Fairouz Mediterannean Restaurant



Fairouz is located on Midway Drive, in the Sports Arena area of San Diego. From the outside, it is an unassuming little shop. I spied it the other day in the non-descript strip mall where it is located. It is random happenstance that I was over in that area and hungry, and thought an independently owned Mediterranean mini-restaurant might have a few vegetarian options.

When I walked in I was delighted by what I discovered. The sights and smalls were sensory pleasure. They had a large buffet prepared for dinner, with items clearly marked if they were vegan or vegetarian.

The walls were covered with art work using bright colors and sharp lines to depict scenes that captured happiness and intrigue: archway covered streets, styled geometric flowers, lovely faces, wild landscapes of fields and trees. Display cases presented in various cases around the restaurant also showcase a variety of jewelry, both imported and made locally. Other decor is somewhat random and not or particular interest, but the artwork is the real gem of the environs.

The house white wine came in a large and very full carafe, and it complimented the meal perfectly. The buffet had probably forty items, including Lebanese lentil soup, saffron rice that soaks up the vegetable and meat dishes delightfully, hummus, Greek salad, eggplant, green vegetables - both cooked and salad, a plethora of meat dishes including chicken, lamb, and beef.

After two very large plates, a bowl of soup, and a small plate of dessert, I ended the meal feeling stuffed fat and happy. My favorite dish was Mousaka - a delicious combination of baked tender eggplant, fresh mixed vegetables and tomato sauce, baked in casserole with topping of a special béchamel sauce.

Desserts included tapioca pudding, a rose water flavored dairy pudding, baked sweet puddings and cakes, small cookies, and halwa.

The restaurant is owned by a family who came here from Jordan by way of Kuwait. The two brothers run the restaurant, one of them is the painter whose artwork is displayed. The father used to make the jewelry, but had turned to importing it in his later years. The family was warm and gracious, with prompt service and kind words. They have been in business 25 years.

Price is mid-range and good value. The buffet was $12.99 per person. I highly recommend this delightful discovery.

3166 Midway Dr # 102-103
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 225-0308‎
alnashashibi.com

San Diego Bay

San Francisco isn't the only "Bay Area" in California. San Diego boasts a Big Bay of its own, from the northern most Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument to the southern most Imperial Beach, the Coronado "Island" and Silver Strand make a bay that extends from the heart of San Diego's downtown in both directions.

At the north end, visit the Cabrillo National Monument to explore tide pools and learn about the early explorers and European settlers of San Diego. Point Loma offers fantastic views along the coast and the bay, and driving through these neighborhoods is a great way to see some of San Diego's best old architecture.

From Shelter Island you can take a deep sea fishing trip along the California coast or in Mexican waters. And of course there is the America's Cup Harbor, as well as parks, marinas, restaurants and hotels, like the famous Humphrey's By the Bay, which is always showing great musicians.

Spanish Landing Park offers open space right on the marinas of Harbor Island, as well as beautiful pavilions and art. Harbor Island boasts its own hotels, marinas, restaurants, and park space, as well as great views of the Bay.

On Harbor Drive you head towards downtown and can find the Maritime Museum and the Star of India, a San Diego "land" mark from the 1860s, which still sails once a year. Along this stretch you find the "Urban Trees" public art exhibition.

Keep going to reach Seaport Village, with shopping and street performers. Right next door is the San Diego Convention Center, which is always hosting some event or another. Check it out to see if it is something you might be interested in! From here you are just steps away from downtown's historic gaslamp quarter and all the restaurants, shopping, and nightlife it hosts.

At the southern end you reach National City, Chula Vista, and Imperial Beach, all three offer their own take on dining and shopping, each with their own downtown. These three cities also boast historic buildings and unique histories, with many museums and home tours.