NATIVE KNOWLEDGE BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS /// WHERE TO BE MONDAY-SUNDAY
Veggie Tales
“Along my search for heat, I found my favorite restaurant, Plumeria in University Heights. Authentic Thai cuisine with vegan proteins that hit the mark on flavor and texture.”
This Vegan Dishes on His Favorite Spicy Foodie Spots Around San Diego
EXPERT: Ricky Borja CREDENTIALS: Vice President of Hotel Operations, Viejas Casino & Resort MONDAY ¢ A great Mexican place to take friends and family to (vegan or not) is Ranchos Cocina in North Park. Their menu is large in variety (over 80 selections), authentic and for me, about 80 percent of the menu items can be made vegan. Ask for the spicy salsas—spicy cilantro salsa is my favorite. www.ranchoscocinanorthpark.com
TUESDAY ¢ I traditionally ask my colleague David (Vice President of Food & Beverage) to pick us up some fast food breakfast at none other than Plant Power Fast Food. All of their items are vegan—The Big Zac will change your perspective on a vegan meal. www.plantpowerfastfood.com
WEDNESDAY ¢ My favorite go-to spot is our newly-opened Ginger Noodle Bar, which is a Southeast Asian fusion, quick-serve concept. My favorite, since I am sucker for spice, is the Thai fried rice. I have them prepared with no egg, no chicken, extra veggies, add tofu and all the chili peppers they have on the line. www.viejas.com
THURSDAY ¢ There isn't anything too hot for me—anything. Along my search for heat, I found my favorite restaurant, Plumeria in University Heights. Authentic Thai cuisine with vegan proteins that hit the mark on flavor and texture, and leave you wondering: are you sure that's not crispy duck? The spice ranges from one to 10, however if you love WILLOWS HOTEL & SPA AT VIEJAS 5000 Willows Rd Alpine, CA 91901 619.445.5400 www.viejas.com
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LOCALE MAGAZINE
spice as I do, ask for number 16, that is the code! www.myplumeria.com
FRIDAY ¢ Hanging out with friends and family at Guahan Grill in Rosecrans area. Being far from home (Guam) for close to 20 years, any chance I get to experience my culture, food and music, I will be there. Friday nights are the best as the first Friday of the month you will find San Diego-based Chamorro musicians playing live music. You may catch me and my band there on any given Friday. www.guahangrill.com
SATURDAY ¢ I'm hanging with a strong community of friends at Alpine Ranch CrossFit. The owner and head trainer, Chappie, is such a positive and motivating person to be around. Post workout, I'll stop by my favorite juice/smoothie café in Alpine, Hope Superfoods Lounge. www.alpineranchcrossfit.com www.hopesuperfoods.com
SUNDAY ¢ Morning run time! I change up the scene—Lake Miramar, Mission Beach, La Jolla Beach or trail runnings. These weekly runs prepare me to do Triple Crown Half Marathons in San Diego. Quick change—head to Rock Church City Heights for service then conclude with brunch at Bar Kindred. They have the best pancakes you'll ever have—I promise. And, yes it's vegan. www.sdrock.com www.barkindred.com
Photographed By: Bhadri Kubendran