New Food Option in Linda Vista
Plus: Interview with Farmers Market Ops Manager, Upcoming Kids Day at Farmers Market, LV Coffee with a Cop a Big Hit, Foster Kitten Looks for Home, New Stop Signs, and Hope for Padres
Steve and I are always on the lookout for new places of business in the Linda Vista area, and are happy when we find one. We are doubly happy when the new business is an eating establishment because that means a new place to review.
We discovered last Friday that a new Filipino Restaurant was opening up in the Presidio Plaza (at the foot of Linda Vista Road near Napa Street), and next to Friar Tux. It is called White Rice Morena and is one of a couple of White Rice Restaurants in San Diego (one in Liberty Station and another in the North Park area).
As the late food critic Anthony Bourdain commented “Filipino food is the next great thing”. Linda Vista is always in the forefront of the latest trends so we knew we had to try this place. We grabbed the Carnivore Sidekick knowing he would be helpful, since he has lots of experience with this cuisine. We then headed to White Rice Morena for lunch.
The restaurant had its grand opening this past Saturday Although parking can sometimes be a problem in the area, we had no trouble finding a space at lunchtime. The inside is spacious with many tables and stools. I would describe it right now as minimalist and very bright. The staff were all friendly and helpful as we questioned which menu items were meatless.
Their menu consists of Silog (a class of Filipino breakfast dishes consisting of garlic fried rice and egg), Pulutan (appetizers or starters), Ulam (loosely salads), Ube Pandesol and Ube cookies, beverages such as wine, beer, Teas, etc. The good news is they have rotating $5 beer specials.
Since the Carnivore is familiar with many of these dishes, he chose Tocino Manok which was grilled chicken, pickled shallots, Up egg and garlic rice with spicy vinegar Sawsaw (dressing).
They also had pork adobo, Lechon Kawall, Sisilog and Longanisa in the meat category.
Steve chose a meatless meal called Mushroom and Tofu Sisig which included wood ear mushroom, crispy tofu, Boonie peppers, onions, pickled shallots with garlic fried rice.
I chose something from the appetizer menu, lumpiang Gulay which included seasonal vegetables, and scallions in a fried spring roll wrap served with a spiced vinegar.
The Carnivore enjoyed his meal very much. He said it was cooked just right, was not too spicy, and the Tocini was very authentic. And what’s not to like about garlic rice. He thought it was a hefty serving but managed to eat all of it with no leftovers. He especially loves eggs, so he was happy with the perfectly cooked egg. It looked very fresh and was served nicely.
We learned after the fact that Steve’s dish contained Thai chilis, so it is not for the faint hearted. He said it was very tasty and the sauce it was cooked in was a nice flavor. He even liked the tofu. Again, it was a large serving and he ate most of it.
I opted for lumpia because I really like lumpia and you don’t often find it without meat. I can’t recall how many I started with because Steve and Carnivore each took at least one from my plate, although neither offered me a taste of their dishes. I’m beginning to see a pattern. The lumpia was very good. The vegetables were well cooked and tasty. The staff told me that their pancit is also vegetarian so next time I will try that. They also have a Caesar salad that looks good.
We welcome White Rice Morena to Linda Vista and wish them well at their new location. Judging from the number of people there at lunchtime, it looks like their reputation preceeded them. Give them a try. Say you read about them in the Linda Vista Update.
White Rice Morena
5299 Linda Vista Road
Open: Monday-Friday 11:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday-Sunday 10:00 to 8:00 pm
Keeping the LV Farmers Market Going Each Week
The Love, Linda Farmers Market has now been operating for 13 months. The Market brings 30 vendors to the parking lot of the Linda Vista Plaza Shopping Center each Thursday afternoon. Local residents have responded by coming to the Market to regularly buy from vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, ethnic cuisine, and various arts and crafts. One person greatly responsible for the successful operation of the Farmers Market has been Linda Vista resident Caron Celestino, who serves as the Market’s Operations Manager. We asked her to take the time to answer a few questions about herself and the Farmers Market. Here is what she had to say.
—Where are you originally from?
I grew up in Winston-Salem, NC - just like Love, Linda Vista Inc. founder Jonathan Widener - and I’ve been in San Diego for 20 years.
--How long have you lived in Linda Vista?
I moved to Linda Vista in 2019, after 14 years in Pacific Beach and 2 in Clairemont.
—What do you like about living here in Linda Vista?
My favorite thing about Linda Vista is its diversity! We have a variety of cultures here, which gives it a vibrancy that can’t be found in some other neighborhoods.
