Introducing… Shimbashi Izakaya. Located along the beautiful strip of Camino Del Mar, Shimbashi Izakaya offers a peaceful, modern and intimate dining experience for those craving something a little different. Izakaya, by definition can be closely related to a pub. In Japan, it is known as a drinking establishment, where food is treated more like a compliment to a drink as tapas are in the Latin world. Therefore, don’t look at this dining experience as a time to stuff your face (even though you can); instead, think of it as a place to enjoy the intricacies of fine Japanese dining accompanied alongside an excellent choice of beverages.

Once entering the establishment, you are greeted by a friendly staff who cordially invite you to seat yourself in quaint, but exquisite atmosphere. The menu offers a wide array of delicacy’s from Sashimi, Hot Pots (Shabu Shabu)  to Sushi should you wish to have something familiar.

During our visit, we had the following:
APPETIZERS
Takowasabi: Wasabi flavored octopus
Tomato with Bacon Skewers*
Grilled Ginko Nuts*

SASHIMI / FUSION SASHIMI
Kobe Yuzu: Thin sliced seared Kobe style beef with yuzu ponzu sauce

SALAD
Salmon Skin Salad*

Entrees
Pork and Kimchee

Drinks
Sake Sampler Glass (Otokoyama, Yumetsukiyo, Nigori)

*indicated today’s special

We started our meal with Takowasabi. Although it didn’t look appealing at first sight… upon first bite, it proved to be a refreshing medley of Octopus coupled with that unique punch only Wasabi can give you. The Kobe Yuzu, was probably the most appetizing dish on our table. The thinly sliced Kobe beef was deliciously seared on the outside with a raw Sashimi center. Topped off with a simple garnish, it presented a refined taste.  The creaminess of Sashimi with the flavor of prime meat, to put it simply…was perfect in every sense of the word.

The Tomato Bacon Skewers could have been left out of our plate, although not terrible.. after having the Kobe Yuzu and Takowasabi, it didn’t seem up to par with the quality of what our pallets have gotten used to. The Grilled Ginko nuts on the otherhand, proved to be a fun little snack during our dining experience. As far as our salads and entrees go, the Salmon Skin Salad and Pork Kimchee dishes proved to be a great compliment to the rest of our meal, which was broughout by the taste of our Sake Sampler.

Otokoyama, Yumetsukiyo, Nigori where in line and all three proved to be excellent. Otokoyama was by far our favorite Sake. It was a light and refreshing drink that stimulated our palletes just enough to top off  our dining experience. However, if you’re into something a little sweeter, the Yumetsukiyo and Nigori samples will be your favorites.

The Love Bug Rating:
Service: 5/5 Stars
Food: 4.5/5 Stars
Atmosphere: 5/5 Stars
Price: $$$

Tip #1: An absolute must try is the Kobe Yuzu! Thin sliced seared Kobe style beef with yuzu ponzu sauce

Tip #2: Always have the samplers if you can’t decide on which drinks to try, you will be pleasantly surprised

Tip#3: To save some money, visit Simbashi Izakaya during their Happy Hour -
Mon-Fri: 4:00pm – 7:00pm, Weekends: 12:00pm – 7:00pm, $3 Draft Beer, $5 Cocktails and some reduced price tapas!

Tip #4: Seating is limited so make reservations just in case you anticipate on arriving on a busy night.

Tip #5: Always try the Today’s specials and keep and open mind (don’t judge a book by it’s cover). Chances are, you will definitely enjoy what they have to offer.

Contact:
Shimbashi Izakaya
1555 Camino Del Mar, No. 201
Del Mar, California 92014-2408
(858) 523-0479

Hours:
4 PM to 11 PM, Mon. ?Fri.
12 PM to 11 PM, Sat.
12 PM to 10 PM, Sun.

…offers a rich mobile Internet experience, fully integrated suite of services and an intuitive user interface for extraordinary personalization power. Customize and switch between Scenes to reflect the different moments of your life including Work, Social, Travel, and Play.

What we like about the Hero (apart from the iPhone) is the integration across the board with their apps. Where Apple’s 3GS, uses apps that operate separately, the Hero, features cross communication. How would you like to stay connected with Facebook, Twitter and so much more via one touch? Well, you can do so with the Hero! What’s more, the device also rocks a pretty cool 5.0 Megapixel Camera and Camcorder!

