The Par Lounge

Pastrami sammich at the Par Lounge tonight… I’ve been wanting to try this for some time now, and it finally worked out. For $11, made with shavedpastrami, provolone cheese, sweetened whole grain mustard and pickle. Prepared on your choice of parmesan grilled sourdough, or rye. I knowpastrami is traditionally served with rye, but I’m a sucker for sourdough. Add “parmesan grilled” and that’s all she wrote.Turned out better than I expected. A decent amount of hot pastrami that was lean and free of gristle & other oral anomalies. It was not an obscene stack like you get in Jewish delis, but a perfectly proportioned amount that matched nicely with the pickle and grain mustard. Rounding it all out were the hot & crispy fries from the OG kitchen and a cold draft Torpedo IPA… It’s a great evening in Ramona…

  

Ramona Valley Grill

We had an outstanding dinner recently at Ramona Valley Grill. It seems like there’s been some confusion, or conflicting reports on RVG’s operating status. I’m pleased to report that everything is business as usual. I’m not into all the minutiae of the ownership/management scenario, I just know it’s a unique Ramona business that we love having in our neighborhood.I opted for the salad bar buffet this evening. Greens were green (not brown), fresh and abundant. Even had my favorite tuna pasta salad. The blue cheese dressing was excellent. Thick, rich and just the right amount of blue cheese chunks.  

The hot food bar had all the good stuff on deck. In lieu of chicken wings tonight was a flavorful chicken fajitas dish. I also crafted my usual nachos with seasoned ground beef, cheese and a tasty salsa fresca.  

First time I’ve tried the chicken noodle soup. I was impressed. Wide noodles, with big chunks of tender chicken in a savory broth that tasted homemade. It was like a warm hug on a drizzly night.  

Best part of the evening though was the service. We experienced a sweet and genuine warmth that made us feel like family. Looking forward to going back soon.

  
  
  
  

RB Sushi

Outstanding lunch specials at RB Sushi.  Such fresh and vibrant ingredients in their California Roll.  And my new favorite, shrimp nigiri.  A squeeze of lemon and daub of wasabi make it just perfect.  

  
  
  

Yesenia’s Mexican Food

Looks like a hot mess, but this taco shop has the best chile rellenos around.  Even better than ones I’ve had at most sit down Mexican restaurants.  

  

The Green Spot

This place is so green, they don’t even have any printed menus on paper.  Their wraps are all very creative and made to order in front of you with fresh tasty ingredients.   

  
  

Flippin’ Pizza

Normally just get pie by the slice here, but recently went with a group from work and the boss bought!  So that means ordering whole pies to feed everyone.  Perfectly thin, crispy crust and just the right amount of cheese and toppings.  Can’t eat just one slice even though they are huge.  They do a bangin’ job on the pizza here for sure. 

  

Way Point Saloon

Dinner tonight at Molly Malone’s (date night Ramona style). I had the burger of the month, which was the Maple Bourbon Bacon Burger. Half pound patty with melted smoked cheddar, crumbled bacon, finished with a maple brown sugar glaze and flamed aged bourbon, topped with “frazzled” red onion and jalapeño. It was the perfect blend of sweet & spicy. Some bites even had a great candied texture. I’ve never tasted anything like it. A very unique and original burger creation. $12.50, includes choice of side. Highly recommended.
  

Pete’s Taco Shop (and more)

Great breakfast burrito made with bacon, egg, cheese, taters, etc…  Too unwieldy to cut in half and get a cross-section shot.  Still a handsome meal nonetheless.  Such a well-rounded and neat place to eat, despite the fact that it’s inside a liquor store.  Only in Ramona!

  

Outback Steakhouse

For a chain restaurant, Outback does grilled salmon really well.  One of my usuals, it’s always cooked perfectly.  And of course you can’t go to OB without getting a bloomin’ onion!

  
  

Los Primos

Here’s some outstanding pork Adobada tacos at Los Primos Mexican Food.  Two of these would have been enough but how could I resist the three taco special!