Is it as simple as 'artists'?  Take some time and think what it takes to keep the 'starving artist' in your community.   It doesn't take much for the people that made the 'community' to find somewhere else to go.

An illness in the family kept me from going out this week.   Next week, it's ON!

Hi,

I'm supposed to do a little 'intro' type thing.   You'll probably get to know more about me by reading my posts but i'll tell you a few things now:

Don’t  you hate it when your favorite resturant closes down?  I was pretty bummed when Tio Tito’s finally shut down..  they had some of the best mexican food (i know that’s pretty subjective ((especially when we have El Sol, Ray’s and Colima’s close by too))  but i liked it alot). So i’d walk by and wonder what was going to open up in the spot.  When Vo’s Cafe finally opened it’s window I was pretty darn stoked..  a vietnamese place, close?  Sweet!   I had been introduced to a Bánh mì (if you don’t know it’s a Vietnamese sandwich, an awesome french baguette usually made with chicken or bbq pork with some cucumber, cilantro, carrots and jalapenos) on a recent trip to New York so I was hoping that they’d have one on the menu.   On my first visit I asked the owner, Francois (super nice guy!!) if they had the sandwiches... I was in luck!   So then I asked the next longshot question: can you make them vegan?   “No problem!”     Even my carnivore friends like the vegan versions so you have to go give them a shot. Last time i looked the vegan version wasn’t on the menu so you have to ask.  Tell him ‘Rob sent you’

Anyway, lets talk about Aibertos.  Ah, Aibertos.  The only thing they had going for them was the revolving cast of characters that hung out front at all hours.  As i said, a ‘good’ Mexican place is very subjective, but i was never a fan of Aibertos.  No matter how inebriated i may have been when i walked by after i went there a few times i never went back.  Rigobertos is a whole different story.  Great new place!   They aren’t scared to have an actual Hot salsa on the well stocked salsa bar. Good portions, and potato rolled tacos!  Give them a shot.

Monday Night.        We decide to go eat at the Ritual Tavern.    If you haven't been there yet, go! awesome food and awesome people!   They try to use all local ingredients and have great craft beers.   Heck, they even make there own condiments (the ketchup is great!)         Anyway, we get there and lo and behold...Closed on Mondays.      Where to go instead.         On the way up we noticed that Apertivo was closed, so that was out.    We weren't sure about the new West Coast Tavern yet. . I've never been to Urban Solace (my lame reasons being that a) i liked North Park Deli b) everything seemed to contain cheese or butter ((i avoid dairy))   but i have heard good things.   The building looked great!   They did an awesome face lift from the last time i was in there.      Service was awesome.      Truly awesome.      Linda got the steak special, it came out a little raw so the server graciously took it to get some more fire.    She brought it back with a new set of sides 'so they'd be warm'.   In addition to avoiding dairy i try to avoid meat....the problem is that i'm a sucker for a good burger.    I've had my share of burgers in the neighborhood and i have to say this one is top notch  (not quite a Lefty's burger but still great).