Christopher Elbow Chocolates

Every day of my life, I start the day with chocolate.  Ok, with a nicely balanced breakfast, a cup of coffee, and chocolate.  To me, a piece of chocolate alongside my morning coffee is just ... essential?  Often times it isn't fancy, just a decent quality piece of dark of milk chocolate, depending on my mood, but there are certainly days that a truffle or chocolate covered nut or toffee feel more appropriate (or, uh, necessary).  Anyway, I eat...

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Jina Bakes

It isn't all that often that San Francisco gets a new bakery, and it can be hard for a new place to hold its own in a city of so many heavy hitters.  But in late 2021, Jina Bakes burst onto the scene, and in true SF bakery style, did so with some signature items that you cannot find anywhere else.  Oh, and a collab, of course.Sure, the menu at Jima Bakes has a couple items you'll find at other bakeries, like croissants (plain or chocolate), kouign-amann,...

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Perry's, SF

Perry's is one of those places that I've never really cared about, but, seems to be a bit of a SF institution, as it has been around since 1969, and has multiple locations."Perry’s is known for classic American comfort food, with something for everyone. Our signature dishes include the Cobb Salad, French Onion Soup, Petrale Sole, and of course the Perry's Hamburger."The menu at Perry's, while perhaps "something for everyone" is mostly ... boring?  Fairly generic...

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Dining at the Westin San Diego Bayview

I recently stayed at the Westin in San Diego, downtown.  Note, that there are two Westins in San Diego,  just a few blocks apart from each other, the other one closer to the more vibrant Gaslamp District.  The later is much more highly regarded.  There are slew of other notable Marriott properties nearby too, basically the entire portfolio is well represented.  I had my eye on some of the Autograph or Design Collection properties, but I was...

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San Diego Conference Center Catering

I recently attended a conference hosted at the San Diego Convention Center, a *huge* place, with a dedicated events team, including catering.  All our meals and snacks were provided by the in-house catering team, so I was able to experience a number of their offerings.  I was not ever there early enough for breakfast, so I cannot comment on those offerings, nor did our hosts select any plated meals, so this review is only for the snack, lunch, and evening...

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