S&M’s Restaurant Reviews by Susan & Melodie

Lei Lounge

4622 Park Boulevard in University Heights • (619) 813-2272

Melodie and I liked this place a lot. Think luau, then bend your mind and take a trip into a tropical multi-media experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, dine at one of the tables with a fire pit or in one of the private cabanas, which seat four-six. We didn’t eat in a cabana, but we think we will someday. They looked like something out of a brothel, but I digress.

In addition to very good food, Lei offers interesting ambiance and excellent service. We thought it was the kind of place you would go for a fun dining experience with friends more than a romantic dinner destination.

We started with a couple of signature cocktails. Our flamboyant waiter, Richard, was very cute. The way he described each drink (and dish) was worth the price of admission. He was prepared with a penlight to help us read the almost undecipherable drink menu. The wine list is fairly limited, but there’s a large selection of beer and 25 signature drinks. We liked the Lei Tropical Cooler a little better than the Gorgeous Geisha. Our friends, Michael and Brae, had the Chinese Cosmo and the Caliente. Very different drinks and both good – if you like a spicy dirty martini, which we did. 

The menu offers generously proportioned tapas — designed to share. Every dish we ordered was easily enough for four. The tempura sampler was a good starter. We liked the shrimp more than the lobster.  Next, we tried the crab empanada. Delish. Light and flaky shell around a yummy crab filling. Next we had the Asian Caesar salad. Wow – what a flavor. The ginger dressing and (very) spicy cashews were amazing together. We finished with the pistachio dusted mahi mahi w/ risotto. Even though the mahi was a tad over seared, it too was very good.

We didn’t have room for dessert, but maybe next time. We’re definitely heading back someday for the Spanish fries.

Lei Lounge

 

T-Deli

1469 University Avenue in Hillcrest (across from The Center) • (619) 682-4069
S&M rating: QQQQ

If you’re like us, you’ve tried all the breakfast places in the ’hood. You’re not too excited about waiting in line on Sunday morning, even for some yummy grub at the Park House Café or Café on Park, and you’re not into driving all the way down to the Mission. We’ve got good news…T-Deli is now serving breakfast.
T-Deli is a new spot on the corner of Normal and University. The food is homemade, healthy and delicious. We showed up at 9:00 on Sunday morning and didn’t have to wait for a table! Even more amazing, breakfast is five bucks!

We had huevos rancheros and chiliquilles. Both were served with rice and beans and were cooked to perfection. Mel is the queen of hot sauce and was a little disappointed that her dish wasn’t terribly spicy. She likes things on fire. When she asked for hot sauce (which she ALWAYS does), Alex, the owner and our server, brought out a bowl homemade hot sauce that was fabulous.

Next time we might ask to have our plates warmed because our obviously hot food turned cold pretty quick on the stylish but frigid plates.

T-Deli is probably better known for lunch. We haven’t tried it yet, but after tasting the breakfast we’re sure to be heading over for a wrap, torta or Panini someday soon.