—What other Farmers Markets do you work at here in the San Diego area?
Linda Vista is my only Certified Farmers Market, but I also manage San Diego Food Markets at Lane Field in downtown.
—What led you to become an operation manager for a Farmers Market?
I started managing markets at Lane Field during the pandemic because I wanted to work outside. I began my career as the Event Director of a non-profit, so when the Town Council asked for help reviving the market, I knew I was up to the challenge!
—What do your duties consist of as operation manager for the Love, Linda Vista Farmers Market?
As Market Manager, I work closely with Jonathan, our amazing Board of Directors, and trusted volunteers, to manage planning and logistics. This includes things like: permitting, compliance with various city/county/state agencies, traffic management, equipment transport, set up/breakdown, vendor relations, overall site layout, and attendee satisfaction.
—What do you enjoy about working at the Love, Linda Vista Farmers Market?
My favorite part of the market is working with a fantastic group of people - our vendors, Board of Directors and local volunteers - to create a fun and safe event for our neighbors.
—Over the course of the past year, how has the Love, Linda Vista Farmers Market improved/progressed?
We’ve come a long way in the last year! We established the Love, Linda Vista non-profit, doubled the number of vendors at the market, and we now accept EBT/WIC at qualifying booths. In the coming months, we’ll be adding more seating and more frequent live music, as well as monthly collaborations with Bayside Community Center. Don’t miss their Kids’ Night at the July 27th market!
—Do you have any favorite dishes that you like to prepare with the produce you buy at the Farmers Market?
After experiencing the quality of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, I won’t buy produce anywhere else. I always buy carrots, celery, and potatoes because they’re so versatile. In the winter, I made lots of soups; now that the weather’s heating up, I’m buying lemons, avocados, berries, greens and parsley to add to easy, no-cook meals. I love salads!
—Do you have a favorite restaurant here in the Linda Vista area?
My favorite “restaurant” is the Farmers Market! We’ve got food from around the world, and American staples like wood-fired barbecue, that aren’t offered at any local spots. The vendor list is updated weekly on our website at https://www.lovelindavista.org for those that like to plan ahead.
—When you are not working, what can you be found doing?
During my time off, I enjoy cooking, roller skating and traveling. I also volunteer with Love, Linda Vista outside of market hours.
—Is there anything else you’d like to say to our LV Update readers?
Come by and say hi on Thursdays; I’d love to hear your suggestions for the market! You can find me at the manager tent with “EBT” flags. All EBT card users are now eligible to receive up to an additional $10 in Market Match. Market Match is a program of the Ecology Center and is funded in part through the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
See you at the Market!
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The Linda Vista Update wishes to thank Caron for taking the time to answer our questions, and we also thank her for her many contributions to the Love, Linda Vista Farmers Market.
Kids Have Fun at Farmers Market
There are always plenty of families in attendance at the Love, Linda Vista Farmers Market, but at next Thursday’s July 27 edition of the Market, kids will get a special chance to enjoy themselves. The Bayside Community Center and Love, Linda Vista Farmers Market are teaming up to provide plenty of fun activities for children. Check out the below flyer below for details, and then mark your calendar for this event.
Great Turnout for Linda Vista Coffee with a Cop
By Olivia Teates (LV Update Summer Intern)
Last Thursday July 13th, a Coffee with a Cop event was held at the Linda Vista Library, with approximately 50 people in attendance. Representatives from the San Diego Police Department’s Western Division, representatives from local government offices, and community members gathered to discuss and ask questions about pertinent issues affecting the Linda Vista area. This event was intended to help officers learn more about residents’ concerns, while residents gained a better understanding of how and who keeps their neighborhood safe and operating.
The event was sponsored by the Linda Vista Update who provided delicious Yum Yum donuts and coffee to be enjoyed by attendees.
After a few brief words from Officer David Surwilo, Western Division’s Community Relations Officer, residents were encouraged to mingle with the officers and local government officials in a relaxed, inviting environment. Local attendees also had the chance to meet some of the many wonderful Linda Vista residents who are working to bring about positive changes in the community. These residents provided helpful information about recent and upcoming happenings in the community.
Police representatives included uniformed officers as well as plainclothes detectives. They addressed questions regarding parking, traffic/road issues, the homeless situation, police procedures, and protecting private residences and businesses from security threats.
Officer Surwillo later commented that resident turnout for this Coffee with a Cop event was the best he has seen here in Linda Vista.
