No Reservations Necessary

OUR ANNUAL “BEST RESTAURANTS” ISSUE is one of the most anticipated. Competition is always stiff, and we assiduously pore over the hundreds of ballots we receive, wary of cheaters and stuffers. The counting process is painstakingly long. Thank heaven for interns. And to our bleary-eyed interns: Many thanks.

Within our coverage of the best local eateries, we also cast an eye at the ultimate comfort food: pizza. Food critic Robin Kleven Dishon writes that these round mounds of delectability are number two in food-service sales in the United States—second only to the item Steve Martin tripped over in The Pink Panther, the hamburger. It may be the cheese. Or the water that goes into making the dough. But San Diego has its fair share of pizzerias flipping out quality pies.

We also pop out a story about summer wines, watch a new generation take over some family-run restaurants and let our esteemed food maven, David Nelson, weigh in with his annual “State of the Plate.”

And with no small effort, we imported Los Angeles food guru Ingrid Wilmot to compare San Diego’s food scene with that of LaLa Land. Wilmot’s palate is discerning; better not accompany a chocolate truffle cake with vanilla gelato when she’s expecting whipped cream. She writes that San Diego definitely deserves more kudos on the national level for its restaurant offerings.

WHEN YOU’RE DONE SAMPLING all the winning restaurants, we’ve got your next move covered. Flip to associate editor Julia Beeson’s “Fitness for All.” Beeson recently finished an Ironman—a race in which you swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 more miles and then run a full 26.2-mile marathon. Take that, chocolate truffles! But fear not, you don’t have to keep up with her to get something out of our guide. We ask the question “What are you training for?” Tips are offered for Beeson’s ilk, of course, but also for 40-plus weekend warriors, those with little time to train and gym neophytes looking to break their first sweat.

The rest of the magazine is also in good shape—teeming with good advice and fun facts. Paula Story examines the watery world of people who live on their boats. Thomas Shess reveals the design glories of an expansive North County home. Editor-in-chief Tom Blair troubleshoots with Channel 10 investigative reporter Marti Emerald. Judith Morgan gives us the post-Olympic rundown on Italy. And much more.

FINALLY, HERE’S ONE MORE REASON to check out our offerings. San Diego Magazine recently won 24 Society of Professional Journalists awards. We also won Best of Show for magazines, and open-media awards for Responsible Journalism and Diversity. In winning 24 of the 36 total awards given to magazine entrants (including 13 first places out of 15 possible), San Diego Magazine swept the Investigative, Business, Real Estate, Sports, Technology/Health, Opinion and Layout/Design categories. Congratulations to the writers, designers and photographers who helped us put on such a strong showing.

Enjoy the issue.

Ron Donoho
Executive Editor

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