Modern Times Beer Review (San Diego Breweries)

Pricing:

$5 for pints, $8 for a set of tasters.

Distance:

In Point Loma.  Directly off of Rosecrans from the 5 freeway.  The proximity to the freeway makes it an easy drive.  25-30 minutes for most Encinitas residents.

Thoughts:

Hands down the most interesting beer taproom I've been in yet.  The comic book murals were awesome.  The atmosphere felt a bit Spartan but the effort that went into all the decorating was not lost on me.

The beer was good.  The only drawback being that there were only four regulars on tap and one special release.  Considering that we live in suds county, this number is a tad low.  A brewery of this size should have eight to ten taps minimum.

But... quite a bit of care went into these beers.  Their coffee stout easily ranks in my top five.  They roast their own coffee to flavor the beer and the attention to detail shows.  The IPAs were above average.

Definitely a brewery to keep an eye on.  They're a young brewery and it shows.  But the potential is certainly there.

Firenze Trattoria Review (Encinitas Restaurants)

Pricing:

Expensive but delicious.  Everything here is $18+ dollars.  Expect a mild heart attack when you see the tab.  

Distance:

At the corner of Encinitas Blvd and Manchester Ave.  A close 5-10 minute drive for most Encinitas residents.

Thoughts:

I've been dining at Firenze for many years and it has consistently been one of my favorite Italian restaurants.  The food is always top-notch and the service outstanding.  You really feel like you're getting a dinning experience here.  Like the waiters serve you and actually have intelligent things to say about the menu items.

All this, however, does come with a hefty price tag.  It's not cheap.  The lasagna (which is absolutely superb) costs $24.  You do get a substantial amount of food.  It's rare that I'm ever hungry enough to take down an entire entree by my lonesome.  But still, there are other places around town that you could say have equally good food for slightly less.

To me, the price tag is worthwhile.  I walk out feeling like I got my money's worth because I had a nice experience and my stomach is full of delicious pasta.  In my book this is more worthwhile than going to a place where you practically have to beg to have your water glass refilled and then the server expects a 20% tip.