They both are good at comfort food, but the chef adds that upscale touch that I love so much. Veal meatloaf is worth writing home about. Chef Hanis does great salads, too, and I love him for that. Maybe Chef Hanis will come out with a cookbook so I can eat like this everyday. Or maybe I could just move to San Diego for the food.
Chef Hanis was the opening chef at Chive, a trendy eclectic restaurant downtown, so in the spirit of research I had to try Chive, too. It is still wonderful even without him.
Chive tickled my palate with layers of flavors. I started with an amuse that was a parfait of salmon and strawberries. Then I ordered the signature Red Tuna Tartar, jicama, avocado, and tomato in a citrus curry vinaigrette. ($13)
presented dish combined Savory cabbage, celery root puree, nori, wild flowers honey and a rice vinegar glaze ($23)
Dessert was hard to choose, so I had a sample of delightful delicacies. Each of these delectable desserts was well worth the eight dollar price. I am making a list for you so it is easier to choose. I could not. Or go with lots of friends and try everything if they are share (what are friends for, if not for sharing dessert?)
Warm paradisiaca. A banana, pineapple, rum flambé with rum raisin ice cream in a pistachio tuile, 