We were also pleasantly surprised by the pulse touch qwerty keyboard native to the Hero. In addition, the Hero and Sprint made this phone ultra customizable per user, so if you want to add special touches to personalize your phone, you’ll definitely love this gadget!

However, the Hero isn’t all peaches and cream. We noticed some considerable lag switching between apps and web browsing isn’t as fluid if you’re used to Safari on the iPhone. We tested it with websites where were not optimized for mobile and was unimpressed to say the least. In addition, battery life drains rather quickly as with any smart phone that is always connected. But if that’s of minimal importance to you, the Hero is certainly one to try out!

Want to learn more? Watch the video below!!

Reader Jessica tells us the service, food and atmosphere are the most appealing aspects of dining here:

I just have to tell you, I felt like I was in the Saprano’s! I also felt like Frank Sinatra was going to just show up in a spotlight and sing blue river while we ate. This is a great place to get romantic and the foood, OMG!!! You just have to try it.

The Love Bug Rating:
Service: 4/5 Stars
Food: 4.5/5 Stars
Atmosphere: 5/5 Stars
Price: $$$

Tip #1: Jessica recommends the Cesar Salad, she said it’s the best Ceasar she’s ever had.

Tip #2: The menu is pricey so make sure you attend on a special occasion. Jessica recommends preparing to spend $100+ at the end of the night.

Tip#3: After 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights, you will be able to enjoy great Jazz music. So you late night daters, keep that in mind.

Contact:
Manhattan of La Jolla
7766 Fay Ave
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-0700

Now, Min Sok Chon offers delicious food (as many of the restaurants we feature on the site), however they offer a little extra for your dining experience should you choose to partake…. Karaoke! Yes, you and your private party (anywhere ranging from a couple in a small room to an enormous gathering in the larger rooms) can request a private local in Min Sok Chon’s private Karaoke rooms!
So if you find yourself looking for a little excitement for your next dining experience, got to Min Sok Chon!

The Love Bug Rating:
Service: 4/5 Stars
Food: 5/5 Stars
Atmosphere: 5/5 Stars
Price: $$

Tip #1: Kimchee fried rice, beef Bulgogi & the chicken wings are to die for!

Tip #2: Since space is limited, we recommend booking a Karaoke room weeks in advance for big parties (Friday and Saturday nights)

Tip #3: If you’re looking for an ultimate private atmosphere, try going to Min Sok Chon Sunday nights around 5-6pm. The restaurant is mostly empty around this time (so you will likely be granted access to a room) and you and your loved one can have an intimate dining experience in the smaller rooms.

Contact:
Min Sok Chon
4620 Convoy St
#C
(between Dagget St & Opportunity Rd)
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 560-8168

Tracy told us:

“The Seaside Cantina is one of my favorite spots to get a bite. It’s right off the Boardwalk in PB and it offers one of the best views and most relaxing environments ever. Their food is to die for and I love it!”

From Tracy’s words, you will have to check it out. If the images posted here tell you anything, it’s definitely a true hot spot in San Diego.

The Love Bug Rating:
Service: 4/5 Stars
Food: 4.5/5 Stars
Atmosphere: 4/5 Stars
Price: $$

Tip #1: Tracy recommends the Strawberry Banana pancakes served with maple syrup with eggs and bacon. Perfectly sized for a loving couple who wants to share.

Tip #2: For lunch, veggies will love the Avocado Veggie Burger. At only $8.25, you can have a healthy and filling meal mid day.

Tip#3: Coffee lovers will have to try Isabel’s Coffee. Tracy’s favorite is Cafe Con Chocolate, but also recommends the Hammerhead for those who need a delicious pick me up.

Contact:
Seaside Cantina
4111 Ocean Blvd.,
San Diego, CA 92109
(858)273-0775

Photos by: Dreamhomesmagazine.com

Photos by: Dreamhomesmagazine.com

Photos by: Dreamhomesmagazine.com

Photos by: Dreamhomesmagazine.com

Photos by: Dreamhomesmagazine.com

Photos by: Dreamhomesmagazine.com

In addition, if you really want this home, you can have it for $14,500,000 and yes, it is for sale!