Kensington Grill

Nothing like a Friday night happy hour to cap off your week! Once again, my father and I ventured out into the culinary world to try something new. We decided to hit up the Kensington Grill.

We got there very early, right before opening. However, the hostess kindly let us in and sat us at the bar. Once we were able to order, I ordered the Blueberry Lemon Drop and my father ordered a Sidecar. The Stoli Blueberi added a very nice compliment, and I definitely enjoyed it... rather them.

I checked out the menu, and the menu is very creative. The flavor combinations are very modern without getting lost in an avart-garde fog. I ordered the quesadilla of the day, which was pork, cheddar, and apple with a very nice pico de gallo on the side. The blend was so well done, and I enjoyed the smoky flavor of the pork with the cheddar. The presentation was neat and attractive - an acheivement for my favorite, albeit, messy appetizer. My father ordered the fried calimari, which came in a fun bowl presentation. I wish I could give a better description, but I am allergic, so I tragically leave the review to my father. "It's good." Not much, but he also did not come up for air until he had eaten the whole thing, which is his true stamp of approval.

Since I was denied a tasty seafood treat by the fickle finger of genetics, I ordered the chocolate pot de creme for a dessert. To the chef, thank you! Thank you a million times over for realizing that chocolate dessert does not need to be overpoweringly sweet! The texture of the creme was spot on, and the topping was not burned. For a lot of places, that alone is praiseworthy. The true chocolate flavors give the dish a beautiful aroma that you simply don't get anymore - chocolate without a serious candy bar bent.

As happy hours go, when you see a spot as full as the Kensington Grill is, you may wonder what the big deal is. The prices are right, the service is excellent, and the ambience is relaxing. You will not be disappointed!

Kensington Grill
4055 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA 92116

Amonite Beads and Jewelry

Since I disappeared from this realm of the blogosphere right around the holidays, I have quite a few things to catch up on. But first, why did I disappear? Beyond getting ready for the holidays in general, I spent most of last month learning how to make jewelry. I am not Harry Winston or anything, but I am coming along. So, first, I would love to review Amonite.

Amonite is a hot little jewelry gallery and supply store in Hillcrest. It's located where the Corvette Diner used to have their collectible shop. You can hardly beat 5th and University as prime retail real estate.

I went in with a tabula rasa and I was gleefully surprised. The selection of high-quality beads is remarkable. They are very well-stocked with gemstone beads, as well as intricate lampwork, and elegant crystal. They are a bit short when it comes to findings, materials, and tools, but their main draw is clearly the bead stock. The staff is friendly as well.

They offer classes in both English and Spanish and you can view the calendar at www.eAmonite.com. Also, they run special discounts, such as a 30% rain discount when it's raining, and a 50% discount with a coupon printed from their website. Heads up - the website is a separate entity, and the website sales are not the same as the in-store sales.

If you are crafty type, enjoy looking at intricate bead works, or you are in the market for creative San Diego-made jewelry, I recommend stopping by!


Heather's New Scoring System: 3.5 of 5 Rockstars