The event was also a great place to discuss issues with local community leaders. At the event, I spoke with Miles Noel, Community Representative for Councilmember Raul Campillo, who indicated that some of District 7’s most pressing issues include addressing the lack of affordable housing and the unhoused population, as well as ensuring general community safety. Victor Tocco, President of the Linda Vista Town Council, echoed concerns similar to those of Noel and encouraged residents to make their voices heard by joining community groups like the Town Council. He hopes that, with a greater number of voices, the Council can more effectively promote positive change throughout the community.
By fostering collaboration and communication among local government officials, police officers, and Linda Vista residents, Coffee with a Cop served as an invaluable community event. Local resident look forward to a similar event in the near future.
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The Linda Vista Update would like to thank the SDPD Western Division police officers in attendance for this Coffee with a Cop event for the time they spent sharing information with local residents.
Awesome Foster Kitten Looking for Home
In last week’s issue of the Linda Vista Update we let our readers know of two kittens we were fostering for the SD Humane Society. One of those kittens was adopted by an LV Update reader!! However, Professor Puddings—the male kitten in the above photo—is still available for adoption. He is a great kitten—playful and very friendly. If you are interested in adopting him, of if you know someone who is, please check him out at the SD Humane Society’s adoption center. His SD Humane Society ID # is 869160. He is patiently waiting for his new forever home.
If you have any question about him, just ask us via email.
University Canyon Residents Score Traffic Win
It took some time and effort, but the residents of the University Canyon townhouse development recently received a proper response from the City of San Diego. After being on the receiving end of many complaints/recommendations, City traffic officials finally placed much needed Stop signs at the intersection of Via Las Cumbres and Caminito Del Cervato, as well as the intersection a few yards north at Via Las Cumbres and Caminito Del Pastel.
In the July 22, 2022 issue of the Linda Vista Update we explained the long-standing problem residents of this development had experienced with fast moving, down hill car traffic going through the community on Via Las Cumbres. Residents recommended the City install speed bumps or Stop signs to create safer driving conditions along this road. These residents cited the problem of trying to turn onto Via Las Cumbres from both Caminito Del Cervato and Caminito Del Pastel without the opportunity to adequately see fast, oncoming Via Las Cumbres traffic coming from the direction of Linda Vista Road. Residents maintained the intersection had been the site of numerous accidents.
The City initially initially cited a study that indicated speed bumps and/or Stop signs were not necessary. However, Stop signs and pedestrian crosswalk markings are now in place.
Congratulations to all the University Canyon residents who lobbied for these changes.
Parks After Dark Features Theatre Arts Program
The highly popular Parks After Dark program continues this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Linda Vista Recreation Center from 5:00 pm to 8:.00 pm.
At last Friday’s event, the Linda Vista Recreation Center’s Theatre Arts Program, led by Theatre Director K.J. Lescense, performed a sneak peek of several scenes from this year’s upcoming musical production of Beauty and the Beast. The full production is scheduled for the Fall timeframe.
Each night of last week’s Parks After Dark program found hundreds of families at the Linda Vista Recreation Center enjoying a variety of free games, music, performances, and food.
Check out the schedule for this weekend’s Parks After Dark activities as provided by the San Diego Parks Foundation web site; just click here.
Commentary
The Padres: Can’t Give Up Hope
Though many a Padres fan is disappointed in the way this season has turned out so far, I contend there are still enough games left for the team to earn a wild card spot in the playoffs. Stranger things have happened in life! And miracles do happen! In the meantime, we must not give up hope. Don’t shed a tear of sadness every time the Padres lose in extra innings, or when relief pitchers come into the game and blow the lead, or when the bottom half of the line-up goes hitless. The Padres may just be conducting a slow, frustrating non-linear trajectory to a winning season that will ultimately end up surprising us. We need to be patient. Accordingly, I have prepared this list of inspirational/thoughtful quotes to help us keep the faith during these difficult times. Some are famous quotes from famous people, while others have been modified to fit San Diego’s current circumstances.
Failure is only failure when one gives up trying.
No mountain was ever climbed without a few stumbles and falls.
The greater the obstacle the more glory in overcoming it.
To fire A.J. Preller, or to not fire A.J. Preller? That is the question.
The fourth will be first, and the Dodgers will be last (from the Sermon on the Mound).
There’s no crying in baseball.
Hope springs eternal.
Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game (but I suggest that if a certain Padre is always going to strike out with the bases loaded, he should be optioned to El Paso).
It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop. (This profound quote is from the Dali Lama. Come to think of it, he doesn’t know a thing about baseball. So feel free to ignore this particular quote).
It ain’t over till it’s over.
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