Caesar’s Restaurant original recipe book. Photo, courtesy of the Pastore family.
Tasty Bites from San Diego’s Culinary History
Here is a collection recipes — most delicious, some extraordinary, and a few just downright unbelievable — reborne in all their glory from old sources, for your dining pleasure.
Recipe: Keoki Coffee from Bully’s
The original Keoki Coffee recipe for George Bullington’s after-dinner cocktail, originated in 1967 at Bully’s in San Diego, California
Recipe: Dobson’s Mussel Bisque en Croûte
It’s been on Dobson’s menu since day one — decadent, creamy seafood soup crowned with baked puff pastry, served piping hot in a lion’s head tureen.
Recipe: The Hurricane, 1930
Original Hurricane recipe. For a decade before the rum cocktail as we know it appeared in 1940, the Hurricane was a whisky-based drink!
Recipe: Sim Sex Cocktail from George Joe’s Mah Jong Room
Eddie Dennison’s recipe for the Sim Sex cocktail from the Mah Jong Room, George Joe’s Chinese Village.
Recipe: Chicken of the Gods from Bali Hai
Chicken of the Gods This is a classic entrée from Bali Hai’s midcentury Cantonese menu, and to this day is remembered fondly by many San Diegans. Bali Hai Restaurant is an iconic Tiki Modern restaurant and bar on Shelter Island in San Diego, originally opened as...
Recipe: Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas from La Plaza
This is the family recipe for chicken enchiladas baked in a mild sour cream sauce, from Helen Hernandez of La Plaza, Mi Burro and Hernandez’ Hideaway restaurants. Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas La Plaza Mexican Restaurant, La Jolla Recipe for sour cream chicken...
Recipe: Victor’s Salad from Victor’s Tijuana
Victor’s Salad Recipe for the original Victor’s Salad, from Victor’s Sombrero, Tijuana. The recipe below is based on that published in a 1972 cookbook. It has been modernized and quantities have been adjusted for the home cook. For the Salad 2 Cloves garlic, peeled...
Recipe: Whaler’s Grog from the Whaling Bar
A little holiday tummy-warmer from times past! Here’s a simple, hot-cocktail recipe from the old Whaling Bar at the La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla, California. Whaler’s Grog, La Valencia Hotel Recipe for Whaler’s Grog cocktail, from the Whaling Bar, La Valencia Hotel,...
Recipe: Hamburger Size from The Rendezvous
The U.S. Grant Hotel’s Rendevous restaurant recipe for Hamburger “Size”, beef patty with chili and cheese.
Recipe: Grant Grill’s Drambuie Flambé
Recipe for Drambuie Flambé, as made by U.S. Grant Grill bartender Ralph Pipkin, San Diego, 1954.
Recipe: Lubach’s Shrimp Cabrillo
Lubach’s Restaurant recipe for Shrimp Cabrillo, grilled shrimp brochettes with a spicy red sauce.
Recipe: Caesar’s Mushroom Sauce
Recipe for Caesar’s Mushroom Sauce, a brown pasta sauce, from Caesar’s Restaurants, San Diego, California.