Comic Con, it seems, captures that certain sexy something, a heady mix of carnal posturing, sweaty sex pheromones, animal hides, bare skin, high heels, and a playful, irresistible call to adventure, be it on the naked road or a galaxy far, far away. Perhaps a common thread runs through bikers, princesses, vampires, the super good, the super bad, and the even the ravenous, rotting dead. We are all menacing creatures of peril, addicted to adrenalin and a weird, unspoken primal urge to break free of reality. Nothing wrong with wanting to fly half-naked into the wind, or occasionally munch a few measly brains, is there?
A Harley-Davdison touring bike is an empowering ride, the kind of bike that can turn the average, mild-mannered motorcyclist into a street hero. Returning it made the fantasy do a deflating poof, sort of what Superman must feel when he stuffs his cape back in his gray suit, throws on the goofy glasses, and anonymously goes back to the grind at the Daily Planet, waiting for next year’s Comic Con.
Comic Con reconvenes July 12-15 2012
comic-con.org
Biker Bites: Dining as a Destination
Bikers love to eat. Whether it’s a convenient excuse to pull over, take a break and eat a burger, or a matter of much needed fuel to keep our senses sharp, motorcyclists often find themselves bellying up to the dinner table. And for motorcycling’s hungriest segment, Baby Boomers, dining has become a destination.
It’s puzzling, considering a biker’s biggest road expense next to accommodations, why more editorial attention isn’t paid to where to eat. Not so here, where we know the importance of a tasty meal. San Diego offers excellent dining diversity, dishing up everything from sumptuous seafood and gourmet steaks to tasty turkey burgers and homemade fries. Go ahead and take a big bite:
The FleetWood
A rousing base camp for Comic Con or pre- and post-San Diego Padre tousles, the FleetWood is a quirky mix of sports bar and fine dining. From ping-pong to bottle service, this venue has something for almost anyone.
We experienced elegantly presented and tasty dishes and cocktails. The Chili Brown Sugar Ribeye with House-Made Tater Tots, Peppercorn Sauce, with Green Beans ($29) was a standout; Crème Brulee ($6), the perfect finish.
thefleetwood.com
639 J Street
San Diego, CA
(619) 702-7700
The Fish Market Restaurant
Whether you consider yourself a grazer or a three-square meals type, you’ll relish this seafood. The menu adjusts daily with seasonality and availability.
The Fish Market serves it up just-caught fresh, courtesy of their own fisheries. Everything from both kinds of chowders to bounties of shellfish and fish filets, sushi, and sashimi tempt. Salads, pastas, side dishes, burgers, and steaks round out the fare. Quality service, atmosphere, and cuisine are standard.
thefishmarket.com
(multiple locations throughout the San Diego area)
Burger Lounge
Burgers of all stripes, healthy grass fed beef, luscious turkey, quinoa, and salmon are masterfully prepared and accessorized with farm-fresh fixings, then nestled in fluffy buns.
Chicken tenders, glorious salads, fresh cut fries, and onion rings are all presented in a memorably tasty form. Forever etched on your brain, you’ll pine for these savory flavors like a rock star for a supermodel. The Coronado location is one of those fine Sunday putt spots, near the beach and away from the hustle and bustle of the inner city. Sit outside and watch the upper middle class walk by.
burgerlounge.com
(multiple locations throughout the San Diego area)
Café 1134
This charming Coronado mainstay will give you a sense of the local, relaxed vibe. Friendly faces greet you from behind the bar, serving up coffee, teas, espresso, wine and beer, pastries, and bistro fare. Dine in their interior main floor and loft areas, or al fresco. The café also offers a nice vantage point ideal for eyeing the meandering tourists, usually headed for the historic Hotel del Coronado nearby.
cafe1134.net
1134 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118
(619) 437-1134
Sally’s Seafood on the Water
Chef de Cuisine, Sarah Linkenheil, and Sushi Master “Kaz” Kim have made this one of San Diego’s finest restaurants. The waterfront view is ideal for a menu boasting seafood, with steak, lamb and chicken hearty options.
Sally’s offers tantalizing lunch and dinner menus; breakfasts on the weekends. The outstanding cuisine brings in the locals and tourists alike. The resort is fortuitously placed between the San Diego Convention Center (Comic Con central) and the popular Seaport
Village. Sally’s offers three-hour validated parking, a nice little savings of about 25 bucks.
Every bite of sushi & sashimi was the height of freshness and beauty. We were equally pleased with the Half Maine Lobster Paella ($36) and the Chili Crusted Maine Diver Scallops ($31). For a special treat, try their incredible dessert menu.
sallyssandiego.com
One Market Pl.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-1234; (619) 358-6740
Bice Ristorante
It’s always a good sign when there’s a bunch of bikes parked out front, right? Motorcycle enthusiasts not only frequent Bice, but many of the staffers are bikers.
This joint lends itself to impressing a date, with its swanky décor, extensive wine library, and accolades that make the chef’s momma proud. A nod is given to the local and seasonal ingredients. Elegantly presented pastas and seafood dominate the menu. Scrumptious desserts make this eatery a special spot to pause after strolling the Gaslamp Quarter.
bicesandiego.com
425 Island Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 239-2423