...I don't know when I'll be back again.
Well, actually, I do. I'll be back Wednesday night. But as you read this I should be in the air and on my way to sunny San Diego to attend the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. It's a big one, too. Around 12,000-15,000 cancer researchers, give or take, will be descending upon the San Diego Convention Center to discuss the latest and greatest basic and translational cancer research. It's one of my two favorite meetings each year, one that I try not to miss. It's also often a good source for blog material about the latest cancer research, stuff that hasn't been published yet, and I'll definitely keep my eye out for the good stuff.
I'll be staying at a hotel within walking distance of the convention center. If there are any San Diego residents who read this blog, any suggestions for good chow and good drink within walking distance or a short cab ride would be appreciated, perhaps in the Gaslamp Quarter. I'm not going to rent a car because the last time I did at a meeting in San Diego I didn't even use it. It's even possible that I might manage to find time for a meetup, but I can't guarantee it. Two out of the four nights I will be in San Diego are already spoken for.
In the meantime, until I arrive, feel free to use this as an open thread or as a place to make restaurant or bar recommendations.
The Gaslamp district is chock-full of good food. Croce's comes to mind, but there are plenty of others. There's an Argentine barbeque place for the serious carnivore, and some good Tapas bars, and decent micro-brew pubs. Whatcha want?
Best thing to do is wander up and down 5th Ave and pick a place that interests you. I like Dakota, Trattoria la Strada, de Medici, Flemings Steakhouse, Ole Madrid, Croce's. If you're willing to walk a bit further, Cafe Chloe at 9th and G is also great.
The Padres will be home on Tuesday night, so that's either a good night to hit a more upscale place and avoid the crowds or dive in and have fun at a sports bar if you're so inclined.
Gaslamp Strip Club 340 5th Ave. Don't eat there, just walk by the steakhouse. Good for an ogle of the waitresses.
Karl Strauss brewery has some good microbrews.
Buca Di Beppo is a family restaurant where portions are shared. The food is fairly blah but the desserts are great.
Here's hoping your airline stays solvent and licensed to fly through your whole trip!
The steakhouse directly across from the convention center (not the hotel one; it's to the left across the little park) is *expensive* but good. There's a Persian restaurant about 5 mins walk up one street left of the Gaslamp that is superb. For baked goods and lunchtime sandwiches, walk through the gaslamp to Market and turn right, bakery ~2 blocks on the left (with good coffee, too).
Sorry not to remember names of places :(. But the directions are correct.
Buca di Beppo is a chain, so going there isn't exactly an experience unique to San Diego. My vote is for the Argentine barbecue place.
If your hotel room has a mini-fridge, Ralphs Grocery at 1st and G. Stock up on drinks, sandwich makings, nukables, etc.
BTW, I'm two blocks east at 3rd and G. Horton House, apt 607 if you'd like to get together.
Leaving on a jet plane?
I hope you took your Airborne!
On a serious note, I was a San Diego resident for years.
Cafe Sevilla, and drink from the Porón.
Good Eats, and lively.
555 Fourth
I should be clearer, Buca Di Beppo is a chain run by one family which serves family size portions, costing about $20 to $30 per item. And it's all over Southern Calif, true. You might want to try some Mexican places, I don't know any good ones, all the ones I go to are dives.
Yeah, I recall it being in Chicago when I lived there. Thanks for the suggestions.
no suggestions unfortunately........I've never been to San Fran before........enjoy the conference:)
The Integral of athenivanidx