Spotlight On:

San Diego Kitchen and Bath

Dee Burns Design

Magical Toffee

Opera Patisserie

HeroCare

University of Redlands

SABA SEO

Shen Yun Spectacular Show

MetLife Bank

Human Gravity Films

Katrina*Rey Photography

  December 3, 2009       |      Volume 3, Issue 12         |        www.sdchamber.org      |       contact us

Restaurant of the Month: House of Blues

Gospel brunch, folk art, live rock and roll, and southern-inspired comfort foods make the House of Blues a truly unique venue and restaurant in any city.  In San Diego, soul food meets affordable prices and a great location for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Renowned for its food and music, House of Blues San Diego is conveniently located downtown at 5th and C Streets at the north end of the Gaslamp district.  One of the first things you’ll notice entering the restaurant is the distinctive décor – including a “bead wall” covered entirely with Mardi Gras beads from New Orleans.  The atmosphere is lively and casual, carried through to the friendly servers and live music featured in both the restaurant and adjacent music hall.

House of Blues San Diego recently began offering a special $8.95 lunch menu, with an ample selection of sandwiches and half-entrées, including a flat iron skillet-served Chipotle Chili or a classic turkey club. These favorites are in addition to its regular menu of famous burgers, sandwiches, salads, and hearty southern dishes. On my most recent visit there, my dining companions and I sampled off both the regular lunch menu and new $8.95 menu.  We decided to try the open-faced turkey sandwich with a tortellini salad side (all selections on the $8.95 menu are served with side salads or chips.)  This Thanksgiving-reminiscent sandwich had an oven roasted turkey breast smothered in creamy mashed potatoes and gravy on brioche toast – the ultimate comfort food and a great deal all around.

From the regular lunch menu our favorite was the “Elwood” blackened Cajun sandwich, a chicken breast with chili garlic mayo, sour cream and diced green chilies on an artisan roll with fries (bonus – their fries are great!).  We also loved the Creole seafood Jambalaya, with shrimp, chicken, andouille sausage, and tasso ham over a spicy and seasoned hearty rice. This jambalaya definitely packs heat, and the portion is big enough to share.

If you are looking for lighter lunch fare, the House of Blues San Diego menu offers options like a grilled flat iron steak salad or warm naan bread veggie sandwich. Or, sample a few of the distinctly Southern appetizers, like the crispy catfish nuggets or pan seared "Voodoo" shrimp. As always, we tested out dessert and were not disappointed.  We gave a big thumbs-up to the white chocolate banana bread pudding, served with a creamy, sweet whiskey sauce and vanilla ice-cream.

The House of Blues San Diego is located downtown at 1055 Fifth Avenue. For more information, concert listings and a full menu, visit www.houseofblues.com. 

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