Restaurant Review: C Level

 Located on the San Diego bay sits Island Prime and C Level restaurants.  C Level offers waterfront and outdoor dining during lunch and dinner. It is often packed so reservations are definitely recommended.  The lunch menu includes several offerings from land and sea and delicious cocktails that you won't want to miss. Starting with the Isle of Zen, Absolut citron, triple sec, ginger, lime, basil & mint. 

This drink is very refreshing. Try it with the Ahi, Crab and Avocado stack appetizer. 

Fresh crab, avocado, tomato, papaya-mango salsa on a sweet chili sauce and served with taro chips. Yummy! I prefer eating this sans taro chips while making sure I get a layer of each item on my fork. The flavors are so good together. 

The Pepita and Sesame Crusted Brie served with a jalapeno jelly, toasted bread and a green and apple salad. I was not a big fan of the crust on the brie but the brie was nice and oozing and tasted great on toast. 

The Lobster Mac & Cheese served with a green salad with candied walnuts left a little to be desired. While it was loaded with large chunks of Lobster I thought the sauce was a little on the runny side and not cheesy like a mac and cheese should be. It also lacked in flavor. A little salt & pepper would go a long way . 

The Lobster and Fontina BLT on a jalapeno cheddar sourdough and alongside some sherried lobster bisque for dipping.  I also thought the lobster in the sandwich could have used some seasoning. The lobster bisque was tasty, you can also order this in cup or bowl size. Something I would definitely do. 

If you are a salad eater my sister swears by the C Level Louie Salad, blue crab and rock shrimp on top butter lettuce, tomato, avocado, red onion, cucumber, egg and capers and a Thousand Island dressing. 

C Level is a nice place to enjoy the beautiful San Diego bay scenery. I would visit at night when the downtown lights light up the sky.  Remember if you visit in the evening it can get a little chilly next to the water so bring a coat. 

C Level

880 Harbor Island Dr. 

San Diego, CA 

Restaurant Review: Snow & Crab Lounge

For the last several months I have been driving by Snow & Crab on my way home from transporting my daughter to and from school. Every time I see the "Cajun" and "Shaved Ice" on the outside of the building, I can't help but wonder what is inside this little establishment tucked inside one of Temecula's  many strip-malls. Well, curiosity finally got the best of me and this past weekend, with the family in tow, I finally walked through the doors of Snow & Crab Lounge. My initial impression was that of confusion, "Ok, so now that I am in here, how does this work?". There are a few tables situated in front of a long bar are and a peek a boo window where you can see the cook busily working. Up above is a virtual menu displaying what Snow & Crab has to offer, which apparently is some Cajun, some Asian, boba tea beverages and snow shaved ice creations. We stood around the front door for a few seconds unsure whether we were supposed to order at the counter or take a seat. After a brief moment of looking like complete newbies the only waiter in the entire restaurant sat us down and gave us some menus. I would like to add here that despite their only being one server and several tables full of diners, service was great. Our waiter, I wish I could remember his name, was extremely friendly and helpful and explained to us the concept behind Snow & Crab.

Their food menu consists of appetizers, sides and main dish's that are a combination of Cajun favorites, popular Asian snacks and side dishes and a few items fused together. Like the Cajun Fried Rice which sounded amazing even though we didn't order it this time around. Instead we opted to choose from the seafood selection. You purchase your choice of seafood from clams to king crab by the pound, chose your desired sauce Cajun, Scampi or Lemon Pepper and your level of heat from mild to extra, and then top if off with some sausage, corn on the cob or potatoes if you desire. Your creation is steamed tossed together in a plastic bag and then delivered to your table along with some bibs and tools. You empty out your contents onto your paper clothed table and start getting your hands dirty. *Tip* ( Be sure to pull a few paper towels from the ream of paper provided, prior to getting your grub on, this is some messy eating!)

Chris and I decided to order a pound of Jumbo Shrimp, 2 Lobster tails, some sausage and 2 Corn on the cobs, Cajun style and extra spicy of course. Can I just saw it was freaking amazing! Whatever spicy, saucy, concoction they pour over the seafood I need it bottled.

Penelope had a pound of Snow Crab legs and some corn on the cob in a Scampi sauce. It was buttery, garlic-y and also very good.

*This is where you get up and wash your hands because they will be beyond messy, and whatever misgivings you have about wearing a bib, just do it!*

This place totally went beyond my expectations and we will definitely be coming  back. I did join their rewards program after all, and I already have a free bowl of clam chowder and a free snow ice creation for my next visit. Did I mention they also have Beignets?

Snow & Crab Lounge
32965 Temecula Parkway Suite 100
Temecula, CA 92592

Restaurant Review- The Fish Market

Located on the waterfront in downtown San Diego is the popular Fish Market restaurant. With a view of the San Diego bay and the 25 foot sculpture of a Navyman kissing his love, this is a prime tourist destination. I was born and raised in San Diego and this was my first time visiting this place, where you can get super fresh seafood either served in their sit down dining room or picked up at their seafood counter to take home and cook up yourself.

First of all parking here is a mess. The restaurant parking is shared with the entire waterfront tourist destination and the parking spaces are jam packed. I was quite amused to see large SUV's trying to squeeze into them. We opted on valet parking, trust me it's worth it. The restaurant is very large and has a casual, loud and bustling atmosphere. The views are amazing but unfortunately it was extremely sunny on this day and they had pulled the shades down so I couldn't get a good pic from our table. The menu consists of everything from crab cakes, fried fish, steamed mussels, tuna sandwiches, steamed catch of the day and more. A nice variety for the seafood lover.

We started off with the Salt and Pepper Calamari. These were crisp and tender and really yummy. My mom ordered the Famous Dungeness Crab Cioppino.



This was their "small" size but believe me it was a lot. Assorted seafood in their house marinara sauce with pieces of garlic bread to sop everything up. My mom said it was really good. It had a generous portion of mussels and crab, some fish and only a couple of shrimp.

My sister ordered the Dungeness Crab Cakes with a side of fries.

These large crab filled cakes were served with a whole grain mustard sauce and were pretty tasty according to my sister.

I was in the mood for fish but I didn't know what kind. They have several fresh fish choices that can be cooked mesquite or grilled. I opted for the Local Black Cod blackened, with a side of roasted veggies and cherry basil tomatoes.

The Black Cod lived up to its "butter fish" name. It was melt in your mouth good but I think the blackened seasoning could have had a bit more salt. It was delicious non the less.

We had a great meal with an even better view. If you are visiting San Diego on vacation, the downtown waterfront is a must see place, and if you are craving some fresh seafood stop over at The Fish Market.

The Fish Market @ San Diego
750 North Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101