Rudford’s Diner: The Real Thing

While other places attempt to replicate the genuine diner experience, Rudford’s in San Diego doesn’t have to try. It’s the real thing. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, it’s been serving the North Park neighborhood since 1949. The photo mural below graces the side of the building.



President John F. Kennedy’s motorcade drove by the restaurant on June 6th, 1963, just a few months before he was assassinated.



Rudford’s has a milkshake named in his honor. The JFK Bacon Caramel Shake is not for the faint of heart, and guaranteed to induce a food coma. And speaking of shakes, this one comes with a good sized portion of extra shake in the cup it was made in. Little extras like that are what makes a great diner!



Signage and tchotchkes adorn the walls and shelves.



Atmosphere like this just can’t be created.



So much neon…I love it!



The patty melt is a favorite of mine; plenty of meat and just the right amount of grease. It is DELICIOUS!



Do not skip the pie for dessert; they are made fresh here at the restaurant from scratch.



The service is super friendly, too. Not the canned kind that is attempted through training; the real kind.

See more North Park/Rudford’s Diner photos at my main website.

Dining at Madison on Park

One of my favorite things about living in San Diego are the historic neighborhoods spread throughout the city, each with their own character. My very favorite is University Heights, which is where I lived for a few years when I moved back to San Diego in 1999. Completely walkable, it is filled with some of my favorite restaurants, watering holes, and unique shops. A few years back, the restaurant Madison on Park opened, and it quickly became the “go-to” spot for me to take people to when I wanted to provide a memorable dining experience.



Clean and simple in design, it has a unique indoor/outdoor vibe all at once. A barrel-shaped ceiling is overhead with openings on either side that let the fresh air in.



Speaking of fresh, no plastic faux flower arrangements here.



The drinks are magnificent, with the Motor Bike being one of my faves. Yes, it tastes as good as it looks.



The Portabella Fries, served with avocado cilantro aioli and chipotle pepper sauce are a new favorite. If this is what vegan eating is about, sign me up!



I often get the Pork Chop here (out of this world!), but this time I tried the flank steak, and it too was delish.



See more University Heights photos at my main website.

The Raymond 1886

On a recent trip to LA (more on that in later posts!), a group of us were touring Pasadena and needed a lunch spot. I picked The Raymond 1886, where I’d dined a few years back. What a great choice! Tucked away in a hillside, this place is a hidden historical treasure.

The Raymond Hotel was built in 1886 by Walter Raymond, a Boston native, so that other rich folk from the east could flock to the west coast and vacation during the harsh winters. It lasted until 1931 when the Great Depression forced it to close, like so many other businesses. Although the hotel itself was torn down (progress at its worst!), the caretaker’s cottage has lived on and found new life as The Raymond 1886.



The bar area, where you can enjoy a DELICIOUS mule expertly crafted by one of the Raymond’s mixologists.



Next time I want to try The Forbidden Peach!



Beautiful details abound throughout this historic space:



The weather was cooperative and we were able to dine out on the patio. What a treat!



One of the other dining rooms:



In case you couldn’t tell, I HIGHLY recommend this place. The food was delicious, and EVERYONE in our group loved their lunch. The service is excellent, too. What a great experience!

See more Raymond 1886 Restaurant photos at my main website.

The Brick Street Café

Recently I was in Greenville, SC for the UCDA Design Summit. Busy with chairman duties, I didn't get as much time as I would have liked for my morning runs. However, on the one day I did get to do some cardio, I happened upon a cool little restaurant just outside the West End Historic District. One of the benefits of being on foot instead of behind the wheel is that you notice so much more. I made a mental note and ended up returning for dinner on my last night in town. What a great choice.

The statue outside set the tone for the slightly kooky and fun decor of the restaurant interior.



I was told I could sit anywhere I'd like; of course it took a bit for me to do so as I feasted my eyes upon the eclectic decor.



Live music was featured at the back of the restaurant; not too loud, not too soft. Just right.



There were many dining rooms and areas to choose from; I picked one that was slightly less inhabited so that I could eat (and take my photos) without being noticed!



I love this quote from Margaret Mitchell, author of "Gone with the Wind" which has been slightly cut off: "Southerners can never resist a losing cause."



I ordered Granny's Spaghetti for my entree, which was delicious:



And I had to go with the waitress' suggestion of the Sweet Potato Cake for dessert which she claimed was just about the best cake I would ever have.



She spoke the truth, and it was gone very quickly. If you find yourself in Greenville, be sure to check out this very fun restaurant with excellent service and meals that just might rival your mama's home cooking!

More Greenville, SC photos at my main website.